Sportfreunde Lotte have secured their return to the Regionalliga West with a 2:1 win against SV Schermbeck. Coach Fabian Lübbers is proud, but wants even more.
VfL Sportfreunde Lotte are the second team to be promoted from the Oberliga Westfalen after Türkspor Dortmund. After a two-year absence, the team from the Autobahnkreuz is back in the Regionalliga West. There was huge jubilation after the 2:1 (1:1) away win at SV Schermbeck.
First, Jeff Mensah gave the league’s strongest attacking team a 1:0 lead (20′), before Hendrik Löbler promptly replied with the equalizer (27′). Shortly after the break, Burinyuy Nyuydine made it 2:1 (49′) and ultimately ensured the final score.
Head coach Fabian Lübbers was beaming with pride as he proudly donned the promotion shirt: “I’m absolutely delighted. Last week, with a six-point gap to third place and a 34-goal difference, you already knew somewhere along the line that you were through. But now to be able to celebrate so officially is certainly an even better feeling. For me personally, promotion means a lot.”
The 32-year-old native of Paderborn took up his position at Sportfreunde two years ago, after the club had fallen into the fifth division. He signed a two-year contract and set himself the task of shaping a team ready for promotion during this period. Now the return is perfect
“For me, this club belongs in the top third of the Regionalliga. We started planning the squad very early on this season and set ourselves the target of first or second place. I’m delighted for the whole club that we’ve now made it. The success is really down to all the people who have worked day in, day out. We are incredibly proud to have been rewarded.”
Accordingly, there will be plenty of celebrations in Lotte, or rather on the bus journey from Schermbeck to the outskirts of Osnabrück. And as befits the occasion, a cold drink or two will not be missing, revealed coach Lübbers: “I’m sure we’ll have a really nice trip back and celebrate properly. The bus is definitely fully loaded. When we run out, we’ll stop at the gas station. The day will be enjoyed to the full. From Wednesday, however, the full focus will be on Ennepetal one last time.”
Championship would qualify for the DFB Cup
The season is far from over for Sportfreunde. On the contrary: On the last matchday, the leaders can still be crowned champions of the Oberliga Westfalen against TuS Ennepetal (26.05., 3 p.m.). This final position also means direct qualification for the first round of the DFB Cup. “That’s our big ambition,” explains Lübbers and is counting on full support from the stands:
“We have the Oberliga championship in our own hands. That’s why I’m really looking forward to it. I hope that the stadium will be packed again and that the fans will give their team brutal support. They absolutely deserve it, especially considering their home record.” Lotte have won 13 of their 16 games at home so far (three defeats)