In the Oberliga Niederrhein, ETB Schwarz-Weiß Essen lost to leaders Baumberg. Ratingen and Schonnebeck celebrate victories.

Last week’s run of success allowed ETB Schwarz-Weiß Essen to briefly dream of promotion. That may well have been over since Sunday: Coach Damian Apfeld’s team lost 1-0 at home to leaders Sportfreunde Baumberg, with Ryan Valentine scoring the goal for the visitors through an own goal (37′).

Baumberg thus continue their lonely run at the top of the Oberliga Niederrhein. As it remains doubtful whether Sportfreunde will apply for a license, ETB could have stayed in the race for second place, which would then entitle them to promotion, with a win. However, second place is now seven points away – the Black & Whites will probably not be able to catch up, despite the remaining direct duels.

Ratingen 04/19 remain in pole position, with Martin Hasenpflug’s team celebrating a 1-0 win at TSV Meerbusch. Fabio di Gaetano secured the win with his goal (54′). Germania thus bounced back after three games without a win. Meanwhile, bottom-placed Meerbusch must start planning for the Landesliga.

Meanwhile, Spvg Schonnebeck remain close to Ratingen. The gap is two points after the Swallows’ next win. It was a hard piece of work. The team from Essen initially trailed twice at SV Sonsbeck, but ultimately won the game 3:2.

Küper scores again for Schonnebeck

Oberliga top scorer Calvin Küper was once again the match-winner with a brace, while Tim Winking also scored. Schonnebeck thus overtook KFC Uerdingen, who were not playing this weekend and are four points behind Ratingen.

In the other Sunday matches, Union Nettetal celebrated a 2-0 win against FC Büderich. VfB Hilden defeated VfB Homberg 4:1 and moved past ETB into fifth place. However, Hilden have played one more game than their rivals