Le Havre had been the more dangerous side in the first half but had been unable to find a way through. Early in the second period, Eric Dina scored after a scramble and Jean-Pascal Fontaine added another from range. Jamal Thiare made it three after Tino Kadwere hit the bar, but HAC’s top scorer rounded the scoring out from the penalty spot.

There was no doubting the commitment from both teams in the first half, which saw a good deal of energetic play but a dearth of technical quality from both sides.

The best chances, however, invariably fell to Le Havre, who looked most dangerous when they were able to attack from situations of broken play. Their pace troubled Guingamp’s defence.

Le Havre very strong down the left, where Ayman Ben Mohamed linked very well with Umut Meras.

HAC were quick to be more decisive in their play in the second half. After Thiare, on due to an injury to Amos Youga, had a goal disallowed, Dina Ebimbe gave them the lead after a scramble.

Certainly, the bounce of the ball favoured Le Havre, typified by their third goal, while Guingamp were now forced to leave even more space to be exploited by the hosts.

Le Havre’s long-range shooting was especially good, with Fontaine’s goal the one that really broke the match open for them.

This proved a runaway success for Le Havre, who were excellent value for their win against a Guingamp side expected to offer them far more competition. While the visitors were not good, luck contributed to the heavy nature of the scoreline.