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Auxerre improves European hopes

Sun 14th, February 2010

Auxerre, France (Sports Network) - Auxerre moved into sixth place in the Ligue 1 table on Sunday as they beat Rennes, 1-0, at the Stade Abbe Deschamps.

The lone goal was scored by Ireneusz Jelen four minutes before halftime, and it allowed Auxerre to move to within only two points of third-placed Lille, while Rennes slips five points back of Auxerre and sits in eighth place.

Auxerre entered the game two points clear of their opponents and they went on the attack from the start with Rennes goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez needing to make a good save on Daniel Niculae's header after a cross from Benoit Pedretti.

Rennes offered little in attack and didn't really threaten until the 39th minute, when Asamoah Gyan lashed a shot towards the far post that goalkeeper Olivier Sorin did well to keep out.

However, Auxerre was in front two minutes later as Dennis Oliech laid a ball off to Jelen more than 30 yards from goal. He then placed a brilliant lob over the head of the keeper and into the back of the net for a wonderful goal.

The second half saw Rennes control much of the action but the visitors failed to find the equalizer.

Gyan continued to give the Auxerre defense trouble, but he was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Stephane Grichting before his 30-yard effort was tipped over the crossbar by Sorin.

Sylvain Marveaux squandered a good chance when he found himself unmarked but missed the target, while Gyan didn't get enough on a late header and it was a comfortable save for Sorin.

Leaders Bordeaux won for just the second time in five league games as they beat St Etienne, 3-1, while Daniel Braathen's goal 12 minutes from time allowed Toulouse to earn a 1-1 draw with Lorient.