Nancy vs. Sochaux

Francis Gillot’s men made a simply awful start to the game, gifting their opponents the lead in just the third minute when Damien Perquis committed a foul in the box. Up stepped Youssouf Hadji to convert from the penalty spot.

The match would remain fairly tight, with both sides awkward when it came to the final pass. Nancy seemed to have a little more edge to their play, and they scored again five minutes before the interval, Hadji firing a stunning goal into the net from 25-yards.

Sochaux’s uninspiring first half showing was put behind them after the break, with les Lionceaux dominating the ball. Charlie Davies has been a disappointing performer in recent weeks, but he nearly hauled his side back into the game. However, a superb recovery from Joel Sami robbed the American of a likely goal.

Hadji should have completed his hat-trick on 68 minutes but lacked control when well positioned, and Davies nearly made Nancy pay moments later, but home ‘keeper Gennaro Bracigliano was swiftly off his line to clear up the danger.

With nine minutes remaining Sochaux did have their desired goal. Nicolas Maurice-Belay’s incursion down the left saw him centre for Vaclav Sverkos, who touched the ball back for Marvin Martin to drill home.

Despite finding hope, there were no clear-cut openings created by the guests in the closing stages.