League Play-Off

Midnight-Arena
Spectators: 36 (Terracing: 28, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) The sun was shining, the grass was green and the audience cheered when Claudius van Essen got the match started through his kick off. Cismar FC's defense didn't have a chance, in the 5th minute, when Claudius van Essen scored to the left of an out of position Chris Heiss, making the score, 1-0. SpVgg Mittelfranken 73's Jakob Berrang played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Thilo Scheffler in the 10th minute of play. After some fancy dribbling in the 11th minute, Keith Klanthe managed to get in a good position for a shot. SpVgg Mittelfranken 73's supporters rose to their feet, but Keith Klanthe was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Chris Heiss breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. 13 minutes into the match, SpVgg Mittelfranken 73's goal looked a bit too open when Thilo Scheffler came free, but Jakob Berrang reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Claudius van Essen sent away a hard shot on goal in the 19th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. SpVgg Mittelfranken 73's Keith Klanthe got a good chance for a goal in the 23rd minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. After a rather tough play, Cismar FC's Jens-Uwe Hoefer got a free kick in the 24th minute. Claudius van Essen recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 28th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Jakob Berrang took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Thilo Scheffler, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. After a rather tough play, SpVgg Mittelfranken 73's Mustafa Gebuhr got a free kick in the 30th minute. After 33 played minutes SpVgg Mittelfranken 73 got a freekick which was hit by Basil Böse. Jakob Berrang made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Thilo Scheffler in the 36th minute of play. Claudius van Essen struck a weak shot in the 39th minute. Chris Heiss didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for SpVgg Mittelfranken 73. Claudius van Essen's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Chris Heiss read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 45th minute of play. When the referee blew for the end of the half the home team players were clearly happier, as they went in to the break leading 1-0.

The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Niko Saager during the 51st minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. Niko Saager hit a great freekick 51 minutes into the match. 52 minutes into the match, SpVgg Mittelfranken 73's goalkeeper Jakob Berrang had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Jan-Hauke Balkenohl. Mustafa Gebuhr received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 53rd minute. Chris Heiss tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Jakob Berrang made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Thilo Scheffler in the 68th minute of play. Claudius van Essen took the ball and in the 70 minute, shot a rapid shot to the right of a surprised Chris Heiss. Chris Heiss dived to the right, and did manage to get a hand on the shot, but it still went into the right corner making it 2-0. When SpVgg Mittelfranken 73's Claudius van Essen in the 79th minute got a chance for a shot 79th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Cismar FC's goalie prevented a goal. After a defensive mix-up in Cismar FC's zone, Claudius van Essen stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Chris Heiss came out of the goal and Claudius van Essen tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Chris Heiss showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Niko Saager in the 95th minute of the match. When the referee ended the match the SpVgg Mittelfranken 73 players were able to celebrate. They had won a fair victory and recieved the ovations of their fans.