1. FC Union Berlin U23: S. Schulz – Wendling, Stibal, Gericke (46. Mahlau), Bach – Krauss, Laidler (56. Kratz), Hamann (80. G. Schulz) – Reichenbach (64. Ahlswede), Weihmann, Kähler

1. FFV Erfurt: Meißner – Hasenbein, Groll, Huck, Berger – Hein (69. Preißel), Uhl, Osburg (56. Janssen), Mittelsdorf (89. Freywald) – Schrenk (89. Nehlert), Gast

Attendance: 53

Goals: 0-1 Schrenk (7.), 1-1 Krauss (35.), 1-2 Schrenk (47.), 1-3 Janssen (56.)

Krauss responds to early Erfurt lead

In the duel with the seventh-placed Erfurt, who were only three points behind Union before kick off, the hosts had hoped to build on their convincing 4-1 away victory in Rostock. However, the guests had the better start when, in only the seventh minute, Lea Schrenk intercepted a pass from Union keeper Sherly Schulz about 25 yards out from goal, took a touch, and finished coolly from the edge of the penalty area for an early lead.

In a tough and physical game, clear goal-scoring opportunities were initially scarce. Union recorded their first attempt through Louisa Kähler in the 11th minute, but her long-range shot from outside the box flew well wide. At the other end, Sherly Schulz was on hand for a shot from Jutta Hein from a tight angle, as well as for a shot from Anna Mittelsdorf in the 25th minute, which she saved at the near post.

Union had stuggled to create any further chances, so the equaliser in the 35th minute was somewhat surprising. It came from a fantastic free-kick from Lina Krauss, as she artfully bent the ball into the top corner from the right.

Union could have completed the turnaround only moments later when, first, Megan Reichenbach was denied in a one-on-one by keeper Griseldis Meißner, then Latoya Bach narrowly missed the half-empty goal with the rebound, hitting the post instead. In the closing phase, Sandra Weihmann tested Meißner again with two shots, but she was there on both occasions. At the other end, Neele Gast squandered a great chance to bring Erfurt back in front with practically the last kick of the first half.

Erfurt’s double strike after the break

As in the first half, Erfurt’s Lea Schrenk did not take long to give her team the lead again. This time, the forward was celebrating just 120 seconds after the restart, with a clinical finish after a quick counterattack. What made this all the more bitter for Union was that just seconds before the goal, Lina Krauss hit the crossbar with a free-kick from almost the spot she had already scored from.

But it wasn't to be. In the 56th minute, Antonia Janssen, who had been substituted just 20 seconds earlier, extended Erfurt’s lead. After a misplaced pass, the midfielder took a chance from the edge of the box, spectacularly finding the top corner.

Union continued to strive for a comeback and did come close. Meißner just about managed to parry a shot from Hannah Kratz before, in the 85th minute, Lucy Wendling drove her rebound wide after Meißner parried a save her way.

In seventh on 23 points from 16 matches, Erfurt have now drawn level with Union's U23s, but Union remain a place ahead of them on goal difference. They have a game in hand on fifth placed Turbine Potsdam II, who have 25 points.

The reactions to the game

"Unfortunately, it was a day to forget for us," said Union coach, Anja Matthes after the final whistle. "We never really found our game. Many simple mistakes took away some of our courage, and the opponent capitalised on their chances. Although we also had several opportunities, we didn’t have any luck today. We will gather new strength over Easter to get back on the winning track against Magdeburg."