The U23 of FC Schalke 04 started the season with a victory. For the opener, S04 defeated SV Straelen with 1-0.

The U23 of FC Schalke 04 has started the season successfully: In the last regional league match of the first matchday, the reserve defeated SV Straelen at home in front of 1500 spectators with 1:0 (1:0).

Schalke coach Jakob Fimpel had to cope with a number of absentees in the match at the Parkstadion, but Justin Heekeren, signed from Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, made his debut. The young goalkeeper is expected to gain match practice in the U23 team. Also in the squad was Sidi Sané, who, like Heekeren, spent the preparation period with the professional team. The Königsblauen faced a rejuvenated SVS with more than 20 additions and former Bundesliga star Sunday Oliseh as coach.

The hosts started more actively, but in the best weather and in front of the eyes of Schalke’s sports director Peter Knäbel, the game quickly calmed down. Joey Müller missed Schalke’s first good chance after 36 minutes. A little later, there was another fire in front of the Straelen goal (42nd). And in the third attempt, the Knappen took the lead. Rufat Dadashov converted a penalty kick (42nd).

With the 1:0 from S04’s point of view, it went into half-time. And it didn’t take long after the restart until the next upset: Schalke’s newcomer Verthomy Boboy was shown the red card and had to leave the field (50th). At first it was not clear why. At least the sending off was not preceded by a hard foul.

But even with a man down, Schalke didn’t really get into

Distress. Straelen had great problems to create dangerous actions, which was also due to the stable defensive work of S04. Schalke managed the lead – and successfully. Without any further highlights, the match was played to the final whistle.

Schalke’s U23s will play again next Sunday (31 July, 2 p.m.) away at the U21s of 1. FC Köln. SV Straelen will face second division side FC St. Pauli in the first round of the DFB Cup next Saturday (1pm).