The clash between Ligue 1's bottom two sides ended, predictably, in a goalless draw as Sochaux and Auxerre contented themselves with a point apiece.
That was enough to move Auxerre up a place above Nice, who lost 3-0 at Dijon, and with just six points separating the bottom 10, there is still plenty of time for both sides to make a bid for safety.
But there was little - especially from the visitors - in today's encounter to suggest either is poised to do so.
Sochaux made the early running, Cedric Bakambu spooning a volley from Edouard Butin's cross over the bar in the third minute.
Butin tried his luck in the 20th minute with a strike from outside the area but Olivier Sorin made the save.
Auxerre's best chances of the first period came just after the half-hour as a corner fell to Olivier Kapo, whose effort was punched clear by Pierrick Cros, and Cedric Hengbart's follow-up effort was narrowly wide.
Kapo was in the action again two minutes into the second half when he released Dennis Oliech, whose effort was saved at the second attempt by Cros.
But again it was Sochaux who had the better of the chances.
A neat team move in the 50th minute found Bakambu in the area and his shot was saved by Sorin.
In the 76th minute, Ryad Boudebouz shot from the edge of the box but again Sorin was on hand to block.
And a minute later Sorin had to dive to keep out Marvin Martin, who chested the ball down before volleying at goal.
