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30.09.2024Bayer 04

From the archives: 75 years ago – A big day in the ‘Bayerstadt’

In the 1949/50 season, there is a top of the table clash in the Second Oberliga West on Sunday, 2 October 1949. At the Stadtpark ground Bayer 04 are hosts to the former champions of Germany Fortuna Düsseldorf. At a well attended Bayer ground, 8,000 spectators witness a Werkself team being tactically astute but also prepared to battle where required.
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The visitors, including the Leverkusen-born Germany international Paul Janes, can rarely free themselves from the clutches of the Bayer attack. On 15 minutes Hans Frömmel opens the scoring with a long-range effort. That is followed by a constant bombardment on the Fortuna goal supported by cheers and the siren-like howling of children. Theo Kirchberg scores another goal before half-time but this is ruled out due to an offside decision. Centre forward Emil Becks hits the ball over the bar from three metres out just before half-time leaving the Werkself with a 1-0 lead at the break.

Bayer 04 carry on attacking after the restart. Manfred Höher hits the ball just over the target after a solo run. In addition to Höher, Anton Mauth often leads the action. Emil Becks begins to limp in the middle of the second half after taking a knock but, as was the case back then, cannot be substituted. So he just moves up and down the touchline. On 80 minutes, Anton Mauth breaks down the right flank puts a cross into the penalty area and Manfred Höher heads the ball into the back of the net. Everybody's up from their seats and minutes of celebration sound across the pitch as that goal decides the game. With the final whistle, the Werkself players throw up their arms and are happy to have beaten a famous opponent after a tough battle but with a clear and deserved victory.

The end of the season brings a fifth place finish but the Werkself gain promotion to the First Oberliga West the next season.

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