Lorient finish like a train

Reims were denied a first Ligue 1 win since early October as Pedrinho struck at the death to rescue a 2-2 draw for Lorient.

Reims were denied a first Ligue 1 win since early October as Pedrinho struck at the death to rescue a 2-2 draw for Lorient. The hosts were riding a six-match winning streak ahead of kick-off and would have been forgiven for expecting to extend that to a club record seven games against a side without a win in nine dating back to October 6. But Reims had other ideas and went in front through Odair Fortes in the fifth minute. Maxime Barthelme levelled for Lorient early in the second half but Gaetan Courtet looked to have won it for Reims when he struck their second in 70th minute, only for Pedrinho to snatch a last-gasp equaliser. The point was sufficient to keep Lorient in the top four, while Reims are up to 15th despite seeing their winless run extend to 10 games. Reims wasted no time taking the lead tonight, Courtet leading a swift counter-attack that culminated with the ball arriving at the feet of Fortes, who ran on before finishing well beyond Fabien Audard. Lorient sought a response and in the 20th minute Jeremie Aliadiere released Benjamin Corgnet inside the penalty area but he was denied by Kossi Agassa. The hosts' equaliser arrived in the 47th minute when Enzo Reale advanced down the wing and crossed for Barthelme to finish low from the left angle of the penalty area. Reims took the lead again 20 minutes from time as former Lorient player Courtet returned to haunt his old employers with a good run and shot beyond Audard following fine approach play by Fortes. The visitors looked all set to take the points as the clock ticked down but there was a late sting in the tail as Reale's injury time corner came through to Pedrinho who kept his cool to turn the ball in from close range.