Lille edge past 10-man Nantes

Nolan Roux struck just before the break as Lille claimed a 1-0 victory over 10-man Nantes.

Nolan Roux struck just before the break as Lille claimed a 1-0 victory over 10-man Nantes to move up to second in the Ligue 1 table. Rene Girard's high-flyers recorded their fourth win from their last five league matches as they leap-frogged Monaco - who face Lyon on Sunday - to sit just one point behind leaders Paris St Germain. There was further disappointment for the home side after Papy Djilobodji was sent off late on for his second bookable offence as Nantes remain fourth. Les Canaris started well and could have taken the lead through Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, who got on the end of Jordan Veretout's free-kick just outside the penalty area but sent his header inches wide. Salomon Kalou had a good chance for Lille midway through the first half as he collected the ball from Ronnie Rodelin and dribbled past two defenders before his close-range shot forced Rudy Riou to make a save. And the former Chelsea striker set up Roux for what could have been the opener minutes later but Roux could not control his flicked pass and skimmed the ball past the post. But it was not long before the away side were on the scoresheet. Kalou took a chance from the right and the ball bounced back to Rodelin, who quickly flicked to Roux facing the goal and he beat Vizcarrondo and slotted home. Lille started the second half well and Rodelin crossed toward the right post where Roux controlled the ball and dribbled past Riou - only to miss the empty goal. The home side were close to netting an equaliser on the hour mark as Veretout combined with Serge Gakpe on the left and eventually lifted the ball to Gakpe for a header on target, but he was denied as Vincent Enyeama collected the ball. Les Dogues were hoping to double their lead and Pape Souare freed Kalou on the right of the penalty area after 74 minutes. He instantly shot with his left foot, forcing Riou to block. And 10 minutes later Nantes were reduced to 10 men as Djilobodji received his second yellow card to end a disappointing night for Michel Der Zakarian's side.