First away win! Sturm II pick up crucial points against Wels

Sturm Graz II secured a 3-1 (1-0) victory against Hertha Wels on matchday 12 of the ADMIRAL 2. Liga, taking home three crucial points.

The visitors dominated from the opening minutes. Nnamdi broke down the right flank time and again, but his final ball initially found no takers.

Coach Lackner's side gradually found their way into the match, although spectators in Upper Austria had to wait a long time for the first real opening.

Sturm get their first big chance

In the 22nd minute, the lively Nnamdi was picked out, but saw his effort denied by Schrocker. The former Vienna player picked up the rebound, spotted Petritsch, but he too failed to beat the Wels keeper.

At the other end, the first shot on goal came five minutes later. Kregar found Mankan in the centre, but goalkeeper Lorenz was equal to it.

Grgic nets the opener

Nevertheless, the Black and Whites set the pace and celebrated the opening goal in the 29th minute. After Nnamdi played a cross into the box, Lang missed the ball, but Grgic was waiting behind him, sidestepped his defender, and slotted home for 1-0.

Just two minutes later, the provider missed the chance to double the lead following a pass from Gurmann. Wels also squandered an opportunity through Mankan (39'), sending the visitors into the break with a narrow lead.

Stunning goal followed by quick reply

Sturm Graz II remained in full control after the restart and made it 2-0 thanks to a wonder strike from Nnamdi (54'). The 20-year-old curled the ball into the top corner from the right wing to celebrate his second goal of the season.

However, just moments after the restart, captain Haudum brought Wels back into the game following a cross from Mankan. Left completely unmarked, he headed the ball into the net (56').

Wels shoot themselves in the foot

Drama ensued in the 64th minute when Tischler pulled back the sprinting Petritsch inside the penalty area. The referee awarded Sturm a penalty and handed the Hertha player a red card. Lang stepped up to take the spot-kick, but could only hit the post.

Just seconds later, Schrocker pulled off a brilliant save to deny a header from Maierhofer.

Gurmann converts spectacular free-kick

The game became increasingly physical after that, with Wels picking up four yellow cards in the space of three minutes. Following a foul in the 82nd minute, Gurmann stepped up to take a free-kick and scored a spectacular effort into the top corner from the left - 3-1.

Despite good chances for the hosts in the closing minutes, they failed to find the back of the net again.

For Sturm Graz II, it marks their first away victory of the current season. Following the win, the Styrians move up to 11th place in the table, while Wels drop to the bottom spot.