Lorient express train goes on

Lorient extended their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 and moved up to fifth place with a home victory over Valenciennes.

Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell, on loan to Lorient from Arsenal, scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute and Yann Jouffre's strike midway through the second period wrapped up the win.

The result dropped Valenciennes down to 19th place, one point above bottom team Nancy.

Lorient threatened first when Kevin Monnet-Paquet's first-time shot drew a 14th-minute save from Nicolas Penneteau after he had been teed up by Togo international Alaixys Romao.

Penneteau denied Jeremie Aliadiere with his feet four minutes later after a weak defensive header by Benjamin Angoua allowed the former Arsenal forward a run on goal.

Current Arsenal forward Campbell, signed as one for the future by Arsene Wenger in the summer, made his mark with the opening goal, volleying home at the near post from Monnet-Paquet's left-foot cross.

Valenciennes came within inches of levelling in first-half stoppage time as Gael Danic's free-kick hit the crossbar with Lorient goalkeeper Fabien Audard beaten.

Campbell had a shot which hit the side-netting early in the second period before Jouffre doubled Lorient's lead.

Jouffre started the move, finding Campbell who released substitute Pedrinho down the right. His cross was palmed out by Penneteau but only as far as Jouffre, who volleyed the ball home.

Jouffre drove narrowly wide in the 79th minute and with time ticking down Valenciennes briefly threatened a comeback as first substitute Vincent Aboubakar headed wide from a corner with six minutes left and then Audard got down well to keep out a shot from the edge of the box by the same player.