Saturday, July 27, 2013

Winning in the rain













VfL Bückeburg 4 TuS Niedernwöhren 3

Here we go again. Another season. I don't usually bother with pre-season friendlies anymore, however this was under the guise of a cup competition, and as we were the highest placed team in said competition, we entered at the semi-final stage.

We have been in the middle of a heat wave, so I drove the 20 odd kilometres to the ground of TuS Lüdersfeld, dressed for an African safari.
I saw no elephants

 
As I arrived, the parking spaces were all being used, so had to park at the end of a country lane. Eek, thought I. This will be fun after the game when it's dark (I was right). Entrance was a modest €4.50 and I got to see the 1st semi-final between FC Stadthagen and SC Rinteln. 

As the second half got underway, the heavens opened and I tried to seek refuge under a tree. This was as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike, so I made my way to the opposite end of the  ground where everyone else was sheltering. The referee stopped the game, as it really was impossible to play in those conditions.
Good decision ref


 After 15 minutes, the rain has eased and the sun came out again, and I took up my place for the mighty green (and whites) against their lower league opposition.

We didn't have a full strength team out....No Spilker, Werner, Peter, Buchwald, Basti Könemann, Abram. But the team on the pitch was more than capable of progressing into Sunday's final against SC Rinteln (who after a 0-0 draw overcame FC Stadthagen on penalties).

I didn't see or indeed hear who scored our first goal, but it was a lovely move down the left flank. Further goals from Schneckener and Pascal Könemann saw us with a 3-1 lead going into halftime. 

Then the inevitable collapse happened and Niedernwöhren drew level at 3-3. Time for the floodlights as night was drawing in. I use the term "floodlights" loosley. It would have been more effective if two moles had shinned up the pylon holding a birthday candle each.
Show me the way....
 With 3 minutes left, another good move involving Versick, Bremer and a nod down for Tim Buchwald, meant the game ended 4-3 and we had reached the final of the Volksbank Masters (snazzy title eh?) on Sunday.

On the Saturday we have the more pressing matter of a real cup game (no offence Volksbank Masters) at home v FT Braunschweig, who are new in the Oberliga Niedersachsen this season, so a bit of an unknown quantity. 

We have two new stands at the Jahnstadion now. Two shiny new stands...I shall christen one of them. How does one christen a stand? Should I urinate in it? Bang against its metallic walls? Put a sticker on the back? Answers on a postcard to.....