The all-east clash between Union Berlin and Erzgebirge Aue ended goalless on Saturday at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Neither side could turn any of their chances into goals meaning there remains little between relegation and mid-table in the 2.Bundesliga.

Head coach Andre Hofschneider made two changes from the defeat last week at 1.FC Kaiserslautern with Philipp Hosiner tasked with replacing the injured Sebastian Polter who will miss the rest of the season. The Austrian striker buzzed around in the early exchanges and forced Martin Männel into an excellent save under his own crossbar. Akaki Gogia and Christopher Trimmel followed up with further chances but the three-man Aue backline defended well.

Hannes Drew’s team grew into the game with more confidence and managed to avoid the pressing traps of Union. When they did break through, however, the finishing touches weren’t there from Ridge Munsy and Pascal Köpke. Before the half was out, Union had one last effort on goal with Grischa Prömel’s strike deflecting against the woodwork.

Hofschneider’s side failed to carry on the momentum from the end of the first half with Aue growing ever more dangerous in the last third. Mesenhöler’s fine save blocked Köpke’s route to goal after 47 minutes and he stood firm again to prevent Nazarov from scoring near the hour mark. The hosts worked Männel again in the final half hour with Hosiner almost converting from close range, but it would end goalless on another frustrating afternoon for Union.

"We didn’t have the courage after a good start. We held back early and Aue had room to play in. In the first half we didn't allow a goal scoring chance and we ourselves had two or three good chances, one of which we should have used to steer the game in our direction. In the second half we wanted to press aggressively, so the game cost a lot of substance both in the head and in the legs. In the end we didn't get a goal and kept a clean sheet. However, the point in front of our own audience is not enough for our own standards,” said Hofschneider.

There is an opportunity forthcoming for the Köpenick club to amend the mistakes of Saturday. Next weekend, Union host Jahn Regensburg on home soil and will be looking to extend the unbeaten home run to four matches. Kick off on Saturday is 13:00 with tickets still available for home and away supporters.