Greuther Fürth extended their recent run of good results after Jeremy Dudziak's first-half strike and a Stefan Bell own goal helped the resurgent hosts to an important victory against visiting Mainz.

Greuther Fürth 2-1 Mainz 
Goals: 1-0 Dudziak 12' (assist: Seguin), 2-0 Bell (o.g.) 66', 2-1 Onisiwo 90'+3 (assist: Stöger)

Fürth have displayed plenty of grit and determination of late as they fight for their Bundesliga lives. The division's last-placed team were unbeaten in their previous three games before welcoming Mainz and had gone mightily close to a much-needed win at Arminia Bielefeld last time out. It was exactly that drive that saw the Cloverleaves power into an early lead at the Sportpark Ronhof. With the 05ers getting into a defensive muddle, Paul Seguin pounced and fed Dudziak who rifled home an attractive finish from inside the area. Mainz had ambitions of their own going into this Matchday 20 game, the visitors keen to stay in touch with the European spots. That Bo Svensson's men failed to go in at least level at the break was down to Anton Stach hitting the crossbar and Jetro Willems then doing the same with an attempted clearance. Between times, Jonathan Burkardt had a shot smartly saved by Sascha Burchert.

Up against it for large parts against their attacking opponents, Fürth were nonetheless buoyed by the fact they had taken a lead into the break for the first time this season. Stefan Leitl's men could - and possibly should - have been celebrating even more after the restart when Dudziak's through ball found Jamie Leweling free in front of goal. Relief for Mainz followed when Robin Zentner just managed to divert the Fürth striker's shot over the bar. Any respite the visitors felt was short-lived, however, after Bell - under no pressure - diverted Dudziak's centre from the right into his own net. Karim Onisiwo headed one back for Mainz before the end, but it would be the home team's day as they dare to dream of what might yet come from a previously punishing campaign.

Match stats

• Fürth are enjoying their best run of the season, having taken nine points from the last 18 on offer.
• Dudziak's opening goal was his second of the season, and his first at home.
• Bell scored the third own goal of his Bundesliga career. Three of Mainz's last five own goals are accredited to the defender.
• Fürth have now scored twice in consecutive games. In 18 previous Bundesliga games this season, the Cloverleaves only scored more than one goal on one occasion.
• Seguin played his 100th competitive game for Fürth.
• Daniel Brosinski featured in his 200th Bundesliga game for Mainz.

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Line-ups

Fürth: Burchert – Meyerhöfer, Griesbeck, Viergever, Willems (Itter 69') – Seguin, Christiansen, Tillman (Abiama 85') – Dudziak (Nielsen 77') – Leweling (Bauer 84'), Hrgota (c)
Unused subs: Linde, Asta, Pululu, Jung
Out: Funk (knee), Hoogma (not included), Kehr (knee), Ngankam (knee)
Coach: Stefan Leitl

Mainz: Zentner - St. Juste, Bell (Hack 66'), Niakhate (c) - Widmer (Brosinski 80'), Barreiro, Stach (Stöger 72'), Lee (Nebel 72'), Martin (Boëtius 66') - Onisiwo, Burkardt
Unused subs: Dahmen, Lucoqui, Papela, Nemeth
Out: Ingvartsen (groin), Kohr (thigh), Szalai (head), Tauer (adductor)
Coach: Bo Svensson

About the clubs

SpVgg Greuther Fürth

Sportpark Ronhof | Thomas Sommer

1. FSV Mainz 05

MEWA ARENA