Regionalliga West

Derby win, but no help for Austria

Austria celebrated an opening victory.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

Austria are celebrating a perfect start to the spring in the Regionalliga West! Violett won the derby against Bischofshofen 3:1 in their own stadium. Nevertheless, they are still "only" in second place because title rivals and leaders Imst won 2:0 against St. Johann. 

Austria got off to the better start in the derby against Bischofshofen at home in Maxglan. Sorda headed home from a Gvozdjar cross to take the lead. The lead could have been higher as the first half progressed, but Theiner only hit the crossbar. There was relatively little from the visitors in the first half, with Hasanovic missing the only real opportunity. 

After the break, however, the Pongau side stepped up their game and equalized: With the help of the Austria defence, Pellegrini nodded in a cross from Chatzipirpiridis. But the favorites struck back in the person of Savic, who converted an assist from Schiedermeier and went back in front. And because one goal was not enough for the striker, he added another. Bischofshofen had pressed hard for an equalizer shortly beforehand. In the end, however, Austria celebrated a 3:1 home win. 

Snow prevents match
However, the Maxglans did not receive any help from St. Johann. The Pongau side had little to play for at Imst, Austria's title rivals. Coach Scherer's squad, who were short of substitutes, lost 2-0 in Tyrol, while the match between FC Pinzgau and Kuchl was called off due to the snow.