The Palois try to react but Bassouamina, on a good center back from Koffi, does not fit (22^e). Five minutes later, Koffi, still on the right side, serves Bassouamina whose header does not find the target (27^e).

Laurent Guyot’s men, who have absolutely not been offensive since opening the scoring, will be much more realistic and take a break on their second foray into the Béarn camp. Balde will this time turn into a passer to find Sahi behind the Pau defense. The Haut-Savoyard striker does not need to be asked to deceive Olliero (0-2, 35^e).

Saving break

In the aftermath, Boisgard sees Escales prevent him from closing the gap (38^e). Just before the break, it was the turn of Bassouamina, once again served by Koffi, to see the Annecy porter put him in check (45^e).

The Palois will start the second act perfectly even if the curled strike of Boli crashes on the bar of Escales (48^e). Hope is reborn in the process on the Bearn side. Saivet’s free kick hits the crossbar before falling into the feet of Bassouamina who pushes the leather into the empty goal (1-2, 52^e).

The Palois push again and Boli, on a cross from Abzi at the far post, will equalize with a volley from the right and capsize the Nouste Camp (2-2, 60^e). The pressing of the Annecy residents is much less effective and the Pau furia is having its effect. On yet another cross from Koffi, Boli saw his header stopped by Escales (67^e).