VfR Aalen travelled to the RewirPower Stadion to take on VfL Bochum in the first clash of Matchday 14. Coming into the match the hosts, Bochum sat in 10th position whilst Aalen prop up the table in last position. 

After a promising start to the season, Bochum have slumped as of late and have only collected 3 points from the last 15 available; to put that into perspective only 15th placed 1860 Munich have picked up less points in that time. Aalen meanwhile have struggled all campaign and have only picked up 10 points throughout the whole campaign. A return to the 3. Liga could be on the cards for the club based in Baden-Württemberg.

Bochum coach, Peter Neururer made one change to the side that last drew away to Kaiserslautern before the international break; with Tobias Weis making way for Stanislav Šesták. Aalen and manager, Stefan Ruthenbeck made several changes to the side that was defeated at home by FSV Frankfurt. In came Hainault, Quaner, Leandro and Daghfous for Drexler, Barth, Klauß and Grech.

It would only take 110 seconds for the deadlock to be broken, in somewhat comical style. After a great counter attacking move the ball found itself at the feet of on-rushing Bochum full back Timo Berthel. His cross was missed by all attackers, but was then deflected by Aalen's central defender, Andre Hainault onto his own goalkeeper who sent the ball back towards the Canadian who swiftly headed home, into his own net. Such comical defending could perhaps put some context into Aalen's league position. 

Berthel continued to bomb down the left flank and provided a good outlet for his teammates; but at times he was caught out of position, which would lead to Aalen's first chance of the match. After a mistaken pass by the Bochum midfield inside their own half, the ball ended under up with the visitors right full back, Fabio Kaufmann; who eventually unleashed a powerful drive from 30 yards that only the woodwork could save. 

Aalen at this moment, were beginning to grow into the match employing a Gegenpressing system against the home side. Having said that Bochum would have the next good chance through Simon Terodde, but was well saved by Daniel Bernhardt.

The second half would start in similar fashion to first; with Bochum doubling their lead within 10 minutes of the restart. After a blocked Yusuke Tasaka shot, an unmarked Simon Terrode slotted home to grab his 10th goal of the season. 

Aalen would go close and somehow not score through Arne Feick, his shot parried by Andreas Luthe and somehow the defender managed to miss from 6 yards. He'd be regretting that miss just moments later when substitute, Marco Terrazzino raced through to slot past Bernhardt; giving the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead.

From this point Aalen, just as in the later stages of the first half, gained some momentum. But just as is in the first half, they wouldn't make any of their chances count; it would just get worse for Ruthenbeck and Aalen as veteran Mikkael Forssell put away the fourth in the 89th minute. 

The result sees Aalen remain bottom of the table, whilst Bochum rise to 9th ahead of this weekend's fixtures. Ominous signs for the visitors as a mix of poor finishing and woeful defending amassed to their downfall. Next week they're at home to high-flying Fortunate Düsseldorf, whilst Bochum travel to table topping Ingolstadt.

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Alex Howell
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