Neukirchen-Vluyn FC anticipates a muddle in Tönisberg
Finals Days of District League determine Second Place and Promotion Play-offs
In the final game of the District League on the Lower Rhine, the fate of second place and a spot in the promotion play-offs will be decided between VfL Tönisberg and FC Neukirchen-Vluyn. Currently, Tönisberg holds the necessary second position and has control over their destiny in the away game against TSV Wachtendonk-Wankum at 3 pm on Sunday. Simultaneously, Neukirchen-Vluyn plays against SV Rindern and must secure a win to capitalize on any potential Tönisberg slip-ups.
The competition for second place intensified in the preceding matchday, with both teams delivering strong performances. Tönisberg triumphed impressively 2:0 against the already crowned league champions and promoted Viktoria Goch on Friday. In response, Neukirchen-Vluyn followed suit, overpowering fourth-placed and rival contender TuS Asterlagen 4:3.
Interests of Note
In the Football Landesliga, GSV Moers provisionally concludes the season in ninth place. While the positions of VfL and FC Neukirchen-Vluyn are extremely close, Tönisberg requires a win to confirm their place in the play-offs, while Neukirchen-Vluyn needs a victory along with a Tönisberg draw or defeat to benefit from that scenario. In the event of a Tönisberg draw alongside a FC Neukirchen-Vluyn win, an additional match would be necessary.
"Understandably, the tension is high," states Tönisberg's coach, Justin Müller, acknowledging the pressure from their previous victory over Goch, while expressing confidence, "That game was truly outstanding, and the outcome proved just how important it was."
A tough test awaits Tönisberg as they will play against a promoted team next. "We comprehend that we face a completely different challenge in Wachtendonk-Wankum," Müller remarks, preparing for a difficult match, "However, we anticipate that it will be extremely unpleasant," he explains, referencing their previous draw against the relegated team and the home-field advantage of the hosts on their final league game.
Tönisberg will miss their top scorer, Jan Goretzki, who has sustained an injury and is likely to miss both the play-offs and any potential return game. In contrast, Nick Falcone and Fabian Kempkens have recovered and return to the squad.
FC Neukirchen-Vluyn's coach, Abdelaziz Zenzoul, ushers deliberate caution when discussing Tönisberg's away game but also maintains emphasis on their intentions, "We prefer to win every game, and we intend to do so again this time."
Zenzoul has a full squad to choose from, giving them the edge in the upcoming match against Tönisberg. On the other hand, TuS Asterlagen has lost their chance to intervene in the second-place race following last weekend's defeat, as they host DJK Twisteden in their final game of the season. Similarly, Borussia Veen concludes their campaign under coach Thomas Haal against SGE Bedburg-Hau on Sunday.
In the concluding match of the District League, football teams VfL Tönisberg and FC Neukirchen-Vluyn will participate in a significant game that decides the second place and entry into the promotion play-offs, given their proximity in the league standings. The European football leagues, particularly the Premier League, would witness an exciting battle should either of these teams secure a place in the higher division.
