Hannover defeats Bochum 2-0

Die Roten won its first match of the year away from home as they defeat Bochum 2-0. The victory is Hannover's third victory in four matches and continues to lay a strong foundation for next year as they are in the top half of the table during the Rückrunde.

With Polish international Jacek Krzynówek the only addition to Dieter Hecking's starting eleven, 96 established the run of play early. Only twelve minutes into the match as Mike Hanke won a loose ball, laid off to Krzynówek who crossed from the left into the edge of the six-yard box for Arnold Bruggink to head in. Two minutes past the half-hour Arnold Bruggink's corner from the left was nodded into the near post by Hanno Balitsch to make it 2-0 for 96. Although controlling the match early, after the break Bochum unloaded a constant barrage of attacks on Robert Enke but each time the captain denied their efforts.

The three points all but guarantees Hannover's continuance in the Bundesliga as they welcome Frankfurt to Niedersachsenstadion next Saturday.