In 15 home matches against Kapfenberg, Rapid had run out victors in all but one, a defeat 55 years ago on the 5th of June 1955. Saturday's victory now sees that proud record extended and more importantly provides three timely points that means the Green Whites stay in contact with the early pacesetters in this season's Bundesliga. Hamdi Salihi partnered Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink up front for Rapid for the first time since the dutchman's deadline day arrival. Helge Payer received warm congratulations from the Hanappi before kick off. The popular keeper recently celebrated the birth of his daughter. The mood of celebration was cut short however as after 10 minutes Felfernig handed the visitors from the Steiermark an early advantage. It only took nine minutes though until the Hanappi could breathe a collective sigh of relief, as Salihi restored parity from close range following a Hofmann freekick. It was the Albanian's first goal for Rapid since his injury time strike in the 2:0 victory over Mattersburg back in round 5 of the Bundesliga. After the goal, Rapid kicked on and started to dominate the possesion and dictate the speed of the game, although there was a lack of clear cut chances at either end leading up to the break.Shortly after half time, Kapfenberg again took the lead. Mario Sonnleitner could only partially clear a cross and Sencar nipped in to finish from close range in the 48th minute. It was Salihi, who once again brought the hosts on back on terms, latching onto a Vennegoor through ball and making no mistake to level proceedings for a second time. Raimund Hedl kept the visitors at bay in the 67th minute, coming out on top in a 1 on 1 duell with Elsneg. Salihi and Vennegoor then passed up chances, both laid on by the impressive Kulovits, to put the Green Whites into the lead for the first time in the afternoon. Just as the 15.000 strong crowd were ready to head for the exits, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink popped up with a 94th minute winner from a rebound to simultaneously put an end to the unwanted losing streak and hand Pacult his 100th competitive victory as Rapid trainer. It was a timely strike from the former dutch international and following a sticky period keeps the Hütteldorfers more than interested in the happenings at the top of the Bundesliga table. 9th round:SK Rapid - Kapfenberg 3:2 (1:1)Vienna, Hanappi-Stadion, 15.000, Referee DrachtaGoals: 0:1 Felfernig (10.), 1:1 Salihi (19.), 1:2 Sencar (48.), 2:2 Salihi (61.), 3:2 Vennegoor of Hesselink (94.)SK Rapid: Hedl - Kayhan, Sonnleitner, Soma, Katzer - Hofmann, Kulovits, Hinum (59./Nuhiu), Kavlak (54./Saurer/83. Trimmel) - Salihi, Vennegoor of HesselinkKapfenberg: R. Wolf - Schmid, Mavric, Gollner, Kocin - Hüttenbrenner (87./Spirk), Erkinger - Ch. Kröpfl (87./Scharifi), Sencar, Felfernig - Elsneg (74./Alar)Yellow Cards: Schmid, Kröpfl, Erkinger(gw)
31.08.2015