Auxerre kept up their slim hopes of winning the French Ligue-1 title following a home win over Lorient. Saturday's victory raises hope of the side closing a five-point gap on leaders Marseille.
Auxerre broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, Daniel Niculae played in Dennis Oliech, the Kenyan striker finishing with a shot past goalkeeper Fabien Audard.
They doubled their lead just two minutes later, when Ireneusz Jelen took advantage of a slip by Lorient captain Sylvain Marchal to score his 11th goal of the season.
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Auxerre's Romanian forward Daniel Niculae (C) celebrates with teammates French forward Roy Contout (R) and French defender Jeremy Berthod (L) after scoring against Nancy during the French L1 football match Nancy-Auxerre at Marcel-Picot Stadium in Tomblaine. Auxerre won 1-0. (AFP/Jean-Christophe Verhaegen) |