After an average first half, the game kicked on in the second period and was opened up by Stipe Vucur's header. It looked as if Aue would claim all three points, only for Damir Kreilach to come off the bench and score twice to notch up a vital win for Union Berlin.

For Erzegbirge Aue, they were hoping to bounce back from four-game winless run. The defeat to Karlsruher, thanks to a dubious penalty call, will have annoyed Tomislav Stipic. A boost to their morale came in the shape of captain Rene Klingbeil's return, as he replaced Thorsten Schulz. Otherwise, there were two changes in the front line, as Frank Löning and Henri Ainer were taken out for Mike Könnecke and Solomon Okoronkwo.

Union Berlin were rocked, not until by a similar barren run, but by a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of 1860 Munich last weekend. Damir Kreilach and Fabian Schönheim dropped to the bench, meaning Björn Jpoek and Roberto Puncec could return to the side. That also allowed Norbert Düwel to shift into a 4-4-2 formation, with questions arising over his future in the capital.

The game was delayed, due to the enormous firework/pyrotechnic display in the Union end, but when it got underway it was an entertaining opening. Maxi Thiel was having an excellent start to the game, as he fired shots wide of both posts in a strong opening period for the visitors.

His opposite number, Arvydas Novikovas, was also enjoying some costlessdom on the right-hand side. The Lithuanian-international managed to weave his way around two Union players, before striking a wonderful, weaving shot which required a super stop from Daniel Haas. Unfortunately neither side could force their way through before the break, as Jopek wasted a golden chance on the half-time whistle. The forward pulled away from his man, but couldn't direct the ball on target from just six yards.

The hosts were proving a much more threatening proposition going forward, which eventually paid dividends after a solid ten minutes of pressure. Romario Kortzorg's wonderfully flighted costless-kick found Stipe Vucur, who rose above his markers to guide the ball into the far corner and send Aue into the lead. It was the Croat's second goal of the season, a inch-perfect header, who was proving to be a quality summer signing.

It was goalkeeper Martin Männel who would make an equally important intervention at the other end, as he made a stellar stop from Christopher Quiring. It was a point blank save, but he spread himself brilliantly to maintain his side's lead. Although he would be beaten with thirteen minutes remaining, as substitute Damir Kreilach poked past him from a corner. The initial delivery was headed on by Sebastian Polter, as Kreilach just beat Männel and Michael Fink to the ball.

As if things couldn't get any better for Keilach or Düwel, the substitute made his introduction count and sent the capital club into the lead. Jopek did wonderfully well to hold the ball up and feed the super sub, who turned and rifled the ball past a helpless Männel with just three minutes remaining. Despite some late pressure from Aue, Haas and his defence stayed resilient and held out for the three points.

The win moves Union up to eleventh and five points clear of opening Aue in sixteenth. Daylight could open up between Aue and the rest, especially if Sandhausen, FSV Frankfurt and 1860 Munich pick up points this weekend. The capital club will take on the Frankfurt-based outfit next Sunday, as Aue make the daunting trip to Kaiserslautern.