A big win in Montpellier! (1-0)

Finally, the new season is upon us! After the first game of the new campaign was postponed, Jérôme Dauba's side finally got the season underway with a tricky away trip to one of the toughest clubs in the division: Montpellier. Dauba fielded a full-strength starting eleven: Nayler - Thibaud, Sousa, Gilles, Lardez - Istillart (c), Karchouni (Barbance, 61'), Lavogez (Carol, 82') - Lavaud, Tarrieu (Garbino, 70'), Asseyi The girls had a stiff challenge ahead of them: Montpellier's starting line-up was composed entirely of experienced international players. They wasted no time in getting down to business, and the punishing southern sun and dry pitch did little to make matters easier for Bordeaux. But Montpellier were not their usual flamboyant selves, perhaps held back by that questionable playing surface. Their attacks ran up against an irreproachable Bordeaux defence, with the Girondines' back line working flat-out to close down the Swedish attacking duo of Blackstenius and Jackobsson. Bordeuax sought to make the most of the space on offer, but lacked precision in the final third. Mylaine Tarrieu floated in a promising cross which was cut short by goalkeeper Murphy (12'), and Viviane Asseyi's shot also ended up in the gloves of the American international (29'). It took something of a miracle to prevent Bordeaux from conceding in the first half. A miracle called Vanessa Gilles. In the 31st minute Jackobsson looked to have an open goal ahead of her, but the Canadian newcomer charged back to block the shot and keep the Girondines level at the break. A few minutes later Gilles almost made a decisive contribution at the other end, with a header which beat Murphy but strayed just outside the post (34'). The second half seemed to be a more evenly-balanced affair, until the Girondines took the lead in the 61st minute. Julie Thibaud played a smart ball to Viviane Asseyi in field, who demonstrated superb vision and precision to pick out Mylaine Tarrieu up front. Tarrieu slotted ruthlessly past Murphy to send Bordeaux into the lead. Montpellier spent the rest of the game desperately trying to claw back a goal, but were repeatedly frustrated by the defence, by Erin Nayler, and by their own lack of passing accuracy. The atmosphere was tense, and each new attack upped the pressure on the Girondines' back line. Finally deliverance came in the form of the final whistle. Bordeaux had pulled off a fine coup here, securing 3 precious points away to one of the most feared sides in the league. Next weekend sees Bordeaux's first home game of the league season, against Rodez on Saturday 15th September, kick-off 2:30pm.