Rapid opened up their opponents as early as the second minute. "Jimmy" Hoffer gathering Stefan Maierhoffer´s sublime pass before rifling against the woodwork. It was the 18th time this season Rapid have been denied by such a margin. It was a positive start in front of 600 strong sold out away support. Rapid´s talented frontmen combined again to create the second chance. Hoffer layed the ball to the left of the penalty area for Stefan Maierhofer, whose rising effort narrowly fizzed over the bar. "Jimmy" Hoffer then had another chance, flashing wide in the 21st minute. Dispite creating good chances and the lively pairing up front, Rapid needed Helge Payer to be at his best to deny Altach three times in quick succession. The Keepers` contribution was to prove vital as following a smart reaction save Maierhofer put The Green Whites 1-0 nil up, latching onto Boskovic´s pass, much to the delight of the travelling support. After the interval, Altach, scrapping for their lives at the foot of the table, inevitably pushed forwards. It was Rapid, however, who looked like adding to their lead with Schicklgruber in the home sides goal denying both Hoffer and Pehlivan.An unmarked Boskovic could have settled the argument but couldn´t take advantage after finding himslef unmarked in the box. Beautiful link up play between Hoffer and Captain Steffen Hoffman found the elegant midfielder in the 60 minute.With the lack of a second goal Altach came back at the visitors during this enthralling encounter. The ever steady Helge Payer needing to be in exceptional form to keep the hosts at bay. In the 72 minute Rapid supporters celebrate prematurely as Boskovic has one chalked off for offside. Unfortunately, in the 82nd minute Rapid are undone as Kling nods in from Ze Elias´corner. The hosts earn a share of the points. The final whistle blows and the curtain comes down on an entertaining and well fought contest. Thoughts now turn to the show piece Vienna derby at The Hannapi Stadion this coming sunday.30th round:Altach - SK Rapid 1:1 (0:1)Goals: 0:1 Maierhofer (36.), 1:1 Kling (83.)Game statsVideo of the game(gw)
31.08.2015