Troyes edges ahead of Lorient in battle for Ligue 1 promotion

Troyes - Benjamin Nivet grabbed a late winner as Troyes won the first round in the battle for Ligue 1 promotion with a 2-1 win at home against Lorient on Thursday.

Nivet had an exceptional night in the first leg of a promotion-relegation playoff between Troyes, who finished third in Ligue 2 and Lorient, 18th in Ligue 1.

The Troyes captain set up Stephane Darbion's first half opener before grabbing the winner in injury time. Majeed Waris equalised for Lorient eight minutes from time.

Jean-Louis Garcia's side takes a slight advantage to Brittany for Sunday's second leg.

Strasbourg and Amiens have already been promoted to the top flight with Nancy and Bastia demoted to Ligue 2 next season.