Undefeated for ten games, the Greens had outlined the outlines of a rise among the elite. It was now up to them to add the final touch, affixed in gold letters to the bottom of a painting that would mark a milestone. Angers, by forcing the Greens to share points in the Cauldron (0-0) had delayed the deadline. No matter: the Foréziens will sign an eleventh success on the move in the green Venice.. A facetious wink, of those who do not invent themselves! With a stroke of genius, a masterpiece stamped with the seal of the class of a Frédéric Mendy at the peak of his art. Inspired and inspiring. A marvel of ball deposited out of reach of the Poitevin goalkeeper, a gesture of class. A small goal for a big one, an immense happiness.
Sesame for the elite officially in the pocket
Damien Bridonneau, the regional of the stage and his teammates, by winning at the expense of the Chamois Niortais (1-0) could exult, jump like goats, commune with their loyal supporters who swept over the Deux-Sèvres. They had just, now counting fifteen lengths ahead of Lorient, fourth, to mathematically compost their ticket for the elite.
Coquetry of history: they will celebrate their comeback by receiving, six days later, the players of Gueugnon (1-1). And the ASSE coach, Frédéric Antonetti, recalls with relevance the progress made: “A year ago, we bowed against the Blacksmiths (0-3). We were then last. Thursday, we will receive them as leaders and future residents of the L1…”
The day after this memorable match in Deux-Sèvres, four Stéphanois, belonging to the eleven-type of the L2, will be rewarded at Disneyland, during the evening of the UNFP Trophies: Jérémie Janot, Hérita Ilunga, David Hellebuyck and Julien Sablé. A famous square of aces.
Friday, May 7, 2004
In Niort (Stade René-Gaillard), AS Saint-Étienne beat Chamois Niortais: 1-0 (0-0).
Referee: Hervé Piccirillo; 9,619 spectators.
Goal for Saint-Etienne: F. Mendy (68th).
Warnings in Niort: Facciuto (18th), Robinet (23rd), Darbelet (36th).
Warning in Saint-Étienne: Morestin (62nd).
NIORT. Marichez (cap.) – Foulon, Piton (Texier, 88th), Couturier, Lauret – Facciuto, Darbelet, Jallet, Michel – Biakolo (Barro, 74th), Robinet (El Guiribi, 74th). Trainer: Philippe Hinschberger.
ASSE. Janot – Bridonneau, Hognon, Morestin, Carteron (cap.) – Quaye (Jau, 74th), Sablé, Hellebuyck – Citony (Marin, 56th), Compan (Gomis, 82nd), F. Mendy. Coach: Frederic Antonetti.
