Four days after the 1:6 debacle in the Rhineland League match in Mülheim-Kärlich, Ahrweiler BC showed a remarkable face at home in the Apollinaris Stadium. Coach Mike Wunderlich's team won their match in the 3rd main round of the Rhineland Cup 4:0 (2:0) - proving that setbacks are sometimes the best teachers.
Wunderlich had made five changes to his team and it was clear after just a few minutes that not a millimeter was to be wasted this time. The 412 spectators saw a team that took on tackles, looked for passes, moved at pace - and showed the determination that had been so sorely lacking at the weekend. The opening goal came after half an hour and was both curious and well-deserved: After a powerful build-up, René Eberbach played in Thomas Idel and the lively Nam-Ju Lee (photo), whose sharp cross bounced over a Mülheim leg and into the goal.
The pattern was repeated just three minutes later. Idel found Lee, who increased the lead with a dry finish into the near corner. While Mülheim hit the crossbar once, ABC kept the game in hand - and especially the tempo after the break. Lee made it 3:0 with a pass from Ümit Kuzu and the fourth goal, again by Kuzu after Idel's shot, was the final exclamation mark.
A standing ovation accompanied the final whistle. A game that showed that attitude can sometimes make all the difference - and that a debacle can turn into a demonstration within days.
On Sunday, SV Laubach - third bottom of the table - awaits at the Apollinaris Stadium. ABC will be hoping for a continuation of their current run of form and the support of a crowd that has recently provided a noticeable tailwind.