2. Bundesliga: Stoke City loanee Smit guides Darmstadt to first win over Bielefeld

New signings Lee Ho-jae and Milan Smit secured Darmstadt’s first win of the season at home against Arminia Bielefeld.

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Darmstadt leave the bottom of the 2. Bundesliga standings with a late win over Arminia Bielefeld on Friday. Florian Kohfeldt’s side scored their goals at the start and end of the game in a 2-1 victory.

South Korean striker Lee Ho-jae scored three minutes into his first start, with the assist provided by fellow new signing Noah Weißhaupt. The hosts had chances to double their advantage, but they were wasteful in front of goal.

As a result, Bielfeld found their equalizer as Marius Wörl scored away from home for the second week running. However, like the 4-2 loss to Nürnberg, Oliver Kirch’s side suffered yet another defeat on the road.

Leon Jensen’s handball presented the perfect opportunity for the hosts to regain the lead five minutes from time. Smit, who scored in the cup win over Carl Zeiss Jena, got his first 2. Bundesliga goal from the penalty spot.

Darmstadt held on to their lead despite a frantic end to the game in either box. Both sides have four points to their names after their first five matches of the season. Kohfeldt will return to his former club Wolfsburg next week, while Bielefeld will be at home against another relegated side Heidenheim.