Decision imminent

Austria Salzburg win, Bischofshofen fail again

Austria Salzburg celebrated a home win on Saturday. (Bild: Andreas Tröster)

Western League leaders Austria Salzburg showed no weakness on Saturday, triumphing 4:1 at home against SC Röthis. The topic of promotion was omnipresent. Those responsible want to make a final decision on Monday, when the deadline ends. 

Wind, rain, temperatures of around 5 degrees Celsius: just under 1000 spectators braved the poor weather and came to the Austria Stadium in Maxglan on Saturday afternoon. And they didn't regret coming: the Western League leaders celebrated a deserved 4-1 win against SC Röthis. Alexander Schwaighofer scored a brace for the home side, while Marinko Sorda and Timo Kulterer also got on the scoresheet. 

Schwaighofer was Austria's man of the match with two goals and an assist.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

However, the victory was almost a minor matter. The whole club is looking forward to Monday. Why? At the beginning of next week - at least that's the official version - the decision will be made as to whether the Maxglans will submit additional documents. In order to perhaps get a permit to play professional soccer after all. As is well known, the first one was rejected by Senate 5. 

After securing the Maxglan venue during the week, as reported by the "Krone", the only thing missing is the signature of the security authorities in Steyr. Austria's alternative venue is located there. The decisive factor will also be the (long-term) financing, as the board has emphasized over the past few weeks. Likewise that no financial adventures will be taken. Coach Christian Schaider says tellingly with regard to Monday: "Maybe we'll have something to celebrate." 

Pinzgauer only played to a draw
FC Pinzgau Saalfelden suffered a minor setback. Coach Hannes Schützinger's team were held to a 1-1 draw by Altach Juniors, with goalkeeper Kilian Schröcker saving a penalty ten minutes before the end. Which is why the coach breathed a sigh of relief: "We're happy with the point." Austria are now six points ahead of second-placed Pinzgau in the table. 

BSK 1933 failed to win for the fifth time in a row. The team from Bischofshofen lost 1-0 at third-bottom Wolfurt on Saturday, thus completing the crisis for the reigning regional champions. Was that it for coach Adonis Spica? 

Grünau suffered a defeat on Saturday, Saalfelden only managed a draw. (Bild: Andreas Tröster)

"Doesn't help anyone"
Neighbors TSV St. Johann were 2:1 ahead for a long time in the duel between the stragglers against Kufstein (13th vs. 12th). A few minutes before the end, the visitors equalized through ex-professional Ronald Gercaliu. "A fair points split, but it doesn't help anyone," sighed St. Johann coach Ernst Lottermoser. Wals-Grünau lost 2-1 to SC Imst after taking the lead. "A deserved defeat," admitted manager Knaus.