PSG see off minnows
Paris Saint Germain made it into the last 16 of the French Cup on Saturday, a 3-1 win ending the dreams of fifth division Le Poire-sur-Vie, while holders Sochaux also advanced.
Le Poire were roared on by some 8,000 fans from their small town south of Nantes - the match being played in Nantes' own Beaujoire Stadium.
But PSG, keen for an eighth Cup success amid a dismal league campaign, went about their business professionally and won with goals from Bernard Mendy and a double from Ivorian striker Amara Diane.
"We weren't too hot in the first half but got better thereafter," said PSG coach Paul Le Guen.
Poire counterpart Stephane Mottin admitted he was sad that the adventure was over, but saluted his players.
"I am frustrated but the adventure was always going to stop one day. I am proud of my lads."
Urged on by playmaker Charly Charrier, the part-timers held their own until the 52nd minute, when Mendy latched onto a pass from Peguy Luyundula and sidestepped keeper Mickael Carradec to fire into the empty net.
Poire responded valiantly and had the temerity to equalise inside two minutes when Jonathan Teillet dug out a loose ball after good work from Djilali Bekkar to fire past PSG's former Nantes keeper Mickael Landreau.
PSG reasserted their authority when Diane struck twice in three minutes, the first a low shot on 74 minutes and then a magisterial finish after a neat one-two with Clement Chantome to wrap up a hard-earned victory.
Another fifth division side, Lyon-Duchere lost out to the only goal, scored for top flight Lille by Nicolas Fauvergue, meaning the minnows will not now get a chance to face league champions and city neighbours Lyon in the next round.
Lyon themselves face fourth division Croix de Savoie on Sunday, which also sees ten-times winners Marseille meet Monaco in the tie of the round.
Sochaux had to go to penalties, as they did in last season's final win over Marseille, before putting out Montpellier with keeper Teddy Richert, the hero of the trophy match, saving the decisive kick following a 1-1 stalemate.
Sochaux had Kandia Traore red-carded before Montpellier Geoffrey Jourdren likewise took an early bath, forcing striker Souleymane Camara to take his place between the sticks for the nerve-shredding finale where his lack of goalkeeping experience was exposed.
On Friday, Metz shrugged off their rock-bottom league standing to win 3-0 at neighbours Strasbourg.
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