Coupe de France: between Plouagat-Châté (D1) and Locminé (N2), the cup as we like it

Coupe de France (5th round). Plouagat-Châtelaudren-Lanrodec FC (D1) – Saint-Co Locminé (N2): 0-3

Even the expulsion of Belhaj, booked for two moody gestures at the end of the match, could not disturb the sweet scent which perfumed the Stade Louis-Morice in Châtelaudren-Plouagat. Sunday, rue du Mouton d’Or, it smelled of friendship, joy and respect. Including on the side of Locminé, this small town of 4,200 souls promoted this season and for the first time in its history to National 2. “We are like here, football for money, that does not interest us. We are a family and friendly club. While becoming professional, we must keep this DNA. Opposite, there was a great team of young people, it smelled of football,” says Jacques Pichard, the co-coach of Saint-Colomban.

As against Pluvigner (R1) in the previous round, the Morbihannais won 3-0. But this time, they didn’t wait until the last quarter of an hour to set sail. The two goals from the excellent Freitas (14′, 28′) even came a little too early for the taste of the Plouagatins, who were hoping to maintain a little suspense, despite the five divisions difference. “The second goal, especially, hurts us a lot. It was largely avoidable if we had used the necessary rigor to get the ball out,” said Romain Gicquel, the Costa Rican coach. If Locminois Bila, after finding the crossbar (24′), had not sent his penalty into the air (31′), the disappointment would have been even more difficult to digest.

“We looked them straight in the eye”

But Colas’ curling shot (38′) was the harbinger of another second half. Faced with Locminois who were still serious, the Plouagatins only gave in to a penalty from Danso (69′). And they created real chances through Le Bolloch (10′) and especially Toupin who would undoubtedly have deserved to get the penalty against Belhaj (76′).

Romuald Marak, author of numerous saves including a reflex foot stop (61′), a superb tap dance (63′) and a duel won over the former Briochin and Guingampais Tokpa (85′), was overcome by “full of emotions » after this unusual meeting. “Seeing all these people around the pitch, former players, young people, it was beautiful. We are proud of what we showed. Everyone gave 200%. In the second half, we looked them straight in the eye,” appreciates the goalkeeper.

The rise to R3 as an objective

Also supported by Romain Le Corvaisier, Nicolas Guéno and Corentin Jouan, the Châtelaudrinais must now “quickly bring down the euphoria,” warns Romain Gicquel, their coach. Sunday, we have a big derby against Plélo. We never hid that the climb (in R3) was our objective. This season has to be a good one.” This cup match can serve that purpose. In friendship, joy and respect, this goes without saying.

Spectators : 500 environ

BUTS. Locminé: Freitas (14′, 28′), Danso (69 sp).

WARNINGS. Plouagat: A. Jouan (69′); Locminé: Belhaj (89′).

Exclusion : Locminé: Belhaj (90’+ 2).