ETB offence must “keep a clear head” against Meerbusch

On Matchday 5 of the Oberliga Niederrhein, ETB Schwarz-Weiß Essen are aiming for their first win. Against Meerbusch, the offensive must become more effective.

Last season, ETB Schwarz-Weiß Essen was one of the positive surprises in the Oberliga Niederrhein. All the more disappointing is the result after four games in the new season, ETB is still waiting for its first win of the season in 17th place.

And that should now follow in the home stadium at Uhlenkrug. They drew against SV Straelen (1:1) and Union Nettetal (0:0), and now they want to keep the three points at home against TSV Meerbusch (Sunday, 10 September, 3 pm).

But even that will not be an easy task. TSV have only lost their away game at league leaders Sportfreunde Baumberg (1:3) and have scored in every game so far.

“Meerbusch has one of the best offences in our league, where a lot of players are capable of scoring goals. Oguz Ayan scored 30 goals last season alone,” warns ETB coach Damian Apfeld on the Essener Facebook page of the looming danger from the visitors.

I am convinced that we will be successful in this game and that we will finally be rewarded for our efforts. We want to turn the famous ball over on Sunday.

Damian Apfeld

Never the less, the head coach is confident that he can bring TSV and their goal scorer under control. “We have to stand compactly and give the Meerbusch offence very little space. But since we haven’t allowed much so far, I’m not too worried,” reveals Apfeld.

ETB’s problem area is different anyway: in the first four games, the Essen team scored only one goal. The head coach now wants to see efficiency in front of the Meerbusch goal: “It’s important for us to make our mark up front, be brave and show self-confidence. We have to stay cool in front of goal and keep a clear head.”

Then the ETB coach is sure that there will be the first three-pointer of the season. “I am convinced that we will be successful in this game and that we will finally be rewarded for our efforts. We want to turn the famous ball over on Sunday,” Apfeld stated.