In their final test before the resumption of the Regionalliga Nordost season next weekend, the women's team of 1. FC Union Berlin drew 0-0 with Hamburger SV.

Hamburger SV: Naward - Deyß (68. Morich), Günther, Mühlhaus, Stoldt, Karowski (60. Lahr), Schulz (68. Dahl), Hirche, Dönges, Stöckmann, Marquardt (56. Baum)

1. FC Union Berlin: Wagner - D. Orschmann (76. Schindler), K. Orschmann, Becker, Bach - Frank, Heiseler, Trojahn - Youssef (66. Bucher), Spolaczyk (46. Krauss), Rurack

Attendance: 60

A lot of fight, scant chances.

On the artificial pitch in Norderstedt, it was clear from the start that this was a clash between to equally balanced sides. In what was an at times intense and competitive match Union's and Hamburg's midfields neutralised each other, meaning, ultimately, that chances to score were few and far between.

Union's Elisa Spolaczyk had the best of the bunch in the 32nd minute, after HSV keeper Lela-Celin Naward had rushed to the edge of her penalty area to head clear in front of the onrushing Lisa Heiseler. The ball landed with Spolaczyk, who tried to lob the now prone stopper from 20 metres, but her attempt drifted just wide of the goal.

A few minutes later, Hamburg also had a good chance, a volley from the edge of the box went just over Melanie Wagner's goal. Shortly before the half-time whistle, Wagner was called into action for the first time, but she pushed the strike out for a corner.

The second half proceeded in a similar manner, a scrap in midfield with little quarter given by either side. There was barely another chance of note until the 75th minute when a Hamburg shot from a free-kick flew just over, and the game remained goalless at the final whistle.

But, despite this game's friendly status, it was far from irrelevant, with the possibility that the two teams will meet again at the end of the season as the winners of the Regionalliga's North and North East will meet in June in the play-off for promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. HSV are top of the North, Union currently second in the North East.

The coach's views on the game

"HSV were a top opponent for the last game of our preparations," said Ailien Poese, Union head coach. "The high intensity was just right for the last test, and we found some good solutions. So we are satisfied, and will now ´train our full focus onto next weekend." 

The outlook

And with that, Union have now completed their intensive six-week winter preparation period, returning next Saturday, 18 February 2023, to competitive play in the Regionalliga Nordost. The first match at Dörpfeldstraße is the top-of-the-table clash against league leaders Viktoria Berlin,  four points ahead of Union- in second, though with a game in hand. Kick-off is at 2 pm.

For organisational reasons, admission to this match is only possible with a valid ticket. Union members can book up to two free tickets online at the Zeughaus.