The points were shared in southern Germany, as Romain Kortzorg's fine finish was cancelled out by Florian Hübner's point blank header.
Sandhausen's Alois Schwartz was desperate for fortunes to change and fast, following a rotten run of results. He made three changes from the side that suffered defeat against FSV Frankfurt: Marco Knaller, Leart Paqarada and Simon Tüting replaced Manuel Riemann, Timo Achenbach and Stefan Kulovits. Even with a mini-turn around in recent weeks, Tomislav Stipic and Erzgebirge Aue were hopeful of continuing a their improved form. Stipic, keen to maintain continuity between the players, stuck with the same team that demolished 1860 Munich 4-1.
With the current plights of both these sides, it was more than understandable that the opening stages were extremely tight and tense. Fabian Müller had the best chance early on; after he beat Paqarada for pace his cross was almost met by Frank Löning, only for Florian Hübner to make a vital interception. Sandhausen then had an opportunity of their own, though Andrew Wooten's powerful costless-kick was beaten away by Martin Männel.
Despite further chances falling to each team, neither could make the most of them. Arvydas Novikovas and Marco Thiede were forcing the issue for their respective sides, but some brave blocks and poor finishing left the coaching staff scratching their heads as to how no-one had scored. As half-time approached, Sandhausen's troublesome American forward had another chance, yet he was forced wide and couldn't make the most of the shot.
Wooten continued to be a menace in the second-half, forcing a magnificent save from Männel, a volley saved with his face from point blank range. He was up immediately to gather the rebound, just before it was knocked into the open goal. The save turned out to be the turning point, as Aue responded to open the scoring. Löning was picked out by Oliver Schröder, the veteran forward managed to set the ball for Romario Kortzorg, who curled a lovely effort into the top corner.
The East Germans were beginning to gain control and only for Seyi Olajengbesi's pace, Novikovas would have been bearing down on Marco Knaller's goal. They were made pay for the missed chance, as their lead lasted just seven minutes. Paqarada sent over a brilliant costless-kick from the left, neither defender nor goalkeeper was able to stake a claim to the ball and that allowed Hübner to head home unopposed and bring the sides level once more.
Michael Fink's header was inches from winning the game, but he couldn't keep it down and was visually distraught with himself. A point apiece for Sandhausen and Erzgebirge Aue helps neither side a great deal, as both move onto eleven points. The draw moves both teams a point and place above Aalen, but it's a chance missed for the pair to pick up an invaluable three points and move ahead of fellow relegation candidates.