A draw in Rodez (2-2)

This Sunday, Jérôme Dauba's Girondines travelled to face Rodez without Delphine Chatelin, currently serving a suspension, and Niamh Fahey, who was taken ill. Bordeaux were held to a 2-2 draw by a Rodez side scrapping hard to stay in the top flight. Line-up: Nayler, Lardez, Bornes, Sousa, Thibaud, Istillart (c), Cambot, Karchouni, Barbance, Lavaud, Tarrieu. The opening exchanges were intense, setting the tone for things to come. Bordeaux were the first to threaten, with Mylaine Tarrieu seeing a decent shot tipped out for a corner by Rodez keeper Garcia (19th minute). Rodez soon counter-attacked, but failed to make it count (25'). There were plenty of chances for both sides in an open, flowing first half, but both teams lacked precision in the final third. Rodez came close just before the break, but Mylaine Tarrieu cleared off the line. Seconds later Solène Barbance unleashed a powerful shot at the other end, but Garcia stopped it with an impressive diving save. Still 0-0 at half time. The second half got off to a poor start for Bordeaux, conceding a goal to Lemaitre's clipped shot (0-1, 49'). Rodez kept pushing forward in the hope of hammering home their advantage, and Jérôme Dauba reacted with his first substitution of the afternoon, bringing on Nadjma Ali Nadjim for Rose Lavaud. The Girondines equalised in the 67th minute thanks to Kathellen Sousa's first goal for the club, with Sarah Cambot providing the assist (1-1, 67').  Nadjma Ali Nadjim then gave Bordeaux the lead, connecting with Sophie Istillart's perfectly-timed cross (2-1, 75'). But this advantage was short-lived, as Rodez soon snatched a lucky equaliser when Lemaitre intercepted a lacklustre clearance from the Girondines' defence... (2-2, 82'). Both sides had a chance to steal a late winner, with Sophie Istillart hitting the bar (85') and Erin Nayler putting paid to one last Rodez attack in extra time. Another point on the board, as Bordeaux edge closer to their objective of securing their D1 status. The Girondines next outing will be the home game against Guingamp, next Sunday at 3pm.