Besar Halimi's stunning strike secured a shock 1-0 win for FSV Frankfurt over St. Pauli.

FSV Frankfurt got their season back on track last weekend with a hard fought win against Greuther Fürth. Tomas Oral's side seemed to be getting better week after week, and new signing Felipe Pires was handed a start to bring about some more attacking flair. He replaced Shawn Barry and Dani Schahin also replaced Zlatko Dedic.

For St. Pauli, this campaign was a far cry from their last. From battling relegation the entire term to making an early promotion push, Ewald Lienen's work was nothing short of miraculous. They, unsurprisingly, remained unchanged from the impressive victory away in Leipzig.

St. Pauli dominate but can't find a way through

It was a tough opening period for both sides and neither looked terribly convincing going forward. There was plenty of running, determination and movement but ultimately the final ball was lacking. Lasse Sobiech had the game's best chance but he headed well over from a corner.

There was no holding back in the game and after a water break the game only seemed to increase in intensity. Frankfurt began to put the visiting defence under more pressure and Mario Engels had a hopeful penalty appeal turned down, but the best chances would fall to St. Pauli.

Lennart Thy was the live-wire and it looked as if he'd send Lienen's side into the break with a lead, though he was denied a goal by André Weis' smart one-on-one save. Marc Rzatkowski's follow up with bravely blocked by Lukas Gugganig. Thy was handed another chance soon after but was once again halted by Weis' legs.

Halimi's strike seals the three points

St. Pauli would have felt hard done by to go in level at the break and even worse when Besar Halimi continued his unbelievable start to the season with another stunning strike. A loose ball bounced the way of the Mainz loanee and he hit the most magnificent half volley which dipped and swerved straight into the top corner; Robin Himmelmann was helpless, and everyone else in awe of a quite magnificent goal.

Both sides traded chances soon after and Schahin really should have extended their advantage but shot straight at Himmelmann. At the other end, St. Pauli continued to apply pressure but Sebastian Maier's free-kick flew well over the bar from a decent position. He seemed to be the best route back into the game for the visitors, but it seemed as if they had lost their creative spark from their previous games.

St. Pauli pushed for a winner but they just couldn't find the crucial finish. A remarkable reflex stop from Weis prevented Sobiech from scoring a dramatic late goal. The hosts had secured a second successive win, with Weis and Halimi the stars of the show.

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About the author
Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]