Well-deserved home win against Bergheim

The Violet women celebrated a narrow but more than deserved 1-0 home victory over FC Bergheim in the 16th round of the Admiral Women's Bundesliga. Lea Mauly scored the goal in stoppage time of the second half.

Without the injured captain Verena Volkmer, for whom it would have been too early to play after breaking her nose in the Cup final on Thursday, the Violets wanted to get back on the winning track against the visitors from Salzburg. Louise Schöffel and Stefanie Schneeberger were also given a break, while Alexandra Wölkart, Alisa Ziletkina and Vanessa Rauter slipped into the starting eleven.

Good start from Bergheim, then the Violets dominate

The first few minutes belonged to Bergheim, who came out boldly and gave the Violets a run for their money at the start. It was only after a good quarter of an hour that Yvonne Weilharter & Co got into the game better and then found some good opportunities. A shot from Katharina Schiechtl was blocked (15‘), Lena Triendl's shot sailed over the goal (18’) and Triendl's stinging pass was intercepted by Rauter, who was ready to shoot (21').

Stefan Kenesei's team had now taken command, but were still struggling to really pose a threat to the visitors, who were well positioned. Schiechtl's attempt from distance (36') was the best opportunity at this stage. The coaching team brought on fresh players at the break: Schneeberger and Antea Batarilo replaced Triendl and Alisa Ziletkina.

Many chances and a late goal

Hajek switched to the left wing in the second half, Batarilo took over on the right, Schneeberger took Weilharter's place as a six and the co-captain played a more attacking role - adjustments that were to bear fruit. A few moments after the restart, it was Weilharter who headed in a cross from Dominique Bruinenberg (47‘), followed shortly afterwards by the Dutchwoman herself (54’).

After a corner, Schiechtl headed dangerously towards the Bergheim goal (62'), but the long overdue opening goal would not come. In the 70th minute, Cynthia Adamu and Anna Schorn came on as two more quick players to overcome the deep and well-positioned defence of the visitors. Then came the Violets' best chance: Batarilo appeared alone in front of goalkeeper Popetschnig, who defused the shot and a few seconds later also deflected Bruinenberg's second attempt over the crossbar (74').

The Violets threw everything forward in the final stages, refused to give up and almost had to settle for a draw. Almost, because in stoppage time a ball that was once again blocked bounced ideally at Lea Mauly's feet - and this time her shot found its way into the goal (90+2')! Redemption came from the 25-year-old, who struck again in stoppage time, as she had done a fortnight ago in the home match against Neulengbach.

Austria Vienna - FC Bergheim 1-0 (0-0)

Austria: Haidner - Satra, Schiechtl, Wölkart - Hajek (Schorn 70'), Mauly, Weilharter ©, Triendl (Schneeberger 46') - Bruinenberg - Ziletkina (Batarilo 46'), Rauter (Adamu 70')

Goal: Mauly (90+2')

Yellow cards: Kenesei (90+1'); Maliha (27'), Crnoja (53'), Ströcker (82')

Referee Fabienne Hofer; Generali-Arena, 100 spectators