PAR Steve Pierre|1 feb., 2017|CLUB
Since the return from the winter break Paris FC have continued where they left off in 2016. The start of the new year saw us continue farther in the Coupe de France and improve in league play. In fact, the game against Dijon might have been the most important fixture this season.
The back half of the 2016/17 Championnat National season began with a good 2-0 victory over US Concarnoise, we were gifted an own goal in the match. Apoño provided the first goal of the match in the 10th minute.
The next fixture saw the club drop three points to US Quevilly Rouen who have had a very good season. It was a result that ended the steak at nine games without defeat in league play. Despite the loss, one that was expected as all streaks don't last forever, saw the team work hard but sadly the result didn't go their way.
In the third match against GS Consolat new loan signing Sidiki Maiga made his debut, he ended up scoring two goals. The other goal scorers included fan favourites Anthony Ribelin and Demba Camara. This match was the clubs highest scoring match in league play this year. With the two game series against the Marseille club finish both would win a game.
Finally the month ended with a victory against Pau FC. the 3,029 fans that showed up to Stade Charléty saw the home side finish the month in first place. Early on this was a very tight match and it seemed like it could have gone either way or a draw. In the 55th minute Quentin Othon opened the scoring up with a beautiful free kick. This sparked the win as two minutes later Anthony Ribelin scored his third goal of the month.
Undoubtedly the biggest game of the month was at the start, the Coupe de France match up, against Dijon FCO. We were predicted to struggle and get beat by several goals. That did not happen as we advanced to the next round with a 2-1 upset over the struggling Ligue 1 club. Goals were scored by Anthony Ribelin and Demba Camara.
Sadly the month ended a bit prematurely as the match against FC Cournon was postponed until 7 February due to a waterlogged pitch. This match is heavily favored towards us.
The first month of the year finishes with Paris FC in first place with 39 points through Matchday 22.
"I was really pleased with the month and it is nice to be back on top. At this point in the season every match counts and one small slip up can be the difference between first and seventh especially when the ten below us can easily move up to our spot." excerpt from Kévin Gauthier during the Pau FC post match on 27 January.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH:
With both Demba Camara and Anthony Ribelin on fire this month it was a really hard vote. Anthony won the Player of the Month award based on the fact he scored three goals. His biggest came from the Dijon match. Since joining on loan from Rennes he has scored seven goals in twenty five matches here in Paris.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN FEBRUARY:
The month begins with a trip to face Lyon-Duchère with the club looking to avenge their 0-0 draw in September. Next the postponed match against FC Cournon in the Coupe de France is set to take place 7 February. If they win the next round is set to take place sometime later in February. Finally February concludes with matches against Sedan, Vendée les Herbiers Football and AS Béziers. In the showdown against AS Béziers Le PFC are looking to set the record straight with a victory over them. In October Béziers defeated us 2-1.
MATCH REPORTS