A second-half header from Anthony Le Tallec earned Le Mans a draw at home to St Etienne in Ligue 1.

Araujo Ilan had given the visitors the lead after 17 minutes but Le Tallec grabbed a point for his side with 17 minutes remaining.

Le Tallec created the first opening after 15 minutes when he drew three defenders and passed to Frederic Thomas whose shot was punched clear by Jeremie Janot.

Two minutes later St Etienne took the lead when Yohan Benaloune played an excellent ball to Bacary Sako who controlled with his chest and set up Ilan for the easiest of finishes.

Le Mans' Thorsten Helstad rattled the post with an effort four minutes before half-time.

Sebastian Corchia's corner saw the ball eventually reach the Norwegian at the back post but his header hit the upright, much to the relief of St Etienne goalkeeper Janot.

On the stroke of half-time St Etienne had a goal from Gonzalo Bergessio ruled out by the referee, who penalised him for a high foot as he challenged goalkeeper Giorgi Makaridze.

Le Mans were denied a penalty three minutes into the second half when Le Tallec went down in the area under a challenge from Blaise Matuidi.

With just under 20 minutes remaining Thomas played a great ball into the area but Modibo Maiga headed just wide of the goal.

Le Mans drew level two minutes later when Ludovic Baal's cross from the left to the near post was met with a header by Le Tallec who beat Guiranne N'Daw to the ball and found the bottom-right corner.

With five minutes to go the lively Le Tallec crossed for Maiga who rose above N'Daw but saw his header punched clear by Janot.