Lens vs. Auxerre

AJA seemed to have run out of ideas in the final one third without their recognised front line, as they spent large periods of the first half sat in behind the ball, simply to seeking to counterattack their hosts.

With Auxerre restricted to a few and far chances and they fell behind in the 15th minute, when Kevin Monnet-Paquet slotted in a fine ball into the net via a quick change of angle rendering Olivier Sorin in the visiting net useless.

And AJA's only clear chance came via a Cedric Hengbart header that went close before the break.

After the interval there was no noticeable change in the pattern of play, with Dejan Milovanovic striking a fine shot that had to be well repulsed by Sorin.

But the custodian was soon left helpless when Abdoulrazak Boukari finished with the inside of his boot to put the hosts 2-0 up.

And Auxerre's attacking intent ended their, with the visitors destining themselves to the fate, Lens clinched vital 3 points.