Lilies Secure a Point in the Far North

In the Lilies‘ away match at Holstein Kiel, the hosts got off to the better start, creating their first clear opportunity after just eight minutes, but Bernhardsson fired the ball well over the bar. The South Hesse side then found their way into the game and had the first chance of their own: Marco Richter’s long-range shot flew wide on 14 minutes. Just two minutes later, Marcel Schuhen was called into action for the first time, parrying Harres’s effort from the edge of the box. Shortly afterward, the Lilies‘ goalkeeper distinguished himself again, spectacularly saving a close-range header from Skrzybski just before the 20 minute mark.

Darmstadt’s next opportunity came in the 27th minute: Following a cross from Killian Corredor, the Kiel defense failed to clear the ball decisively out of the danger zone, and Fraser Hornby shot on the turn – but it went well over the bar. Just a minute later, the Scotsman threatened again, but his diving header flew wide of the far post.

Overall, however, Kiel remained the more dangerous team and had their next big opportunity in the 41st minute: First, Sergio López blocked Kapralik’s shot, before Tolkin fired the rebound into the side netting. Neither team could score in the first period, so the teams went to the dressing rooms goalless.

After the break, both teams initially created good opportunities: First, Marco Richter fired a shot just wide of the goal two minutes into the second half, before Harres was denied by another strong save from Marcel Schuhen on the other side in the 50th minute. Four minutes later, the Lilies had cause to celebrate: Isac Lidberg took advantage of the open space in front of the penalty area, cut inside, and finished with a well-placed shot into the far corner to take a 1-0 lead.

The hosts quickly responded and equalised in the 65th minute: Following a cross from Bernhardsson, Zec fired an unstoppable shot into the left corner.

Kiel remained the more active team throughout the remainder of the game, but the Lilies defended with discipline and remained dangerous through their own attacking moves, even if they created few high-quality chances. In the final minute, Marcel Schuhen had to intervene again and tipped Davidsen’s shot over the bar. In the end, the 98ers secured a point on the Kiel Fjord.