Simon Hedlund scored the decisive goal with 10 minutes left to fire 10-man 1. FC Union Berlin to three points at FC St. Pauli on Saturday.

The Swede's fifth goal of the season seals Union's first victory on the road since October's win over Jahn Regensburg.  

1.FC Union XI: Mesenhöler; Friedrich (Sent off 56'), Torrejon, Leistner; Pedersen, Trimmel, Fürstner (Redondo 90'), Kroos; Hedlund (Kurzweg 88'), Daube (Hartel 75'), Skrzybski 

With the stakes high in the 2.Bundesliga, Saturday's visit to Hamburg took on a must-win importance given St Pauli and Union were two of the five clubs on 37 points. But after a nervy start, Union forced the best attacking chance of the first quarter with Steven Skrzybski charging half the length of the pitch before striking against the post from 20 yards out. A few minutes later, Toni Leistner powered through the home side's defensive structure, shooting across the face of goal - but just a few yards ahead of Simon Hedlund who couldn't turn the ball home in front of the 3,000 travelling fans.

The home side threatened on the half-hour mark with Christopher Buchtmann charging through one-on-one with Daniel Mesenhöler. St. Pauli's number 10 was sensationally denied by Leistner who hooked the ball off-the-line after a superb defensive recovery. At the other end, ex-Pauli player Dennis Daube rounded the keeper but saw his finish cleared on the line by Philipp Ziereis.

Hofschneider's side returned from the interval and established an impressive dominance over proceedings. Important in the eventual goal, Hedlund's deft change of direction created the space for the Swede to shoot and cannon a left-foot strike against the crossbar on 50 minutes. The screw looked to be turned when Marc Torrejon's header was cleared from the danger zone by Lassie Sobiech. Just as the team looked to be on the ascendency, Marvin Friedrich's second booking handed the home side a man advantage with half an hour left.

After a period of the game when Union soaked up the pressure, Marcel Hartel's introduction off the bench gave the Berliners an added impetus in attack. With 10 minutes left, Union's attacking intent was rewarded when the ball broke to Hedlund, who shifted the ball inside before sending it past Robert Himmelmann.

Back on home soil with a boost:

1. FC Union Berlin return to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei next Saturday (21.04.2018, 13:00) with 16th-placed Heidenheim the visitors. Tickets are still available for a crunch 2.Bundesliga game in Köpenick.