AS Nancy Lorraine 0 - 0 Nice

AS Nancy Lorraine 0-0 Nice

Updated: October 30, 2005, 7:57 PM UK

NANCY, October 30 (Ligue 1) - Nancy managed to hold out for a point against visitors Nice despite playing with 10 men for most of the match.

Cedric Lecluse received his marching orders for two yellow cards received in quick succession at the end of the first half.

Nice had their chances to win it but Nancy managed to hang on at the Stade Marcel-Picot to the relief of their supporters.

It was no mean feat for a side deprived through injury of their two Ivory Coast strikers Eli Kroupi and Dagui Bakari - the latter is quitting the game because of a heart problem although he has yet to complete all the necessary forms.

Nancy created the first chance of the game but Nice goalkeeper Damien Gregorini came to the rescue with a save to defy Frederic Biancalani, who had lashed a spectacular volley goalwards.

The Lorraine club continued to dictate the pace of the match and Adrian Sarkisian's free-kick was deflected wide by a Nice defender.

Gregorini was called into action again after 14 minutes and managed to parry a fine shot from Nancy's Brazilian player Andre Luis.

Sarkisian's dribble beat two defenders only to be halted by a robust tackle from Florent Balmont, who was fortunate to escape punishment for what looked to be a foul on the edge of the area.

Sarkisian then tried his luck with another free-kick but a deflection off Rod Fanni ensured it did not find the target.

Lecluse was then banished for two fouls on Bakary Kone in quick succession.

Even with 10 men, Nancy made the better start to the second half with Gregorini forced to make a double save from Pascal Berenguer.

Nice then started to get on top and Nancy goalkeeper Gennaro Braciglione did well to parry a Balmont shot before he excelled himself to deny Mamadou Bagayoko in a one-on-one situation.

There was one more chance for Nice with Bracigliano parrying a Sebastien Roudet shot to Balmont, whose shot went wide of the target.