Oehrl spot-kick seals three points

A Torsten Oehrl penalty earned Eintracht Braunschweig only their third win of the season as they beat Hoffenheim 1-0.

A Torsten Oehrl penalty earned Eintracht Braunschweig only their third win of the season and lifted them off the foot of the Bundesliga, at least for a few hours, with a 1-0 win over Hoffenheim, who failed to score for only the second time this season. Oehrl had an early goal ruled out for offside, but he made sure of the points from the penalty spot in the 29th minute. Braunschweig ended the game with 10 men after Timo Perthel was sent off, but they held on for a win which revives hopes of avoiding relegation this season. Braunschweig made a bright start to the game and thought they had raced into an early lead. Mirko Boland, who passed a late fitness test to play, headed the ball to Oehrl, whose goal was ruled out before Braunschweig's celebrations could commence as the linesman's flag was raised. Hoffenheim went close with their first attack of the afternoon, Sejad Salihovic grazing the outside of the post with an effort from just outside the penalty area, but it was the hosts who took a deserved lead in the 29th minute. Sven Schipplock got caught in a bit of wrestling practice inside the penalty area with Bicakcic going to ground and earning a penalty. Oehrl stepped up to the spot and made sure there could be no doubts this time as he sent Jens Grahl the wrong way. Hoffenheim have developed a reputation for their attacking football and it was no surprise that they raised their game in a bid to draw level. Yet Braunschweig were not having any of it, even if a desperate professional foul near the halfway line, and consequent red card for Perthel, left them with their backs to the wall for the final 10 minutes. Torsten Lieberknecht's men held firm, however, as the usually free-scoring Hoffenheim lacked the necessary invention to carve out any further chances.