Troyes closer to Ligue 1 promotion

Paris May 26 (IANS) Troyes defeated Lorient 2-1 at home in the playoffs first leg to move one step closer to Ligue 1 promotion.

Ligue 2 s third-ranked Troyes on Thursday broke the deadlock on Stephane Darbion s goal in the 37th minute. Majeed Waris scored an equaliser for Lorient who finished 18th in Ligue 1 with eight minutes remaining reports Xinhua news agency.

Skipper Benjamin Nivet undoubtedly grabbed the spotlight as he finished a late winner into stoppage time. He also set up Darbion s goal in the first half.

Taking a one-goal deficit back home Lorient still keep their hope of turning around the table alive in the second leg on Sunday.

After the finale of Ligue 1 on May 20 Bastia and Nancy were relegated to the second division while Strasbourg and Amiens got promotion to the top-flight league.

--IANS
gau/bg