Lankern's Assessment: Strong Recovery, Yet Flaws Remain
In a challenging test match, the GW Lankern women's football team faced off against 1. FFC Recklinghausen from the Regionalliga. Despite a narrow 2:3 defeat, new coach Marco Mallonn expressed pride in his team's performance.
The match began with Vanessa Kniszewski scoring a penalty for 1. FFC Recklinghausen in the fifth minute, giving them an early lead. However, Kimberley Goette responded for GW Lankern at the end of the first half, scoring from distance to make it 1:3.
Jennifer Moses scored twice for 1. FFC Recklinghausen, at the 13th and 36th minutes, but GW Lankern didn't give up. In the second half, they made it difficult for the higher-league guests, struggling with their high pressing but noticing a weakness in their game.
Mallonn, who is focusing on improving the team's overall game structure and defensive solidity, encouraged his team to take long shots and work on their play in longer possession phases and transitional moments. His tactical emphasis paid off when Jasmin Heynck scored from just behind the halfway line in the second half, making the score 2:3.
Despite the defeat, Mallonn was impressed by his team's high work rate and intensity during the match. He praised the performances of new additions Fabienne Heynck and Katharina Janssen, who made their debuts in the match.
Looking ahead, GW Lankern will face SSV Rhade in their next test match on Sunday. Mallonn aims to build a more cohesive unit that can maintain possession effectively and create more scoring opportunities while strengthening their defensive organization to reduce goals conceded. His ultimate goal is to have a successful season and secure their place in the league early on, and to "annoy the big teams."
Despite the challenging start, Mallonn remains optimistic about the future of GW Lankern, and his team will undoubtedly continue to work hard to improve and compete against the best.
The match against SSV Rhade, upcoming on Sunday, presents an opportunity for GW Lankern to showcase their improved game structure and defensive solidity in European-leagues football, as they aim to compete against the best and "annoy the big teams." With new additions Fabienne Heynck and Katharina Janssen delivering impressive performances, the premier-league aspirations of GW Lankern remain in sight.
