DIJON-RED STAR 93, 7/10/2000 (NATIONAL Week 11)
| Referee : M. Castro, assistants M. Dubocq & M. Casteladi – attendance 2 000 Bookings : Thiam (62), Saragaglia (70), Ferhaoui (75) |
| Referee : M. Castro, assistants M. Dubocq & M. Casteladi – attendance 2 000 Bookings : Thiam (62), Saragaglia (70), Ferhaoui (75) |
On the positive side, other than the point taken, is the renewed spirits of the group. No doubt that for the first time in ten games players are talking to coaches.
After the game, in the dressing rooms Patrick Van Kets said "Now it's up to us to play a bit, take the points and to climb up the table." From these words it is evident that the system of play advocated by the previous coach was unacceptable to the players. Admittedly, it os not easy for the new man in charge to change the bad habits picked up, above all with three matches in eight days. To get back to basics, Girard reverted to a classic 4-4-2, much more adpated to the National and acceptable to the players.
A pity, then, that the point gained was not transformed into three. With five minutes remaining Patrick Van Kets fired the ball into the back of the Dijon net, setting off on a run towards the bench to celebrate with Jean-Luc Girard. The assistant referee pointed to the center circle, but for reasons only known unto himself, the referee, Monsieur Castro (no relation to either Fidel or Laurent) decided to disallow the goal. An enormous disappointment to players coaches and the handful of fans who had made the trip. But on the whole, the match carried an optimistic note.
The first half was largely dominated by Dijon, coached by Daniel Joseph. A couple of good occasions were wasted by the home side, before Red Star hit back with a couple of good opportunities for Laurent Castro.
After the break, Red Star became more adventurous in their play, Castro crossed for Van Kets who placed his shot just wide. Red Stars founf themselves stranded offside on numerous occasions as Dijon fought to keep their unbeaten home record. In the end, Van Kets' refused goal nearly made the difference - let's see if the difference can be made at Pau on Wednesday.