1. FC Heidenheim secured an important away win in the 2. Bundesliga while also making a decisive choice in goal. Manager Frank Schmidt confirmed after the 1-0 victory at SpVgg Greuther Fürth on September 6th that Thomas Dähne is the new number one goalkeeper.
The win, courtesy of a goal from Budu Zivzivadze, propelled Heidenheim up to third place in the table. The club now has nine points from four matches, with a record of three wins and one loss. Their recent form reads WWLW. The team has scored 11 goals this season but has also conceded 10.
Frank Schmidt has ended the debate over the goalkeeping position. The manager stated in the pre-Fürth press conference, according to SWR, "Thomas Dähne will play for now." He justified the decision by citing the 32-year-old's experience following a period of conceding many goals. Schmidt added sarcastically, "Yes, we'll change the goalkeeper every week now," before clarifying, "Of course not."
Dähne joined on a free transfer from third-tier relegated side TSV 1860 Munich in the summer. His career includes spells at Holstein Kiel and top-flight experience abroad with HJK Helsinki and Wisla Plock. The previous goalkeeper, Frank Feller, had started the first two league games and the DFB-Pokal defeat at Jeddeloh. Schmidt stressed that Feller had taken the decision "professionally".
The match last Sunday at the Sportpark Ronhof Thomas Sommer finished 1-0 to the visitors from Heidenheim. The only goal of the game came in the first half. According to match statistics from ESPN, Budu Zivzivadze scored the decisive goal in the 24th minute, with Marcel Costly providing the assist.
Fox Sports data indicates a close contest with chances for both sides. Fürth had more shots, but Heidenheim's defence and goalkeeper Dähne kept a clean sheet. Key players for the hosts included Jannik Dehm and Gian-Luca Itter. For Heidenheim, the goalscorer and assister were supported by a solid defensive performance. The win delivered three important points in the title race, where Hertha BSC currently lead by three points.
Third place provides positive momentum for the challenges ahead. The next test comes on September 13th, when 1. FC Heidenheim host Holstein Kiel at home. The opponents from Kiel are currently in 16th place. The full schedule of upcoming matches can be found on our fixtures page.
The current points haul of nine from four games shows a successful start to the season. The team has proven its attacking threat with 11 goals scored but must also keep an eye on defensive work after conceding 10. Detailed team statistics are available in our stats section. The overall league picture is shown in the standings.
The focus now shifts entirely to preparing for the home game against Holstein Kiel. Another victory could increase the pressure on the teams above and continue the positive momentum.
