Regionalliga Salzburg: Austria and Saalfelden stumble – St. Johann is only one point missing
The Pongauer made it exciting in Anif, but prevailed 3-2. Because Saalfelden lost 1: 2 in Seekirchen, the Lottermoser-Elf can only be pushed out of the top 2 of the Salzburg Regionalliga by Austria Salzburg and Kuchl. Another point or a point loss of the Tennengau is enough to fix the entry into the elite league. Austria missed the first match point, but got away with a black eye thanks to Seekirchen.
Ironically, Eyüp “Pascha” Erdogan stopped Austria Salzburg’s successful run on Saturday. The ex-Austrian dusted off in the first minute after a malicious free kick that Austria goalie Manuel Kalman could not hold on to. After that, the straggler defended his lead for 90 minutes. The home side gave up some good chances, especially in the closing stages of both halves. Marco Hödl, Raffael Kogler and Alexander Schwaighofer failed before the break, Hödl and Rene Zia just before the end of the game. One hit was also denied for alleged offside.
Austria worries about two players
“Disappointing. We played with too little force and clarity in the second half,” said Austria coach Christian Schaider, who had to replace defender Matthias Theiner (calf) and wing Christoph Bann (knee) due to injury. St. Johann passed the table. The fact that pursuers Saalfelden then lost 2-1 in Seekirchen makes the defeat more bearable for the Violets. The Pinzgauer remain five points behind Austria, who can fix their entry into the national play-off with a win in Grünau. Otherwise there will be a showdown against Saalfelden.
St. Johann shakes off Saalfelden
St. Johann can no longer be overtaken by the Pinzgauer because the direct duel speaks for the front runner. If Kuchl scores points in Grünau on Sunday, St. Johann will play against the best teams from Tyrol and Vorarlberg in spring. “We don’t talk about unlaid eggs,” said coach Ernst Lottermoser, who was able to breathe deeply after the 3-2 win in Anif. “After the last two defeats, we wanted to show that we are right up there. The game was heaven, hell, heaven. But in that order it can be dealt with.”
Höllwart heads St. Johann towards the elite league
The guests started well and, thanks to Florian Ellmer (3rd) and Sandro Djuric (20th), led 2-0 early on. “Then we were too lax and were punished bitterly,” says Lottermoser of Enis Kuka’s double pack (31st, 39th). After changing sides, the St. Johann increases again. Johann Höllwart scored in the 65th minute after a Djuric corner with a head to win. “We then didn’t allow anything more,” says Lottermoser, who this time bet on Andreas Hettegger and not on the military man Manuel Wallinger.