Ligue 1 match report: Timely boost for Evian

Mathieu Duhamel's first-half brace gave Evian's Ligue 1 survival hopes a shot in the arm against Lens at the Stade de la Licorne.

Duhamel's first-time strike in the 19th minute gave the visitors the lead and the on-loan Caen frontman scored before half-time to give Pascal Dupraz's men a 2-0 win.

The night ended on a sour note for both teams, however, as Lens defender Ludovic Baal and Evian substitute Daniel Wass were given their marching orders for violent conduct.

Evian ended the night just one point adrift of safety but 19th-placed Lens now find themselves four further back.

The hosts had the game's first chance as Yoann Touzghar's header went just over the bar but Pascal Dupraz's men drew first blood.

Costa Rica midfielder Yeltsin Tejeda brought the ball forward and released Duhamel, whose immediate strike found the net after seeming to catch Lens goalkeeper Rudy Riou unawares.

Baptiste Guillaume could have drawn Lens level but after controlling inside the area, his strike produced a fine reflex save from Benjamin Leroy.

It proved to be a timely save as Evian doubled their advantage after 35 minutes, with Duhamel once again finding the back of the net.

Captain Olivier Sorlin picked out the forward with an excellent long ball and Duhamel struck low past Riou.

It appeared a long way back for Lens, but to their credit they kept trying, with Pablo Chavarria twice going close either side of the interval.

But Evian almost increased their advantage midway through the second half as Tejeda's volley at the edge of the box cannoned off the post with Riou well beaten.

Lens continued to press forward but they kept being repelled by Leroy, who made excellent saves from Chavarria's header and Baptiste Guillaume's strike.

With the result beyond doubt, the night ended disappointingly as Baal and Wass were given straight red cards for clashing off the ball.