The duel at the top of the National was won by AS Nancy this Friday, December 13. In front of nearly 10,000 spectators at the Marcel-Picot stadium, the Lorraines were more effective in making the difference at the end of the first period against the Orléanais, who were nevertheless dominant after the break.
First period
Unlike the previous match against Paris 13, US Orléans got into this match well without being dangerous except for a collective movement poorly concluded by a missed cross from Halby-Touré (18th).
The people of Lorraine gradually gained the upper hand. With an off-target shot from Dabasse (24th) and another curled one from Sidibé captured by Viot (29th). The USO finished this first period better with a good situation on Ponti’s cross deflected too weakly by Khous at the near post (40th).
But it was Nancy who opened the scoring after added time. After a poor recovery from Giraudon, Dabasse, the former USO player, recovered the ball and deceived Viot with a low cross shot (45th+2)
Second period
The USO created two great chances from the restart. Nicely served by Bretelle, El Khoumisti, alone in the area, saw his shot repelled by Sourzac (49th), the Nancy goalkeeper who also caught a shot from the Orléans striker a minute later.
The rapid entries of Do Marcolino, the savior of the USO against Paris 13, Berthier and Sanchez, the latest recruit of the USO, gave momentum to the USO, dominating in the last quarter of an hour. With four great opportunities up for grabs. But El Khoumisti (80th), Sanchez (81st and 90th) and especially Do Marcolino who lost his duel against Sourzac (89th) could not equalize.
In added time, Ryan Ponti was taken off on a stretcher after a collision with a Nancy player.
The sequel
US Orléans players will train until Wednesday, December 18 before going on vacation. The resumption is set for December 30. The next match will take place on Friday January 10, 2025 with the reception of Aubagne.
Patrick Paumier
