Fate dictated that Rapid’s first away day of the season should take them to Lower Austria to face Wiener Neustadt, an early reunion for Rapid chief Peter Schöttel and his former employers. Michael Schimplesberger’s involvement with Austria in the U20 World Championship in Colombia meant that experienced campaigner Markus Katzer was forced to fill in on the right side of a defence comprised of Schrammel, Soma and Pichler, an exclusively left footed back four. Early opportunities for RapidIt was Markus Katzer who had the first opportunity of the afternoon with a header, before captain Steffen Hofmann tried his luck from long range in the 12th minute. The Viennese were enjoying the lion’s share of the possession whilst also commanding a large territorial advantage, camping out largely in their hosts’ half. Peter Schöttel’s side were however guilty of overplaying somewhat and good moves were lacking the killer final ball. As the half wore on both sides fell victim to a spate of misplaced passes that disrupted the rhythm of proceedings. The halftime whistle went and the 6000 plus crowd were yet to witness a break in the deadlock. Schöttel rings the changesMinutes after the break a tricky solo run from Saurer set up the lurking Nuhiu who got his angles all wrong and sent the ball way over the bar. Ten minutes into the second half the Rapid manager reacted to the lull in the proceedings with a double change: Saurer and Gartler made way for Christopher Drazan and Alar respectively. Despite the changes in personnel, the Green & Whites still found it tough going in the final third against a well-drilled Neustadt rearguard. Late dramaAs the game entered stoppage time and with fans about to head for the turnstiles, Rapid pulled a rabbit out of the hat: A Hofmann cross was met by a Nuhiu header that beat the sprawling home keeper to send the Hütteldorfers and their travelling band of supporters into wild celebrations. Just a minute later the depressed home side had their mood compounded as Christopher Drazan raced onto a long pass and made the score line an unbelievable two-nil. Maximum points from the opening games represents a dream start to the season for Peter Schöttel and his troops. Last minute goals show the old metal of fighting until the very last minute is returning to the make up of this new look Rapid outfit. Tipp3-Bundesliga, 2nd round:Wr. Neustadt - SK Rapid 0:2 (0:0)Stadion Wiener Neustadt, 6.100, Referee EisnerGoals: 0:1 Nuhiu (92.), 0:2 Drazan (94.)Wiener Neustadt: Siebenhandl - Pollhammer, Kral, Ramsebner, A. Schicker - Madl, Reiter - Lindner (60./Evseev), D. Wolf (47./Tvrdy), Simkovic - FriesenbichlerSK Rapid: Payer - Katzer, Soma, Pichler, Schrammel - Trimmel (83./Prokopic), Hofmann, Heikkinen, Saurer (54./Drazan) - Gartler (54./Alar), NuhiuYellow Cards: D. Wolf, Ramsebner, A. Schicker Trimmel, Nuhiu(gw)