Hansa Rostock slip to defeat at home to Essen

Christoph Dabrowski scores winner for visitors

Rostock remain in drop zone after latest setback

F.C. Hansa Rostock slipped to a 1-0 home defeat to Rot-Weiss Essen in the 3. Liga on Sunday, a result that leaves the hosts in the relegation zone.

Christoph Dabrowski scored the only goal of the game in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from the Rostock backline.

The defeat leaves Rostock in 18th place in the 3. Liga table, two points adrift of safety with just four games remaining.

Essen, meanwhile, move up to 12th place with the victory, bolstering their hopes of a top-half finish.

Rostock started the game brightly and had the better of the chances in the opening stages, but they failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Essen grew into the game as the half progressed and began to create chances of their own, with Dabrowski going close on a couple of occasions.

The visitors took the lead in the 55th minute when Dabrowski latched onto a loose pass from Rostock defender Damian Roßbach and fired home from close range.

Rostock pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but they were unable to find a way through the Essen defense, and the visitors held on to claim all three points.

Rostock coach Jens Härtel was disappointed with his team's performance after the game.

"We were not good enough today," he said. "We made too many mistakes and we were punished by a good Essen team."

Essen coach Christoph Dabrowski was delighted with his team's victory.

"We played very well today and we deserved to win," he said. "We are now in a good position to finish the season strongly."