FC St. Pauli

The tension around the Millerntor is tangible. After the 4-0 defeat in the equivalent fixture last season, the mood is not the same as it was before that game. The memories are still fresh. Nevertheless, it's time to put them behind us and instead march into the derby side by side. And that means all of us – both on and off the pitch.

There is no escaping the fact that HSV are having a great season. They lead the table with VfB Stuttgart on 13 points, have gelled exceptionally well and look much more cohesive as a unit. The investigations into the identity of Bakery Jatta have brought the club closer together. Our neighbours have shown heart, character and solidarity. For that, they deserve maximum respect. In cases such as these, it is important for clubs to put their rivalries aside and stand together, a point Jatta emphasised in his first public statement: "I am absolutely proud that our greatest rival, FC St. Pauli, strengthened my position. Divided by colours, united in cause."

Heart, character and solidarity are traits the Boys in Brown share in abundance. The players have shown they are of one mind on more than one occasion this season. That they want to win and pick up points. Through effort and fighting spirit. It hasn't quite gone according to plan, of course. We're not perfect. But we don't have to be. St. Pauli are scruffy and remain so and that's good. And if we end up beating the Volkspark XI with a scruffy goal on Monday night, then that's how it must be. The important things is that we battle, give our all and stand together – on the pitch and in the stands.

Or to borrow the words of the Magischer FC blog:

"We'll roar them out of our living room, we'll carry our boys to victory."

Photos. Witters