Le Mans vs. Boulogne

As anticipated, Boulogne started this game with a primarily defensive outlook and simply aimed to counterattack whenever MUC pushed too many players forward and lost cheap possession.

Somewhat inevitably, Le Mans had the more frequent chances, with Frederic Thomas shooting just over on 11 minutes and Anthony Le Tallec pushing an effort just wide as half-time approached.

However, the home side’s greatest chance dropped for Fousseyni Cisse, who should have tucked away the rebound from a blocked Thomas shot but shot straight at Mathieu Valverde.

Boulogne had but one real first half opening, Jeremy Blayac, who was their most dangerous player, firing just wide after slick build-up play.

It was surprise when USBCO came out for the second period rather positively, Guillaume Ducatel sending a powerful effort just off course before the guests were denied by the crossbar, when Alexandre Cuvillier had sent a good first time effort away.

Somewhat cruelly, it was Le Mans that moved ahead, Roland Lamah meeting Sebastien Corchia’s free kick as Valverde made a misjudgment coming to claim.

This goal winded Boulogne, who failed to create a clear opening until deep into the match. When it came, they made it count, Fabien Robert equalizing in stoppage time with a simple finish.