Junior Tallo brace takes Bastia past Montpellier HSC

Junior Tallo scored twice as Bastia climbed out of the Ligue 1 relegation zone with a 2-0 victory over Montpellier HSC.

Bastia came close to breaking the deadlock in just the sixth minute of the match when Ryad Boudebouz's inviting cross reached Floyd Ayite, who headed straight at Geoffrey Jourdren from close range.

The home fans wouldn't have to wait much longer for the opening goal as Tallo took advantage of some hesitant Montpellier defending in a congested box to fire home.

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Montpellier offered very little going forward in the first half, and they were punished for a lack of quality as Bastia doubled their lead just before the interval.

A long ball forward from the hosts was met with a clever cushioned header from Guillaume Gillet, and that touch allowed Tallo to add a second with an emphatic finish.

Montpellier would dominate possession for long spells of the second half, but missed their best chance to reduce the deficit when Hilton headed wide from close range.

Bastia were rarely troubled after that opportunity as the home side started life without Claude Makelele with a crucial win.