Bochum, Germany  - Hanover 96 claimed their first away win of the Bundesliga season, 2-0 at VfL Bochum on Friday, as they all but saved themselves from relegation.

Arnold Bruggink headed the opening goal in the 12th-minute and then fed Hanno Balitsch for the second, also a header, 20 minutes later.

Vahid Hashemian hit the post for Bochum in the 69th and Hanover's Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke made several saves to ensure the first win of the season away from home after two draws and 12 defeats on the road.

The victory lifted Hanover 10 points clear of the drop zone with 35 points for 11th place. Bochum, by contrast, remain 14th with 28 points, just three above the relegation zone.

VfL Wolfsburg lead the way with 57 points in a tight title race from Hertha Berlin (55), Bayern Munich, VfB Stuttgart and SV Hamburg (all 54).

On Saturday, Wolfsburg host TSG Hoffenheim, Munich with new coach Jupp Heynckes play Borussia Moenchengladbach and Stuttgart visit Arminia Bielefeld. Hamburg host Hertha on Sunday. (dpa)