Laval secured a 2-0 victory against Dunkerque in the closing game of the 31st day of Ligue 2, narrowing the gap to two points behind the first non-relegation spot held by Nancy. The Nordistes now have nothing left to play for this season.
The 31st day of Ligue 2 saw a resurgence of lowly ranked teams! After Bastia’s surprise victory over St-Etienne, pushing them to second-to-last place, Laval, currently in the relegation play-off spot, managed to grab a win that reignites hope for their survival. The Lavallois triumphed against Dunkerque (10th) and closed in on Nancy, the first non-relegation spot, who suffered a heavy defeat by Annecy on Friday.
Laval only took six minutes to break the deadlock. Sellouki delivered a free-kick from the left, finding Houdayer completely unmarked, who was brought down by Niflore (although he kept his arms back) in the box. The referee awarded a penalty, which Camara converted by sending Niflore the wrong way (0-1). Sellouki then forced the goalkeeper into a good save after a run into the opponent’s half. However, after 20 minutes of play, Dunkerque finally showed signs of life. Bokele first tested Samassa from distance, and then set up Robinet in the box, but Sanna intervened just in time.
Dunkerque pushed forward, but in vain, as Bardelli’s header in the 6-yard box was too wide to trouble the Laval goalkeeper. Five minutes later, Georgen found himself in a good position in the box, but his shot missed the target. Dunkerque continued to press and almost found the equalizer in the 39th minute with another cross from Bokele to Robinet, but the Mayenne defense stood firm. Laval, under pressure and forced to commit fouls (resulting in yellow cards for Mandouki, Bianda, and Houdayer), managed to hold on until halftime.
After the break, Dunkerque resumed their offensive efforts with a long-range strike from Bokele (48th) and a deflected cross from Georgen (51st). However, it was Laval who came closest to scoring the second goal of the match, following a good move by Houdayer (54th). Bardelli (56th and 62nd) for Dunkerque and Sellouki (59th and 65th) for Laval had chances but failed to convert. The Nordistes increased the tempo in an attempt to equalize, especially with Kanté coming off the bench.
Clavreul sealed Laval’s victory after a prolonged spell of possession. In the 85th minute, Vargas found Thomas, who set up Clavreul in the box. The 19-year-old Laval native beat Niflore closely to score the second goal (0-2). Despite five minutes of added time, USLD failed to find the net, marking their 8th consecutive winless match. Fans expressed their disappointment at the end of the game, but the 10th-placed team in Ligue 2 has nothing left to fight for. The opposite is true for Laval!
