Nice hold Reims to goalless draw

Nice have climbed into the top half of Ligue 1 following a goalless draw against Reims at the Allianz Riviera.

Aissa Mandi should have put Reims ahead early on after finding space in the box to meet a Nicolas de Preville cross which drifted just over the crossbar.

The hosts created their first clear opportunity of the game in the 14th minute when Valentin Eysseric delivered an inviting ball to the back post, but Alexy Bosetti could only head wide from a tight angle.

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Nice would look the more dangerous of the two sides for most of the first half, with Kevin Gomis wasting another chance when he headed Niklas Hult's free kick over.

Reims were left to lament their own lack of a clinical edge in front of goal after the break as Gregory Bourillon dragged a shot wide of the post following a clever through ball from Mandi.

Neither side were willing to settle for a point, but poor finishing proved to be costly as both struggled in the final third of the pitch.

The influential Mandi created one final chance for Reims late on with a defence-splitting pass to Prince Oniangue, whose effort rolled a yard wide of the target.