The HAC is doing better. In the space of a week, the Ciel et Marine have chained two victories, the first two of the year 2022. After a dark series of six unsuccessful matches (3 d and 3 n), here they are, therefore, revived (a little) in the saddle in the race for the play-offs. Admittedly, the gap with Sochaux, the 5th, is still six points, but the hope of grabbing a place in the play-offs remains possible.
” It was important to win here, for us, for our supportersrejoices the Le Havre coach, Paul Le Guen. We are sixth, a distance from fifth, but despite everything, we are not losing hope. We will try to remain very mobilized at the end of the season. »
By winning tonight, I really think we would have been saved. Fabien Mercadal
For Quevilly-Rouen, on the other hand, the situation is getting tenser from week to week. Since the start of the return phase, which also coincides with the arrival of Fabien Mercadal on the bench, the Reds and Yellows have only gleaned five points out of a possible twenty-four. After twenty-seven days, they have only one point ahead of the 18th and play-off, Grenoble, and two on the 19th and first relegation, Dunkirk, which however has one match less (the Northerners will play Monday at Toulouse).
” We had the opportunity to get out of this maintenance race. By winning tonight, I really think we would have been savedbelieves Mercadal. Now, there are eleven days left to get this maintenance. We are not plagued by doubt, we just suffer from a small lack of confidence. »
Clumsy Jozefzoon, efficient Abline
The turning point of this duel between Seinoamarins is around the quarter of an hour of play. Jozefzoon, alone, or almost, at six meters, first missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring for QRM, sending his shot next to. And two minutes later, the HAC found the fault on a counter initiated by Cornette and concluded by Abline with a splendid strike under the bar (0-1, 16th).
” We have been sorely lacking in efficiencyregrets Mercadal. It was almost folded in five minutes, when you miss this incredible opportunity and behind, you get punished. This is high level football. We spent a lot of energy to stay in the finishing zone, to press high, to take the public with us, but we did not validate. »
Quevilly-Rouen’s reaction was far too timid and disorderly to really endanger a Le Havre defense that had become solid again. ” We tightened the bolts, we return to what makes our strength, namely our solidityappreciates Le Guen. The players make the effort, work well, the returns are good too, it’s important. The return to four-man defense may explain some things, but it’s the mindset that matters most. »
Les Ciels and Marines folded the deal shortly after the hour mark on a new kick from Cornette, author of his sixth goal of the season, the fourth from a direct free kick (0-2, 65th).
It is therefore logical that the HAC inflicted on Quevilly-Rouen its first defeat at home since October 16th. Next Saturday, the Havrais will receive Nîmes, while the Quevillais will travel to Guingamp.