There were a few changes to the side that triumphed over PAOK in Europe on Thursday night: Deni Alar was relegated to the bench, as was Guido Burgstaller, but both would get a run-out during the game. Any thoughts that the side might be feeling a little flat after Thursday's exploits were soon banished, and the 15.100 strong Hanappi crowd was treated to an excellent performance. However it was the guests who came out of the traps quicker: in just the second minute Königshofer had to deal with a dangerous close range header from Röcher, then a minute later Rodler also went close for Mattersburg. Seidl then tried his luck in the 4th minute as Mattersburg looked to prove that their lofty position in the early Bundesliga table was no fluke. Rapid managed to clear their heads though and after resisting the early Mattersburg pressure, began to stamp their authority on proceedings. In the 12th minute Terrence Boyd showed the visitors the meaning of the word clinical as he dispatched a cross from Trimmel into the net to put Rapid 1:0 ahead with their first chance of the afternoon. The Hütteldorfers were now fully in control and nearly extended their lead, firstly through a deflected Grozurek effort and then through an eighteenth minute Hofmann header. Tricky midfielder Ildiz was setting the tempo for Rapid in the middle of the park, keeping possession ticking over and pulling the strings for the Green & Whites. Despite Hofmann failing to convert an excellent chance from close range on the stroke of half time, you were left with the overwhelming impression that the second for Rapid was just a matter of time. Game decided well before the final whistleWithin five minutes of the restart the goal that had been threatening duly arrived: Hofmann found Trimmel who made his way into the box before firing off an effort that was just too powerful for Mattersburg keeper Borentisch to keep out. Two-nil and finally the sought after breathing space. The Hütteldorfers were now in complete control and didn't appear in the mood to surrender their two goal cushion. When the third goal arrived it proved to be the best of the bunch: substitute Deni Alar found Markus Katzer, who in turn crossed for Boyd to finish off the classy move with a firm 66th minute header. Two for Boyd, three for Rapid and no way back for the guests. With a little over 10 minutes remaining Grozurek nearly added a fourth, while Röcher hit the side netting as Mattersburg searched for a consolation. The game had been over long before the final whistle though and the Hütteldorfer fans were soon celebrating another quality performance that sees the Green & Whites climb back up into second place in the table. The international break now comes at a good time for the club, giving Rapid fans everywhere time to reflect on an outstanding week’s football! tipp3-Bundesliga powered by T-Mobile, 7th roundSK Rapid - Mattersburg 3:0 (1:0)Gerhard Hanappi-Stadion, 15.100, Referee Schüttengruber Goals: 1:0 Boyd (12.), 2:0 Trimmel (49.), 3:0 Boyd (66.) SK Rapid: Königshofer - Trimmel, Sonnleitner (65. Pichler), Gerson, Katzer - Kulovits, Ildiz - Schaub (62./Alar), Hofmann, Grozurek -Boyd (74./Burgstaller) Mattersburg: Borenitsch - Farkas (50./Höller), Rodler, Mravac, Rath - Seidl, Lovin (69./Mörz), Prietl, Potzmann (82./Gartner) - Röcher, Bürger Yellow Cards: Pichler Seidl, Potzmann (gw)
18.09.2012