The Rapid faithful packed into the Hanappi for the last game of 2011 were hungry for goals. In their last two outings, the Green & Whites had record successive goalless draws against Kapfenberg and Innsbruck. It took just 5 minutes for the Hütteldorfers to tick the boxes on their supporters Christmas wish-lists as Adthe Nuhiu converted a Trimmel cross from close range to set Schöttel's troops on their way. Nuhiu had come into the team replacing suspended Burgstaller in the only change to the Rapid starting line up. Pushing for the two goal cushionRapid continued to delight the packed terraces with a committed display launching into tackles, coming out on top in 50-50's and also creating chances. Tischler in the Admira goal did well to keep out Trimmel's 15th minute deflected shot, while Nuhiu had a great chance just 8 minutes later to double his haul for the afternoon, following some lovely flowing football involving Drazan and Trimmel. Drazan himself nearly got in on the act in the 25th minute but fluffed his lines when through one on one with Tischler. Lukas Königshofer was called into action for the first time on the half hour mark, launching himself full length to acrobatically tip a Jezek shot over the bar. Despite their dominance and expansive play, Rapid were happy to get to the half time changing room in the lead, as the visitors were left to rue their luck when Plassnegger's deflected cross hit the crossbar and rebounded to safety. Rapid undone by a set pieceKönigshofer was the first keeper to earn his money at the start of the second half: the young Rapid keeper just got his finger tips to a Schwab free kick and managed to claw the ball to safety 5 minutes after the restart. Rapid's lead was to only last until the 56th minute though: substitute Schrott rose highest in a packed penalty to power thumping header into the net from Jezek's corner. Alar grabs the winnerHalftime sub Deni Alar (on for Drazan) was becoming more and more prominent for Rapid as the game headed into the final stages. His impact was confirmed when he robbed goal scorer Schrott of the ball and burst away down the flank. The hit man showed great poise as he cut in off the right touchline onto his left foot and then, from a tight angle, produced an exquisite finish to beat Tischler and hand Rapid the lead with only 11 minutes to play. The young striker passed up a glorious chance to make it safe for the hosts in stoppage time but Admira couldn't find the equaliser and Rapid were left to celebrate Christmas top of the table. (gw)
10.01.2012