Evian move clear of danger

Evian beat Nantes 2-0 to claim their first league win of 2014 on Friday night.

Evian claimed their first league win of 2014 on Friday evening, beating Nantes 2-0 to edge five points clear of the Ligue 1 relegation zone. Second-half goals from Cedric Barbosa and Daniel Wass ended a run of 10 matches without victory, with the result piling further pressure on the three teams below Evian in the standings. Nantes are also beginning to feel the heat, having failed to win in their last seven league fixtures, and now sit just four points better off than their opponents. Evian fired an early warning to the visitors at Parc des Sports, with Tulio De Melo connecting with a cross from Barbosa and heading inches wide of the target. Nantes were quick to reply, though, and Fernando Aristeguieta's drive flew just past a post soon after. They came even closer to scoring after 24 minutes when Alejandro Bedoya headed Banel Nicolita's assist on to the crossbar, and Evian - relieved at the let-off - threatened again before the interval with Djakaridja Kone's 20-yard shot well saved by Remy Riou. The deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark by Barbosa, who ran on to a ball from Oliver Sorlin and rounded a defender before unleashing a volley which left Riou stranded. Evian were two goals to the good after 77 minutes, with Wass adding his name to the scoresheet from a powerful strike which was again too much for Riou. Nantes pushed forward in numbers as the minutes ticked down but the closest they got was a right-footed strike from Itay Shechter which was turned away by home goalkeeper Jesper Hansen.