2. Bundesliga: Fürth show signs of life with crucial win over Arminia Bielefeld
· Yahoo Sports
Goals from Branimir Hrgota and Dennis Srbeny proved decisive for Heiko Vogel’s side, who climbed off the foot of the table and sent a clear message that they remain firmly in the fight to stay up.
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The hosts made the perfect start in what was a must-win encounter. Just four minutes in, a long throw from Jannik Dehm caused havoc in the penalty area, evading everyone before finding the head of Hrgota, who calmly nodded home to give Fürth an early lead. Buoyed by the opener, Vogel’s men threatened again moments later when Sayfallah Ltaief found space, but his effort was fired straight at Jonas Kersken.
However, just before the 20-minute mark, Arminia delivered a sucker punch - something that has haunted Fürth all season. Tim Handwerker’s corner was met by Robin Knoche, who rose highest to head home with the visitors’ first real opportunity of the evening. The equaliser knocked the early tempo out of the contest, with both sides retreating into their shells. Clear-cut chances were scarce for the remainder of the half as the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Fürth began the second half with the same urgency they showed in the first. Within minutes of the restart, they regained the lead. Substitute Noel Futkeu burst in behind the Arminia backline and drilled a low ball across goal, laying it on a plate for Dennis Srbeny, who made no mistake with a first-time finish.
Mitch Kniat responded with a series of changes in the final half hour, but Arminia struggled to find rhythm or penetration. A week on from their impressive display in Magdeburg, they looked a shadow of that side here, unable to truly test the league’s leakiest defence. Fürth, roared on by the home crowd, defended with determination and discipline.
The visitors’ best opportunity came in stoppage time when Roberts Uldrikis controlled a delivery from Maximilian Bauer and spun for a shot on the turn, but Silas Prüfrock reacted sharply to tip the effort over the bar and preserve the lead.
The final whistle sparked relief around the Sportpark Ronhof. Vogel’s men halted a run of two consecutive defeats and climb into 17th place for the time being, tightening an already congested relegation battle and increasing the pressure on those above them.
For Bielefeld, it was a frustrating evening. Their four-match unbeaten run comes to an end, and with games still to be played by their rivals, they risk being pulled back into a survival fight they will have hoped to avoid.