Valenciennes vs. Grenoble

Despite an early shot from Danijel Ljuboja, the visiting side were on the back foot for the majority of the first half but would suffer a double blow around the midway point of the period.

Milan Bisevac had already gone close for VA but there was no stopping Mamadou Samassa, who was on hand to meet a Gregory Pujol flick and fire into the net after good play from David Ducourtioux down the right.

Seven minutes later the home side found the second goal of the game, Fahid Ben Khalfallah shot high into the top corner of the net having been released by Gael Danic.

Twice Nassim Akrour went close for GF38 just after the interval, but Valenciennes quickly responded, Danic going close with a pair of openings, the second of which culminated in a superb volley into the side netting.

With 13 minutes of play remaining, it should have been 3-0 to VA after Pujol was fouled in the box, but Samassa’s penalty was blocked by Ronan Le Crom.

In spite of their goalkeeper’s heroics, there was not be no grandstand finish, with VA holding out comfortably.