Intro:

A late goal by John Utaka gave Montpellier a 1-0 home win against Girondins Bordeaux that sent them top of the Ligue 1 table on Saturday (February 25).

The Nigerian striker headed the winner 10 minutes from time to put Montpellier on 53 points from 25 matches - one ahead of Paris St Germain, who drew 4-4 in an enthralling match against Olympique Lyon late on Saturday evening.

Script:

After a draw against top-of-the-table Paris St Germain last time out, Montpellier had to win against Bordeaux on Saturday to keep up with the free-spending giants.

Younes Belhanda came close to making an early breakthrough, the crossbar coming to the visitors' rescue in the 18th minute.

Few chances in the opening half - but Montpellier too had to be thankful for the intervention of the woodwork. Ludovic Obraniak the man denied here, just three minutes later.

Bordeaux weren't ready to roll over, and should have taken a second half lead.

Nicolas Maurice-Belay found space on the penalty spot but took too long to pick a corner, allowing Geoffrey Jourdren to make a fine save.

With the game seemingly heading towards a goalless draw, John Utaka stepped up in the 80th minute.

The former Portsmouth man heading in a Marco Estrada corner.

The Nigerian crept ahead of his marker to glance in at the near post.

Rene Girard's men weren't home yet - though Olivier Giroud could have calmed the nerves of the majority of the crowd in the Stade de la Mosson.

1-nil proved enough - taking Montpellier top - two points clear of PSG