France round-up: Marseille close the gap

Olympique de Marseille put the pressure on Ligue 1 leaders OGC Nice with a 1-0 win against RC Lens in Saturday’s early game in France.

Early goal
Marseille got the better of UEFA Cup challengers Lens thanks to a 12th-minute goal by Cameroonian forward Solomon Olembé. The match marked the return of Marseille captain Franck Leboeuf, who had been missing with a leg injury, but seemed untroubled during the game. Marseille’s victory moved them to within two points of the top of the table, and level with second-placed Olympique Lyonnais.

Nice frustrated
Nice were frustrated in their attempt to take a four-point lead as they were held to a goalless draw at home by bottom side Stade Rennais FC, while Lyon were defeated 2-1 at Lille OSC. Goals from Vladimir Manchev and Christophe Landrin put the home side in complete command, before substitute Frédéric Née pulled one back in the very last minute with a spectacular goal.

Guingamp fourth
En Avant Guingamp are fourth, following a 2-0 home win over FC Sochaux-Montbéliard. Goals from Didier Drogba three minutes after half-time and an own goal from Maxence Flachez meant that Guingamp’s impressive form continued, as they saw off a Sochaux side who lie sixth.

Skilful lob
AJ Auxerre secured a valuable 1-0 win at Le Havre AC thanks to a Teemu Tainio goal on the hour, as he struck with a superb lob. Meanwhile, Portuguese striker Pauleta, who scored two goals in his country’s win over Scotland in midweek, was on target again, his goal earning FC Girondins de Bordeaux a 1-0 home win against AC Ajaccio. The goal was Pauleta’s ninth domestic strike, and means he has now scored half of his side’s goals so far this season.

Great comeback
Elsewhere, goals from Frédéric Adam and David Hamed helped ES Troyes Aube Champagne to a 2-0 win against CS Sedan-Ardennes, while two Marc-Eric Guei goals seemed to have earned Montpellier Hérault a priceless home win over SC Bastia. However, Michael Essien pulled a goal back early in the second half, and Cédric Uras got a late equaliser to make it 2-2 and leave the home side still struggling in the relegation zone.