Leipzig (dpa) -
Cottbus back in the promotion battle
Energie Cottbus have renewed hope in the race for promotion to the 2nd Bundesliga. After three games without a win in the 3rd division, coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz's team won 3:0 (2:0) at relegation-threatened TSV Havelse. There were even more goals in it. "It's unbelievable that the final score is only 0:3. I knew that if the team stays focused and doesn't get preoccupied with other issues, it will get back on track," said coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz on MagentaSport. Second place is now within reach again: "In the end, we want to be second. That can change week by week. The important thing is that we perform consistently in the last few games. The team can do that. If they remain unperturbed, they'll be able to bring it home."
Axel Borgmann (20th minute) and Tolcay Cigerci (23rd) scored for the favorites from Lausitz before the break. Moritz Hannemann (57) followed up in the second half. Cottbus put in an extremely dominant performance and should have gone into the break with a clearer lead. Borgmann and Erik Engelhardt in particular missed great chances - also because Norman Quindt in the hosts' goal made a strong save. Havelse got into the game better after around half an hour, but failed twice against Energie keeper Marius Funk. The fact that Cottbus then missed several top-class chances ultimately played no decisive role. Wollitz was nevertheless furious on the touchline. After all, the match against 1860 Munich will now be followed by landmark duels with leaders VfL Osnabrück and fellow rivals Rot-Weiss Essen.
