03.01.2015 22:51 h

Lille out of French Cup at first hurdle

Lille suffered more disappointment in a frustrating season on Saturday as they were knocked out of the French Cup at the first hurdle by Ligue 1 rivals Bastia.

A first-half brace by Floyd Ayite gave the hosts a 2-0 victory in Corsica and sent Lille, already eliminated from Europe and languishing in the bottom half in the league, packing.

Rene Girard's side were not the only top-flight team to be knocked out in the round of 64 on Saturday, with Nice being beaten 2-0 at Ligue 2 Valenciennes on the day they announced an agreement to sign France winger Hatem Ben Arfa.

Meanwhile, Lorient were beaten 1-0 away at third-tier side Avranches in Normandy, but Evian, Reims and Nantes all won against opponents from the sixth tier.

Nantes emerged 4-0 winners at home against Club Franciscain, who were attempting to become the first side from the French Caribbean island of Martinique to reach the last 32.

Ligue 1 leaders Marseille go to fourth-tier Grenoble on Sunday night, while Lyon are at Lens, Monaco go to Ligue 2 Nimes and holders Guingamp take on Brittany neighbours Dinan-Lehon.

Paris Saint-Germain are in action on Monday away to Montpellier, who won 2-1 when the teams met at the Parc des Princes in the last 32 a year ago.