Kult & Punk: St Pauli back after winter break, but lose!

The boys are back, but suffer defeat. Kult and Punk return refreshed, after the winter break. The return wasn't a happy one, but back to Zoes Bar next week, the commencement of the Dart League and playing live is Dresden Dave and the Stranded Motorists - really is a band, promise we did not make that up.

Alemannia Aachen 2-1 FC St. Pauli

Aachen and St. Pauli could hardly have gone into their encounter in more contrasting situations. While the hosts had struggled prior to the winter break and began the tie in 14th place, just a point above the relegation zone, the guests were only three points off the top of the league and gearing themselves up for a promotion push.

In the opening exchanges, the bright pink ball in use due to the icy pitch was the most striking aspect of the game as both teams laboured to find their feet in their first competitive match for more than a month. But the encounter suddenly sparked into life after a quarter of an hour as the home side netted two quick goals, first a Benjamin Auer penalty after Albert Streit had been unceremoniously hacked down in the box, before Aimen Demai doubled the lead after a terrific one-two in the edge of the area.

Aachen impressive

Aachen were solid at the back and appeared to be heading into the break with their two goal advantage intact, but Fabian Boll reduced Pauli's deficit shortly before half time, stroking the ball in from close range following a flick on from Max Kruse's cross. After the break however, Aachen regained their composure and their play belied their lowly standing in the league, often troubling the Pauli defence with quick and incisive passing in attack, but neither side was able to find the net again.

The victory means the hosts now move three points clear of the relegation zone, and although they remain in a perilous position, they should be able to stay out of trouble if they can consistently repeat their performance here. Pauli's promotion hopes suffered a dent, but they are still in the mix at the top, only four points behind the leaders.