Hannover 96 got the better of a stubborn but lacklustre 1860 Munich side, winning a scrappy affair 2-0.

It took them 67 minutes to break the deadlock, but Kenan Karaman’s header did just that, with substitute Martin Harnik securing the three points a few minutes before the end.

The win takes Hannover into second, four points behind leaders Eintracht Braunschweig.

Degenek rules out for 1860 Munich

The hosts, who were wearing their Oktoberfest kit, were in search of consistency, having won, drawn and lost twice each so far. They had to come from behind twice to earn a draw against FC St. Pauli in their last game on Thursday night.

There were two changes from that game, Daylon Claasen was restored having dropped out in favour of Levent Aycicek against St. Pauli. Milos Degenek, who is set to miss several weeks due to a knee injury he picked up in Hamburg, was replaced by Kai Bülow. Victor Andrade remained on the bench despite his stunning equaliser three nights earlier.

Having flown out of the blocks in their first two games, Hannover then won just two points out of possible nine, but returned to winning ways against Karlsruher SC on Wednesday, with Felix Klaus getting an early goal. Daniel Stendel stuck with the eleven that started that match.

Hannover start bright but fade away

Hannover started by far the better team. There was an early double save for Jan Zimmermann, from Manuel Schmiedebach and then Klaus, whilst Waldemar Anton and Marvin Bakalorz also had early chances. But the best came when Karaman found Klaus at the far post, who struck the post with his shot.

The hosts were able to get a foothold on the game as it became a more scrappy and physical affair. Chances at this stage were limited, with Kraus having a shot block, and Jan Mauersberger headed wide for 1860.

Their only clear chance of the half came five minutes before the break. Michael Liendl found Sascha Mölders in the box, with the former FC Augsburg striker only able to shoot straight at Philipp Tschauner.

Karaman and Harnik on target

The equality of the football did not improve after the break. It took almost twenty minutes before either side had the chance to get a much-needed goal. Miiko Albornorz’s cross was met by Fossum, whose header went just over the bar.

The deadlock was finally broken a few minutes later. Fossum whipped in and a corner and found the head of Karaman, who was able to direct it in above the reach of Zimmermann.

1860 had little luck going in search of an equaliser, and Harnik, who had been introduced before the first goal, put the game beyond them. Set up by Oliver Sorg, he came in from the right, he perfectly placed his shot pass Zimmermann for his third goal since joining from VfB Stuttgart.

With that the game was up for the hosts, whose search for consistency will go on. But after their mini-blip, Hannover will see this as a big three points as they continue their pursuit of an immediate return to the Bundesliga.

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