It was two defenders that found themselves on the scoresheet as Darmstadt saw off the challenge of Bochum. Die Lilien continue to surprise as they continued their charge on promotion.

Before the international break the two sides had two different outcomes, the hosts today suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Fortuna Düsseldorf as they did the double over them and in doing so ending Darmstadt's impressive unbeaten run. So going into this game they had to show their character to bounce back once more.

As for the guests, Bochum enjoyed a hard fought victory against Nürnberg as they made it two wins on the bounce after a 4-1 win over Heidenheim the week before and extending their unbeaten streak to six games.

One of the first bits of excitement came just after the ten minute mark, Marco Sailer managed to beat Felix Bastians to the ball and his cross was stopped by the Bochum defender, Sailer claimed for a handball, but the referee waved away the protests.

The first corner for Darmstadt was a successful one, the corner was poorly dealt with and Marcel Heller at the back post volleyed across goal and centre back Romain Brégerie was there to head in his fifth goal of the season.

The hosts were enjoying plenty of chances and possession as Bochum struggled to keep hold of the ball. Milan Ivana came close just before half time as his powerful effort was parried away by Michael Esser

Bochum had a great chance to find an equaliser when the second half kicked off, a minute into the half Thomas Eisfeld's cross found Nicolas Abdat in the middle and his effort forced Christian Mathenia into making a good save and flicking it past the post. 

On the hour mark Darmstadt came close a second when Sailer brilliantly picked out Heller and his strike clipped the outside of the post. 

Mathenia continued to deny Bochum as he made two good saves to deny Marco Terrazzino before saving Simon Terodde's effort a couple of minutes later.

Darmstadt finally doubled their lead in the 77th minute, once more from a corner. This time Leon Balogun found space and rifled a volley past the helpless Esser. 

That was the last of the match action and with the help Mathenia in goal Darmstadt did enough to earn the victory. 

The unbeaten run before today saw Bochum leap up the table once more after a few months of disappointing form, however now they have to show a bit of character to bounce back. Up next for them they host RB Leipzig. As for Darmstadt they travel to Bavaria to face Nürnberg, the former Bundesliga side have been struggling lately and could be the banana skin Darmstadt slip up on. Both teams stay where they are in table, Darmstadt stay in 3rd while Bochum stay in 8th.

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