Rennes continue Auxerre plight

Julien Feret scored the only goal of the game as Rennes continued to put pressure on the Ligue 1 pace-setters at the expense of struggling Auxerre. With Lyon involved in the late kick-off, the victory put Rennes third in the table, provisionally at least, on 21 points. Auxerre, meanwhile, are now winless in three and have taken maximum points in the league just twice in 11 attempts. Things started tentatively, Jonathan Pitroipa's shot from the edge of the Auxerre area causing the only excitement of the opening exchanges as Oliver Sorin made a reaction save in the eighth minute. Almost half an hour passed before the next sight of goal, Yaya Sanogo teeing up Dennis Oliech, whose powerful volley flew wide. Moments later Jires Kembo-Ekoko went close for Rennes, beating Sorin with his shot only to see it bounce narrowly off target. The home side finished the half strongly, first Dariusz Dudka and then Sanogo testing Benoit Costil. The second period reverted back to a tight affair, with neither side creating much of note until the 57th minute. It was Rennes, and Feret, who almost ended the stalemate with a direct free-kick that was heading goalward until Sorin made a fine reflex save. Feret did not have to wait too long for his goal, which arrived with 19 minutes remaining. Substitute Razak Boukari provided the assist, with Feret taking plenty of time before firing past Sorin with a fiery left-footed effort. Auxerre had nothing to respond with as the time ticked down, and almost fell further behind when Romain Danze headed Feret's free-kick against the post.