Sochaux continues victory search

Sochaux's long wait for a win continued as they had to fight back from a goal down to grab a 1-1 draw against Valenciennes at the Stade Auguste Bonal tonight.

Former president Jean-Claude Plessis said on Friday that Sochaux, Europa League qualifiers last year, were on the verge of descending into "purgatory" after a dismal run of form.

The home fans must have feared another defeat was in the offing when Gregory Pujol put Valenciennes ahead in the 68th minute.

The hosts rallied and grabbed a point eight minutes later after an own-goal from Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, but they still remain anchored to the foot of the table - five points from safety with just 12 matches of the season remaining.

Plessis' tirade seemed to have had little effect in the opening stages of tonight's game as the visitors started the much stronger of the two sides.

They tested the home side in the ninth minute when Remi Gomis got on the end of Renaud Cohade's cross but he headed straight at Sochaux goalkeeper Teddy Richert.

Cohade then tried his luck from 20 yards soon after but his curled effort sailed just over the bar.

Sochaux then rallied with Damien Perquis going close with a header, before Edouard Butin saw his wicked shot blocked by Valenciennes stopper Nicolas Penneteau.

The hosts continued to pressurise just after the break, with Sloan Privat and Ryad Boudebouz both going close, but Valenciennes stunned the home crowd when Pujol latched on to Cohade's through-ball and slipped it past Richert.

Their lead lasted just eight minutes, however as Sebastien Corchia found space on the flank and fired across the box - and the ball flew in off

Isimat-Mirin into his own net.

Sochaux had a chance to claim what would have been their first win since November in injury time - but Vincent Nogueira saw his 30-yard effort saved by Penneteau.