Bordeaux proving to be French league drawcard

The 2009 French champions Bordeaux were held to their fourth successive draw on Sunday, a 1-1 stalemate with Sochaux.

Brazilian striker Jussie had given Bordeaux the lead in the 28th minute with a header from Czech Republic international midfielder Jaroslav Plasil’s corner, the 11th goal this season out of a total of 21 conceded by the hosts to come from dead ball play.

However, Sochaux levelled six minutes later as playmaker Marvin Martin broke down the right and passed to an unmarked Ideye Brown who slotted the ball past Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carasso.

The visitors pressed hard in the second-half and Malian striker Cheikh Diabate went desperately close to scoring on his first appearance in nearly a year but his shot was brilliantly saved by Pierrick Cros.

Martin – who has created the most goals in the French league this season – went close twice to giving the hosts the three points as first his volley in the 72nd minute came back off the bar and then almost on the final whistle Carasso pulled off a great save from Martin’s fierce shot.

Bordeaux coach Jean Tigana was left frustrated with yet another draw, which sees his side in ninth place, though, only five points off leaders Lille.

“This draw is frustrating because we have not gone up much in the standings, but I witnessed a very good performance from my team in the first-half,” said the former Monaco and Fulham handler.

“But if I saw some quality, we lacked presence in front of goal, even if I was pleasantly surprised by Diabate, who was able to last the whole match after not playing for a year,” added the former French midfield legend.

While two matches programmed for Sunday were postponed because of heavy snow, the game of the weekend between seven-time champions Lyon and defending titleholders Marseille was due to go ahead.