Etzella stride ahead

By Laurent Schüssler

F91 Dudelange have lost top spot in the Luxembourg First Division to FC Etzella Ettelbrück after a torrid month.

Etzella on top
Having seemed to be in a class of their own at the start of the autumn, Dudelange conceded pole position to Etzella in the final game before the winter break as Etzella secured a 2-1 win against CS Petange to take a two-point lead.

Miserable run
It was the culmination of a miserable run for Dudelange, starting when they were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Victoria Rosport on 27 November. They then lost 1-0 against Etzella with international Alphonse Leweck scoring the only goal of the game from a free-kick before being sent off for a clash with Johan Bellini.

Hesperange triumph
However, that slump - coinciding as it did with a three-match winning run for Etzella - turned into a minor crisis in the final game of the season as Dudelange lost 2-1 against FC Swift Hesperange. A late consolation goal in that match gave the deposed league leaders little comfort.

Cruz control
The winter break may have come at a good time for the new coach of CS Grevenmacher, Alvaro Cruz. His side have had a fairly ragged season so far, and are well adrift of the leading pack in seventh place. They will be looking for new inspiration to relaunch their bid for honours in the spring.