Second-half goals from Alharbi El Jadeyaoui and Benjamin Bourigeaud have earned Lens a comfortable 2-0 home victory against Metz in Ligue 1 this evening.
In a goalless first half of few clear-cut chances, the game's opening opportunity did not arrive until 10 minutes in when Bourigeaud struck the Metz crossbar as he looked to convert from the centre of the box.
Florent Malouda was perhaps Metz's most influential player in the opening half, with the former Chelsea winger sending in a perfect cross for Modibo Maiga, who headed clean over the target.
Lens arguably became the more dominant of the two teams as the first-half whistle neared and they almost snatched an opener, as Pierrick Valdivia was denied by the crossbar following a stinging shot from distance.
The hosts soon went in front during the second half as El Jadeyaoui got on the end of Bourigeaud's cross to convert with his left foot.
Ludovic Baal ensured that the hosts went home with all three points when he showed great precision from the wing to swing in a ball for Bourigeaud, who converted with his head to leave the final score at 2-0.
Christopher Dodd
