FAN.AT MATCH OF THE ROUND

A perfect time for a mental victory

Hrvoje Horvat and Croatia Salzburg had nothing to cheer about against Elsbethen.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

Elsbethen won a clear 3:0 at home against Croatia Salzburg in the chasing duel in the 2nd division North B. After two recent defeats, the team returned to the fight for promotion with plenty of mentality and an overall dominant performance.

It is a hotly contested duel for the top spot in the 2nd division North B. Although Hallein 1b have shown the greatest ambitions for promotion so far, the chasing pack are close behind. Elsbethen made a small leap to second place in the table with a home win in the six-point game against Croatia Salzburg.

"Double punishment" consolidates course of the game
The hosts dominated the game from the outset, but failed to take their chances. After around 25 minutes, however, there was a can-opener in the encounter: Croatia's Denis Kipngetich pulled the emergency brake. The consequence was his second yellow card and a penalty, which Andreas Weilhammer dispatched. "Last fall, Andi tore the inner ligament in his left knee and was out for a long time. Now he was back in the starting eleven for the first time and immediately put in an extremely strong performance," said Elsbethen coach Arlen Thai, praising his vice-captain. He scored his second goal of the day shortly before the break.

Andreas Weilhammer was the man of the match!

Elsbethen-Coach Arlen Thai

Mentality brings three important points
After the restart, Croatia Salzburg once again threw everything they had into the match, but were repeatedly denied by the home team's sturdy defense. Karl Prinz decided the match early with his goal in the 68th minute, and the final score was 3:0. Elsbethen thus won the chasing duel and got back into the league table. "To put in such a strong performance in such an important game after two bitter defeats is remarkable," said Arlen Thai, praising his boys.

With this attitude, anything is still possible for us for the rest of the season!

Elsbethen-Trainer Arlen Thai

Table comes to a head
Hallein 1b have clearly shown the greatest ambitions for promotion so far, but the challengers are already close behind them. Elsbethen have managed to close the gap somewhat, but are three points behind. Siezenheim, who drew 3-3 with the leaders, are four points behind. Croatia Salzburg are seven points behind.
Thomas Schaier

2nd class north B: Golling 1b - SAK 1b 1:2 (0:1), Siezenheim 1b - Hallein 1b 3:3 (1:2), Adnet 1b - Bad Vigaun 2:3 (1:1), Großgmain - Puch 1b 4:2 (2:1), Elsbethen - Croatia Salzburg 3:0 (2:0).