Sochaux pulled off a win over southerners Nice as a controversial goal decided a game in which the visitors dominated.

After being largely outclassed in the opening stages, Sochaux went in front in the 28th minute as Yassin Mikari's shot hit the bar, bounced down and then out with the referee awarding the goal.

Nice started positively - but also comically. In only the second minute they launched an attack down the left and worked their way inside. The ball fell to Mamadou Bagayoko barely two yards from goal only for the frontman to somehow miss the target.

Three minutes later it was Nice who continued to press. Anthony Mounier crossed from the left towards in-form striker Loic Remy, whose right-footed volley was saved brilliantly by Sochaux goalkeeper Teddy Richert.

Sochaux were barely able to get out of first gear as the southerners' onslaught continued.

Mounier was again involved in the 14th minute when he chanced his arm from outside the box but Richert was again up to the task, fisting away the rocket shot.

But it was the home side who took the lead completely against the run of play. Nicolas Maurice-Belay shot but saw David Ospina save well, only for Mikari to follow it up, chest the ball down and smash against the bar. The ball bounced straight out again but the goal stood with the officials deeming it had crossed the line despite video replays suggesting otherwise.

Seven minutes before the break Emerse Fae found himself in the Sochaux box in space but his effort was saved by the impressive Richert.

Shortly after the hour mark Mounier crossed from the right flank for Fae whose right-footed cross went narrowly over the bar.

Sochaux made a rare foray forward in the 65th minute, Marvin Martin finding Vaclav Sverkos in space but his first-time effort - and subsequent follow-up - were saved by Ospina.

In the 70th minute Richert again denied the visitors when Mahamane Traore's angled shot was saved brilliantly.

Another chance to equalise came and went in the 89th minute as Eric Moulougui shot from the fringes of the area but again, Richert was equal to it.

Bagayoko headed the ball on for Fae deep into injury-time for the latter to shoot but again, Richert would not be beaten.