The Borussia Dortmund U23s have given themselves some breathing space and pulled six points clear of the relegation places thanks to a comfortable 1-0 win over SV Meppen. The excellent Justin Njinmah scored the game’s only goal.

The scenario: Coach Jan Zimmermann’s charges went into the game on a four-match unbeaten run – during which they had scored 13 goals, conceded only one and moved up to 15th position in the table. SV Meppen had picked up only one victory and three draws in their previous 10 games and had dropped down to last place.

Personnel matters: BVB pro Thomas Meunier came into the team in place of Can Özkan, who dropped to the bench. Ole Pohlmann withdrew at short notice and as an older player, Niklas Dams had to cede one of the three over-23 places to Meunier. He was replaced by Bjarne Pudel.

The match & analysis: BVB made a strong start and created their first chance through Justin Njinmah in the fourth minute, but his shot flew narrowly wide of the Emsland side’s goal. Ted Tattermusch failed to connect with an Abdoulaye Kamara cross in the 10th minute, with Antonios Padadopoulos hitting the post with a header from a corner-kick eight minutes later. Meppen then managed to reduce the pressure somewhat but did not create any real goalsoring chances. It was only in the 30th minute that the visitors had their first opportunity, but they could not get the ball past BVB custodian Marcel Lotka. Meunier, who was holding his thigh, was brought off after 43 minutes. Can Özkan came on in his stead at the break. The score remained goalless until the interval.

The second half got off to a disjointed start, with neither team initially carving out opportunities. BVB were in the ascendancy, however. Then, in the 57th minute, Justin Njinmah sensed his opportunity, embarking upon a run down the right flank, cutting inside and firing into the back of the Meppen net from almost 18 metres – 1-0 to BVB, who were now up to 13th place in the table. The next good opportunity for BVB did not come until a while later: Kamara drove forward down the right wing and played a ball in behind towards Njinmah, who asserted himself brilliantly. Meppen custodian Harsmann could only block his shot with great difficulty. A matter of minutes later, Tattermusch and Njinmah exchanged passes but Tattermusch could not take advantage of a fine ball and fired over the bar from an unmarked position in front of goal.

Outlook: The U23s will travel to Paderborn to take on SC Verl at 19:00 CET on Monday 24 April.

U23s: Lotka – Meunier, Papadopoulos, Pudel, Bueno – Pfanne, Kamara, Eberwein – Njinmah, Tattermusch, Michel

Goal: 1-0 Njinmah (57)
Jens Volke