Facing the leader La Pontoise, the situation was difficult to resolve for Avignon-Le Pontet. The start of the match, however, had hinted at something else. Buoyed by an initial 4-0, Frédéric Carrion’s players quickly became disillusioned. Lacking defensive communication and too hasty in attack, they conceded a severe comeback from La Pontoise. Losses of ball on the counter-attack and the absence of an offensive rebound allowed the Pontoisiens to take off in the first quarter (13-23).
A quickly resolved match
What followed was just a long chase. Too many mistakes, passive defense and irregular skill made the task of the realistic championship leader easier (31-52, 20th). Despite a surge upon returning from the locker room and more aggressive activity, the Vauclusiens never managed to threaten the leader. Franck Davidson, USAP’s top scorer with 17 points, tried to keep his team afloat. Without success.
“Certain errors are not acceptable at this level”
When the final whistle blew, the disappointment was palpable. Very upset, general manager Thierry Bernard did not mask his frustration.
“Some errors are not acceptable at this level“, he regretted after the meeting, evoking a group in doubt and an objective now turned towards maintaining.
Coach Frédéric Carrion also pointed out the essentials. “When commitment is lacking, it becomes difficult to implement the game project.“Faced with a candidate at the top of the table, the USAP has above all shown its current fragilities. The reaction is now expected during the next crucial meetings for survival in Nationale 2.
