REIMS, France (AP) David N'Gog missed a penalty but made amends by heading in a second-half winner as Reims provisionally moved to third place in the French league standings with a 1-0 win over Lille on Friday.
Unbeaten at home this season, Reims moved within two points of leader Paris Saint-Germain, which travels to Nantes on Saturday.
Reims withstood an early pressure from Lille, with the visitors creating three clear chances in the first 10 minutes, as Eric Bautheac's volley ricocheted off both posts in the 3rd.
Djibril Sidibe's foul on Antoine Devaux earned a penalty kick for Reims, but keeper Steeve Elana saved N'Gog's effort with a dive to his right in the 19th minute.
Reims was the better team after the interval and was rewarded with the three points after N'Gog connected with Prince Oniangue's cross to score his first goal this season.
With seven points in as many matches, Lille is already trailing PSG by 10 points.
Second-place Saint-Etienne hosts Nice on Sunday while fourth-place Rennes plays host to Troyes.
