Stopped by Strasbourg [0-1] !

The visitors created a couple of chances early on, with Thomasson (9') and Ajorque setting the tone for a frustrating afternoon. At the second time of asking, Ajorque beat Benoît Costil to put Strasbourg into the lead (11', 0-1). And that was it.   The visitors parked the bus. Ten men lined up in defence, a wall that Paulo Sousa's side struggled to pierce. The coach himself, meanwhile, was a flurry of activity on the touchline as he urged on his players.   But despite their best efforts, things never really looked likely to change. Nicolas De Préville (15') and Josh Maja (29') ran up against the solid Strasbourg defence. Just before the break Nicolas De Préville and Laurent Koscielny combined for yet another attack, but couldn't speak past Sels.     The second half was much the same as the first, with Strasbourg defending en masse and waiting for a chane to counter. Subs Loris Benito and Samuel Kalu, the latter replacing Mexer (71'),  both had chances (55' and 72') but the visitors'  defence held firm.   Time was ticking away. Benoît Costil pulled off a fantastic diving save to keep the Girondins in the game. Finally, with the end in sight, Jimmy Briand found himself facing an open goal... but couldn't quite get to the ball (81'). Game over, the Christmas celebrations will have to wait!