Max Gradel scored the only goal of the game as Saint-Etienne inflicted a 1-0 defeat home on Montpellier HSC in Rolland Courbis's first match back in charge.
The French coach was appointed as manager at the Stade de la Mosson outfit for the second time this week, but could not end their now nine-match winless Ligue 1 run at the first time of asking.
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Midfielder Franck Tabanou had two chances to give Saint-Etienne the lead inside the opening half-hour, with his first-time volley being kept out by Montpellier keeper Geoffrey Jourdren.
Tabanou tried his luck with his weaker foot a short while later, cutting inside from the left to unleash a 25-yard shot which may have had Jourdren beaten, but flew past the post.
It took until the 60th minute for Montpellier to show that they were also a goalscoring threat as an intended cross from Souleymane Camara's forced Stephane Ruffier into a reflex stop at his near post.
The hosts came even closer two minutes later when Saint-Etienne captain Loic Perrin nearly turned the ball into his own net, slicing a clearance past Ruffier and only a few inches wide of the goal.
Just as it appeared as though Montpellier were mounting some pressure, the visitors netted a 75th-minute winner as former Leeds United striker Gradel converted a Faouzi Ghoulam cross from close range.
The result lifts Saint-Etienne two places to sixth in the Ligue 1 table, while Montpellier are in 17th position, five points above the relegation zone and without a win since October 6.
Joe Fish
