Energie Cottbus boosted their hopes of survival with a 1-0 away win over fellow strugglers MSV Duisburg.

Relegation worries lifted by victory at MSV Arena

Energie Cottbus boosted their hopes of survival in the Bundesliga with a 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers MSV Duisburg at the MSV Arena. A goal from Ervin Skela after only four minutes allowed Cottbus to overtake their hosts in 14th position in the table. Skela took advantage of some adrift defending from Michael Lamey to stoop and head in a precise low cross from Dennis Sorensen to give Cottbus a surprise lead. After the interval Duisburg came storming back at their visitors as Pablo Caceres twice went close from range, while Ivica Grlic had a free-kick well saved by Cottbus goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel. However, Cottbus could have sneaked a second on the counter-attack as Sorensen wasted a good chance when one-on-one with Duisburg shot-stopper Tom Starke. Skela's early header, though, was to prove enough for Cottbus as they hung on to secure a crucial three points.