Bordeaux held by Amiens [1-1]

In their 19th outing of the league season, the Girondins experienced a true game of two halves against Amiens. The first period was a relatively closed affair, with the visitors enjoying the best of the early chances courtesy of Fofana (4’) and Arokodaré (15’).

Bordeaux soon composed themselves and began to dominate possession. Alberth Elis put a shot wide (12’) and Fransérgio had two attempts stopped by the keeper (20’ and 25’). Back at the other end, Kakuta tested Poussin but the Bordeaux keeper came out on top (38’). The breakthrough finally came from the penalty spot, after Bordeaux Yoann Barbet was knocked down inside the box. Penalty specialist Josh Maja was as cool as ever, firing the Girondins into the lead (1-0, 42’).

The second half was a much more open, flowing affair. Amiens were combining well in attack, while Bordeaux held their own and looked to create gaps between the lines. The result was a game with plenty of attacking action. Amiens had the better chances, with Leautey twice picking out Arokodaré in dangerous positions which ultimately came to nothing (51’, 54’).

The Girondins had plenty of the ball, but struggled to create clear-cut chances on goal. Only Ignatenko managed a shot on target (74’). As the game wore on the Girondins were increasingly struggling to contain Amiens, and both Kakuta (71’) and Cissé (77’) came perilously close to scoring. The heartbreaking moment finally came in injury time, when young prospect Ilenikhena, just 16 years old, capped off a good movement down the left flank with a shot which lodged itself in the top corner of Gaëtan Poussin's net (1-1, 90’+2).

The Girondins tried one more roll of the dice in the dying seconds, and Junior Mwanga came within a whisker of snatching a late winner, only to see his header rebound off the post (90’+5). Bordeaux slipped to another draw, giving more hope to their nearest rivals who are now breathing down their necks. Nevertheless, with half of the season now played David Guion's side are currently in 2nd place, and know that if they can reproduce this form over the coming months then big things await.