Nancy back in Ligue 1

By Christian Châtelet

AS Nancy-Lorraine will return to Ligue 1 next season after securing promotion from the French second division following a 1-1 draw between Stade Brestois 29 and ES Troyes Aube Champagne.

Comfortable cushion
The Lorraine side top the table and began the night eleven points clear of fourth-placed Brest, who could have moved to within eight points of the leaders with a home win. All seemed to be going to plan as Robert Malm put Brest in front from the penalty spot four minutes before half-time.

Troyes rally
Troyes, however, started the match in third position and knowing a victory could take them up too. Jean-Marc Furlan's team drew level shortly past the hour through Benjamin Nivet, but although Brest's Eduardo Oliveira was sent off 19 minutes from time, the visitors were unable to find a winning goal.

Five-year absence
Nancy, therefore, have an unassailable ten-point advantage over Brest with three rounds of matches to go - and return to the élite after five years in Ligue 2. "It's a big moment," said club president Jacques Rousselot. "It's a great outcome, the result of a huge effort. In 2002/03 we narrowly escaped relegation to the third division, but thanks to coach Pablo Correa we hold our heads high."