A Kacper Przybylko strike in only the third minute of the game was enough to earn a vital three points for Greuther Fürth and propel them to eight place.

Union came into the game in great form, as they aimed for a third win in a row. Norbert Düwel's side weren't involved in DFB Pokal action, so they were able to field exactly the same starting eleven that came back from a goal down to beat VfR Aalen last weekend. In contrast, Fürth hadn't won in their last three games. A 2-0 loss to Kaiserslautern dumped them out of the cup, while a 2-5 drubbing at the hands of FSV Frankfurt has Frank Kramer's men reeling. A squad at the limit of its resources, replaced the suspended Goran Sukalo with Johannes Wurtz; Robert Zulj also earned a starting berth in place of Guilherme.

The form book was thrown quite emphatically out the window in the opening stages, as Fürth notched up a goal within 180 seconds. Benedikt Röcker headed on Marco Stiepermann's costless-kick and found Kacper Przybylko, who headed home from six yards out. A massive goal for the team who were equally out of sorts, at least defensively, the lofty Pole's header left Mohamed Amsif with no chance. Union tried to issue an immediate response, but Sören Brandy couldn't emulate his opposite number and his header flew over.

Apart from a few clearances, Tom Mikel was having a very relaxed evening. Stiepermann, Tom Weilandt and Johannes Wurtz were making all the early running and causing the capital club's defence multiple problems. So much so that the latter pair both had opportunities to double the lead, but inspired defending kept the Shamrocks' attack at bay.

It wasn't until the 30th minute that Mickel was properly tested, though loanee Maxi Thiel's shot was rountinely turned away by his legs. The set-piece bombardment seemed to be the best way to get at the visitors; Toni Leistner did his best to force the ball home, yet he could only find the side netting and Fürth went into half-time with a lead. The pressure was cranked up and a normally solid defence was showing its credentials once more.

The second period was more of an end to end affair; the hosts needed more of a cutting edge, something that Brandy had yet to provide, so Martin Kobylanski was called upon from the bench. However, it was Fürth who seemed the more likely to trouble the score-line. Robert Zulj almost cheekily back-heeled home the goal that his side craved, though Amsif and the offside flag prevented him from doing so.

The home fans were growing restless, chances were at an absolute premium and Union didn't look any closer to unlocking the Fürth resilience. Set-pieces were troubling the home defence, who were struggling to deal with Röcker and Marco Caligiuri's physical prowess. This was of equal important at the other end, as the aerial bombardment continued in the visiting box.

In all, Mickel was only forced into two saves and Fürth came away with three important points. They ended the strongest too, with Amsif and the post keeping the score to just one. A late Brandy red card summed up a a lacklustre display, especially in attack, as they were brought back to earth with a bump. The win sent the visitors up to sixth, a welcome return to the top side of the table after a run of inconsistent results.