London - Arabstoday
Souleymane Diawara\'s second-half own goal was all Montpellier needed to continue their stunning so far this Ligue 1 season against Olympique Marseille. Kicking-off in second and just a win behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Rene Girard`s men extended their unbeaten run to six with the 1-0 win, and claimed a share of pole position ahead of PSG\'s game with Nancy tomorrow. Marseille\'s own impressive form came to an end as a result of the loss, their seven-game unbeaten run now over as they remain off the title pace. And, tonight Marseille were always up against it, with Montpellier starting well. Souleymane Camara burst his way down the right, his cross was cleared by Steve Mandanda and, after picking up the loose ball, Camara\'s return shot was deflected wide. Marseille responded, with Jordan Ayew freeing Loic Remy and, after he rounded Geoffrey Jourdren, he somehow failed to find an open goal. Olivier Giroud then nodded over for Montpellier, and Marseille went close through Morgan Amalfitano as the game opened up. It was goalless heading into half-time, but Alou Diarra went close to fixing that moments after the break, as his turn and then shot nearly put the visitors in front. However, Montpellier looked the better side and Joris Marveaux should have put them ahead when he got on the end of a Giroud cross. The goal did come, though, and when it did it had a touch of fortune about it as Diawara headed into his own goal rather than away from it as he went to clear Camara\'s 62nd-minute cross. The enigmatic Andre-Pierre Gignac did his best to try and bring Marseille level, working Jourdren from distance, but it was not enough and Montpellier held out with some ease.