To close the six-point gap with league leaders Sarlat, it will be necessary to dominate a team from Coteaux Périgord who have nothing left to hope for in the championship, given their 11-point deficit to FCSM with four rounds remaining. However, the players from Creysse and Mouleydier will not come as sacrificial victims to Michel-Hidalgo Stadium this Saturday, April 18 (7pm).
A busy schedule
Didier Lérisson’s team will need to regain their defensive solidity to still believe in a third consecutive promotion. An objective that was not initially planned. “Appetite came as we played more matches,” explains the coach. “We hope to take advantage of the fact that Coteaux Périgord played on Wednesday in Saint-Astier (winning 1-2 in the Dordogne Cup quarterfinals). On our part, we will have our quarterfinal against them three days before facing Sarlat-Marcillac.”
These cup matches in the midst of league rounds, at a crucial time with significant stakes for many, require making choices, often favoring Regional 3. Depending on the outcome this Saturday, this could also be the case for FCTLF.
Furthermore, preparations are already underway, with President Dominique Bousquet, after some alarming statements, seeking to reassure. “On the sports side, we are satisfied,” he says. “But the club’s sustainability depends on the involvement of sponsors, volunteers, and local stakeholders. FCTLF needs strong administrative and financial support. We are working on this for next season.”
Differences in motivation
The Dordogne Cup matches disrupt the R3 teams, as some still have much at stake. Chancelade-Marsac, fighting to avoid relegation in their group, saved energy on Wednesday in Javerlhac (eliminated 3-0). Ribérac, hosting Neuvic-Saint-Léon on Friday evening before visiting the second-placed team in their group the following day, could face similar challenges. On the other hand, Nontronnais, rejuvenated with two wins, and Sarlat can give their all on Saturday night. In group D, Boulazac’s reserve team will have more reasons to do so than La Tour-Mareuil-Verteillac.
