DObviously, these Granville-Bordeaux are not matches like any other. As in the 32nd final of the Coupe de France seven years ago, this 15th day of National 2 between Manchois and Girondins offered a stunning scenario. If the Granvillais really thought they would repeat the trick of 2018, they were finally caught cold at the end of additional time.
However, it all started quietly at the end of the afternoon at the Stade Louis-Dior. Around the pitch, the presence of Ultramarines and North Gate supporter groups was authorized for the first time this season, guaranteeing a great atmosphere. On the green rectangle, however, the start was sluggish.
A success which allows the Girondins to get back on the podium, eight points behind leader Saint-Malo
Bordeaux coach Bruno Irles made a strong choice by not starting Soufiane Bahassa, following his failed match against Locminé. The first act nevertheless remained quite dull, without any real opportunity and with an almost too blatant desire to use Andy Carroll’s deflective play. Far from being safe upon returning from the locker room against the worst defense in Group B of National 2 (26 goals conceded), Bordeaux then experienced a worrying crossing of the desert for almost half an hour.
Victorious set pieces
But lightning finally appeared in the Norman night. From a corner, Soufiane Bahassa, who entered after the hour mark, found the England international for his special. Chest control at the penalty spot and half-volley with the left foot. The bench and the two ultras could let their joy explode, five minutes from time.
But this was without counting on the tenacity of the Granvillais who threw their last strength into the battle. On a cross from the right, and while his shot had flown away, Vincent Créhin collapsed in the area following contact with Jean Grillot. Monsieur Flachot did not hesitate for a second and pointed to the penalty point. An offering that the pocket attacker did not fail to transform, returning to Granville this winter (1-1, 90e + 2).
The draw would undoubtedly have been logical given the performance of the two teams, except that the eight minutes of added time had not yet delivered their verdict. On the last corner of the match, taken by Adrien Louveau, captain of the evening, Nassim Ranem, returning with Nama Fofana to add his size, catapulted a header into the back of the net to offer the Girondins the three points. A success achieved despite perfectible content which allows Bruno Irles’ men to get back on the podium, eight points behind leader Saint-Malo.
Reaction
Bruno Irles (coach of the Girondins de Bordeaux): “We are coming out of a period of three defeats, because I count Saint-Brieuc as such, and in this difficult period, everything is not going well with us. It was better than last week against Locminé, especially in the desire. It took us a while to score against an opponent who didn’t give up. But neither do we. I want to praise this state of mind. We come back again at the end of the match. What was our base at the start of the season is still there today. But that doesn’t hide the shortcomings. We are in a difficult period, a period of doubts, and in these moments, you have to know how to provoke luck. »
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