After the perfect start in the 2nd Bundesliga, 1. FC Heidenheim also kept their clean sheet in the DFB Cup – but had trouble.
In the long-fought neighborhood duel at regional league club FV Illertissen from Neu-Ulm, coach Frank Schmidt’s team won the first round of the cup 2-0 (0-0).
For Heidenheim, who started the league with two wins, captain Patrick Mainka (57th minute) and substitute Adrian Beck (81st) scored the goals. The Baden-Württembergers last reached the second round in 2019. Only around 50 kilometers separate Illertissen and Heidenheim. In that respect it was almost a local derby.
Fourth division keeps up
In a lively early phase, the fourth division team, who started with two defeats, kept up well, a 25-metre shot by full-back Philipp Boyer posed problems for Heidenheim’s substitute goalkeeper Vitus Eicher for the first time. Despite slight playful advantages, the guests were unable to seize control.
There were chances to equalize
Kevin Sessa failed with a low shot by Illertissen’s keeper Michael Wagner (53′), then Mainka redeemed Heidenheim with a header after a corner. Substitutes Tim Bergmiller (66′) and Hannes Pöschl (80′) missed good opportunities to equalize before Beck made everything clear a few seconds later.