Rot-Weiß Oberhausen seem ready for the start of the second half of the season in the Regionalliga West. There was a win against Oldenburg – also because of the converted Cottrell Ezekwem.

Due to police concerns, Rot-Weiß Oberhausen had to play the test match against VfB Oldenburg in a secret location without the public. The reason: Supporters of Alemannia Aachen, who have a friendship with fans of VfB Oldenburg, are said to have announced their attendance.

There is a well-known rivalry between RWO and Alemannia, as both clubs are among the most renowned traditional clubs in the Regionalliga West.

Jörn Nowak’s team had to make do without the support of their fans in the last test match before the start of the second half of the season against Borussia Mönchengladbach II.

The RWO players were undeterred by the cold and made their mark on the game, especially in the first half. One player who literally stood out was central defender Cottrell Ezekwem, who was converted into a striker and, at 2.02 meters tall, had clear advantages in aerial duels. He also made the most of this with the opening goal, which he scored with his head.

Coach Nowak left no doubt after the game that he is convinced of Ezekwem’s change of position: “At some point during the first half of the season, we assessed that we definitely see Ezekwem’s strengths more in the center of the attack than in central defense. He has now scored again. I think his rate since he’s been playing up front speaks for itself.”

Nowak was also satisfied with his team’s performance. “I think we got off to a good start and did a really good job in the first 35 minutes up to 1-0, played some good attacking pressing, had a few good moves forward and then consequently made it 1-0. After that, it got a bit wild, where we could certainly have equalized before half-time, but all in all I’m very happy with the first half,” said the RWO coach.

His team also got off to a good start in the second half, but it was more balanced. Nowak also explained why central defender Tim Stappmann was taken off without replacement in the 71st minute: “We had to take Stappmann off injured and then finished the game with ten men. Of course, it then became a little more difficult, but all in all, you have to say that the boys did a very good job at the back and also tried to play for possession when outnumbered.”

Nowak was also confident that Stappmann had not suffered a serious injury and that he would have his regular squad available for the start of the second half of the season. On January 27, RWO will face Borussia Mönchengladbach II in a catch-up match – assuming it can take place this time after several failed attempts.

With a ten-point deficit to league leaders 1. FC Bocholt, who like almost all other teams in the top third of the table have already played two games more, the promotion race is not yet over for RWO.