4:1 in Bregenz

The resurrection of FC Dornbirn

Never before this season have the Red Shirts been able to celebrate so light-heartedly.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

After eleven defeats in a row, the Rothosen scored themselves a redeeming 4:1 victory in Bregenz. While the Dornbirn team fought like lions, the home side lacked the absolute will to win.

Cries of joy, hugs and even a tear or two were shed. FC Dornbirn had finally won a game again after eleven consecutive defeats in League Two, and at their big local rivals to boot. And it should actually have gone higher," said Bregenz coach Markus Mader, "we lack quality. We didn't manage to find solutions going forward throughout the game."

Bregenz coach Markus Mader was disappointed with his team's performance against Dornbirn.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The Rothosen, on the other hand, who are fighting for their last chance to stay in the league, fought for these solutions. And - in contrast to many other games this season - also scored the goals that went with them. Anteu Fetahu gave them the lead after just over half an hour, and Noah Bitsche followed up shortly afterwards. A 2:0 lead - something Dornbirn had never done before this season. Self-confidence grew.

Okan Aydin (l.) scored for Bregenz, Gabryel Monteiro (r.) was the best man on the pitch.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

When substitute Okan Aydin scored with a long-range shot five minutes before the half-time whistle, doubts briefly arose. "In many games this season we would have collapsed there, we usually couldn't cope with such a setback," said FCD coach Eric Orie, "but not this time."

Dornbirn coach Eric Orie had prepared his team perfectly for the derby.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Quite the opposite: Dornbirn came out of the break liberated, while the home side remained very pale. Ex-Bregenz man Gabryel Monteiro - the best man on the pitch - first hit the post for Dornbirn in the penalty area, then only hit the crossbar from the halfway line when he lobbed SW goalkeeper Franco Flückiger.

Central defender Stefan Umjenovic (right) converted the penalty to make it 3:0.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

With a quarter of an hour remaining, central defender Stefan Umjenovic confidently converted a penalty to finally decide the game. In stoppage time, substitute Renan scored his first goal for Dornbirn, making the final score 4:1.

Solutions found
"I'm incredibly happy for the team," said a jubilant Orie - even the sports director turned coach had a little water in his eyes after the final whistle at the ImmoAgentur Stadium. "The players gave their all. We found solutions, and the changes and reshuffles worked really well. Now I hope we can continue like this. Then we have a chance of staying in the league after all in what has been such a terrible season for us so far."