We are taking advantage of the arrival of Stade Rennais at the Stade de l'Aube in a few weeks to tell you the story of another decisive match between these two teams which took place 70 years ago… A momentous and historic meeting for the Trojans ! Photos : Collection : CC.
Professional since 1935, the ASTS (the Troyes Sainte-Savine Sports Association) had achieved some successes such as a semi-final of the Coupe de France in 1950, but it had rather stagnated in the championship. However, since the arrival of the new coach Roger Courtois, in the 1952 off-season, and the desire of certain hosiery bosses to give greater financial resources to the Trojan club, we have since witnessed some encouraging stirrings. This is how the The 1953-1954 season saw the ASTS fight all season with the best teams in an attempt to reach the First Division for the first time in its existence.
One point is enough to validate the climb
The data is simple. On the eve of this 38th and final day of the 2nd Division, ASTS, which has just crushed Grenoble 7-1 at the Stade de l'Aube, is second in the ranking with one point ahead of Racing de Paris and two points over Rouen. The victory being worth only two points, the Trojans therefore only need one to ensure their rise. A draw is therefore the minimum result they must obtain in Rennes.
The Trojan team's last opponent, Stade Rennais, sixth, has nothing left to fear or hope for. They have not won a single one of their last three matches and have two defeats. The Trojans are on a series of 17 matches without defeat (13 wins and 4 draws).
Everyone is saying that ASTS is likely to win this match, especially since in the first leg, on December 13 in Troyes, the Rennais conceded an 8-1 that they have not forgotten. But everyone is wrong, the Breton has a memory. The Rennais, humiliated at the Stade de l'Aube, want their revenge and it is a hotly contested match which will take place at the Route de Lorient stadium.
When ASTS concretes
The match started normally, ASTS produced its usual polished game. It was a pleasant match witnessed by the 7,184 spectators present, with a slight Trojan domination which could even have resulted in an advantage. Halftime arrives while the score is still 0-0.
At the restart, however, there is a change of scenery, Rennes deliberately begins to attack! The locals have changed strategy and are playing to win. The ASTS is surprised, astonished… and shocked! So, the Trojans will adopt an attitude that we didn't know they had. To hang on to the point of the draw, they will simply concrete! For example, we will see Pierre Flamion (attacking midfielder) positioning himself in front of the central defender. It's an unusual organization that the people of Rennes did not expect. The Trojans, as allowed by the regulations of the time, did not hesitate to pass the ball back to their goalkeeper so that he could grab it by hand before clearing it away.
After a big scare at the 88e minute of play which will be Rennes' final opportunity, the referee will whistle the end of the game a few minutes later.
Welcoming supporters at Troyes station
The Trojans will be able to let their joy burst forth! For the first time, Troyes will play in the first division! The players are exhausted but drunk with happiness. At the hotel where the Trojan delegation stayed, the champagne flowed freely, before taking the train back to Troyes.
The next morning, although it was a Monday, several dozen supporters were at Troyes station when the 10:13 train from Paris arrived. When they leave, the players and their coach receive a tremendous ovation!
STADE RENNAIS 0-0 ASTS – May 30, 1954: 38e day of 2e division
Route de Lorient Sports Park – Good ground: 7184 spectators
Rennes: Pinat – Pécout, Poulain, Nuevo – Cueff, Le Dren – Baillot, Bengtsson, Caiero, Vialleron, Gondoin. Coach: Salvador Artigas.
ASTS : Landi – Thuane, Pordié, Czapski – Thomas, Ferrad – Courtois, Flamion, Césari, Ben Tifour, Bessonart. Coach: Roger Courtois.
