Frankfurt W vs Halle-Neustadt W

Halle-Neustadt — known as the Wildcats — took a slender 14-13 lead into half-time after a tight first period in which neither side led by more than two goals. Emma Hertha and Fabienne Büch (from the penalty spot) were among the visitors' scorers in the opening 30 minutes, while Ivona Skalicanova kept Frankfurt in touch.

The Wildcats appeared to take control early in the second half. A 5-1 run, capped by Lea Gruber and Loïs van Vliet, stretched the lead to 21-16 by the 47th minute, and when Maksi Pallas made it 21-25 with 14 minutes left, the tie looked decided.

Frankfurt had other ideas. Dajana Schnabel and Skalicanova pulled two back, and a 2-minute suspension for the home side briefly stalled momentum. But Cosima Cheyenne Hermann scored twice in quick succession to cut the gap to 22-26, then 24-26 with five minutes remaining. Skalicanova converted a penalty to make it 24-26, and another Frankfurt goal brought the score to 25-27 with two minutes on the clock.

Holtman's composed finish with seconds left — her only goal of the night — finally ended the resistance. A late Frankfurt penalty made it 26-28, but time ran out.

Halle-Neustadt's 5-1 burst between the 37th and 42nd minutes turned a one-goal game into a 21-16 lead. Loïs van Vliet scored three times in that sequence, exploiting space behind Frankfurt's defence after the home side pushed players forward. The Wildcats never surrendered that lead, even when Frankfurt mounted their late charge.

Loïs van Vliet (Halle-Neustadt) — The Dutch back scored at least four goals, including three in the decisive second-half spell. Her ability to find gaps from distance kept Frankfurt's defence stretched.

Ivona Skalicanova (Frankfurt W) — The Frankfurt playmaker scored multiple goals including a crucial penalty, and was the driving force behind the late fightback. Her movement troubled the Wildcats' defence throughout.

Emma Hertha (Halle-Neustadt) — Contributed three or more goals and was a constant threat from the wing, particularly in the first half when the match was finely balanced.

Cosima Cheyenne Hermann (Frankfurt W) — Scored twice in the closing stages as Frankfurt pushed for an equaliser, showing composure under pressure.

The 14-13 half-time scoreline reflected a genuinely even contest, with Halle-Neustadt's Bundesliga quality not yet telling. The Wildcats' 7-3 run in the 15 minutes after the break was the decisive phase — they outscored Frankfurt in that window by creating space in transition, something the 3. Liga side could not sustain defensively. Frankfurt's 6-2 closing run (from 22-26 to 26-27) showed character but came too late, and a failure to score in a key 5-minute spell around the 50th minute ultimately cost them.

Halle-Neustadt progress to the second round (last 16) of the DHB Pokal, keeping their cup campaign alive as they prepare for the Bundesliga season proper. For Frankfurter HC, the focus returns to the 3. Liga, where the competitive experience of pushing a top-flight side should provide a confidence boost.

The Wildcats' next fixture is their upcoming Bundesliga match, while Frankfurter HC continue their 3. Liga campaign.

A classic cup tie between a lower-league host and a top-flight favourite. Halle-Neustadt had enough quality to build a lead, but Frankfurt's refusal to fold made this far closer than the division gap suggests. The Wildcats will need sharper game management in the next round — they allowed a five-goal cushion to almost evaporate.