Paderborn hold Köln to stalemate
Cologne – 1. FC Köln maintained their unbeaten start to the New Year, but will have been disappointed not to take all three points against SC Paderborn 07, who rode their luck to hold the hosts to a second successive 0-0 draw.
Shooting boots not on show
Complete with Karneval kit, the Billy Goats created all the early pressure in a new-look 4-4-2 formation led from the front by Bard Finne, making his first start of the season, and top goalscorer Anthony Ujah. However, while they managed to keep Paderborn pinned inside their own half for the most part, goalscoring chances were at a premium with the best chance presenting in the 43rd minute when a well-executed counter worked its way to Finne, who failed to slot the ball between the legs of the onrushing Lukas Kruse with team-mates better placed.
In stark contrast to the first 45 minutes, the visitors came flying out of the traps in the second half as Michael Heinloth and Elias Kachunga both squandered chances within five minutes of the restart. With the proceedings opening up the chances started coming thick and fast as Timo Horn almost got caught out by a cheeky Alban Meha corner, while at the other end Kevin Vogt’s lobbed attempt beat Kruse, but not the post. Köln threw caution to the wind in the closing stages, but the lack of a clinical touch in front of goal ultimately prevented them picking up a second win of 2015.
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