Bastia fight back for point

Bastia needed Guillaume Gillet's second-half equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw at home to newly-promoted Lens in Ligue 1.

An even first half sprung into life shortly before the interval when Pablo Chavarria found the net but Gillet's cool finish early in the second period ensured the spoils were shared.

Lens have made an impressive start in the top tier and the result leaves them 10th in the table, three points behind league leaders Bordeaux.

Bastia are 14th having taken six points from their first five matches.

Lens enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and came close to opening the scoring in the 12th minute when Lalaina Nomenjanahary laid the ball off to Chavarria, who fired narrowly wide.

Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances as Lens' Adamo Coulibaly tried an effort from distance, which flew just over the bar.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 40th minute when Nomenjanahary crossed from the left and Chavarria rose highest to head Lens in front.

Gillet continued to cause Lens problems, however, and shortly after the break he drew level, converting Mathieu Peybernes' delivery to make it 1-1.

Moments later, the home side almost took the lead and Peybernes was again involved, playing in Gadji Tallo, who was unable to apply the finish.

Bastia looked like the side more likely to snatch a victory in the latter stages as Ryad Boudebouz and Julian Palmieri both went close but Lens held on for a well-deserved point.