The Chamois Niortais concede the 1-1 draw against Rodez during the 36th day of Ligue 2. Niort started the game badly by conceding a goal in the 9th minute from a corner with a Head of Captain Pierre Bardy. Rodez could even have doubled the bet with a foul committed in the box by the Niortais in the 37th.
Fortunately for Niort, Poitevin goalkeeper Quentin Braat saved Malaly Dembélé’s penalty. Two minutes later young Bradley M’Bondo (who only played his 4th game of the season last night) equalized by scoring his first goal in Ligue 2. Despite several clear chances in the second half, including a cross from Olivier Kemen, the Chamois had to content themselves with sharing the points.
Five more teams that can go straight down
The Chamois Niortais are not yet out of the woods. They are two days away from the end of 17th in Ligue 2 with 40 points. While there are still six units to distribute, the Poitevins are rather the main losers of the evening: Guingamp, Dunkirk and Chambly won. Niort remains within the reach of the dam Caen (38 points) and under the arithmetic threat of the relegation first place occupied by Chambly (35 points).
The only good news: Niort is not the only team that will have to work on the last two days to save its skin. Five formations can still descend directly with Châteauroux. And eight clubs may find themselves in a position to compete in the much-feared maintenance barrage.
Caen in very bad shape
With seven competitors who stand in four points, the race to avoid the descent will be breathless, no doubt. Fans of suspense will be served. Especially, in view of this ultra-tight final, everything suggests that the reception of Guingamp in 15 days will look like a decisive final.
Until then, the people of Niort will be able to console themselves by telling themselves that Caen (who face Toulouse and Clermont) are unlikely to win their last two matches. However, it would be a serious mistake to hope to maintain our position by counting on the poor performance of others …
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