Ervin Skela's early header was enough to secure Energie Cottbus' first away win of the season with a 1-0 victory at Duisberg, giving them a four-point cushion over the relegation zone.

The Albanian midfielder met Dennis Sorensen's looping cross with a diving header to beat goalkeeper Tom Starke from 12 yards with just four minutes gone and although Duisburg dominated the rest of a physical match, they could not create an equaliser.

Cottbus move up to 14th after successive wins while Duisburg, without a home win in six, remain 16th, two points adrift of safety.

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