Five days after their first away win of the season (26-19 in Dijon), OGC Nice Handball will host Nîmes this Friday evening (8:30 PM) as part of the Coupe de la Ligue. This first leg of the 1/8th finals will be an opportunity to end the year 2014 well and confirm the promising form shown in recent matches.
Sixth in the Women’s League, OGC Nice Handball certainly expected more at the start of the season after premium recruitment. At mid-season, the record remains disappointing with four wins and six losses, only two points ahead of the last place team, Le Havre.
One reason for this is injuries. Indeed, the Nice team has never had its full squad since the first day of the championship in early September. Worse, Sébastien Gardillou’s players have played with the 3rd and 4th goalkeepers due to the absences of Cléopâtre Darleux and Fanny Chatellet. Not easy for maintaining continuity in the group.
Last Sunday, the Nice team won in Dijon (26-19) for the first day of the return phase, a relief for the entire club. Now, this Friday evening, it is time for the Coupe de la Ligue and receiving Nîmes for the first leg. A well-known opponent since last October 29th, the Azuréennes won 31-26.
Perhaps the right time to face the Gardoises again, who have gone five matches without a win (1 draw and 4 losses). Their last success dates back to September 30th against Le Havre (26-20).
It is up to the Nice team to win and create a gap before the return match which will take place in a week in Gard. This match will especially be an opportunity to pay a final tribute to Jean-Luc Bailet, deputy president of OGC Nice Handball, who passed away last week. It is the last match at the Halle des Sports Charles Ehrmann in 2014 due to the European Championship from December 7 to 21 in Hungary and Croatia. The French championship will resume on January 16th with the reception of Le Havre.
Photo credit and more information at www.ogcnicehandball.com
