Saturday evening at Marville, a real relegation dogfight. With much at stake, both the home side and the boys from the Deux Sèvres region, 19th and 20th respectively will have a battle on their hands.
At the start of the season, with limited resources Thouars had decided to throw in the sponge and asked fo voluntary relegation from the National to the CFA. But at the last minute a change of heart by the clubs' directors meant that another season in the National was to be attempted. Thierry Goudet, coach since 1997 had to rebuild a side from the remnants of the one that had broken up at the news of the relegation. Thirteen left, including Benaud, Duarte and Granger at D2 club Angers. Xavier Dudoit, born in Thouars, played for Lorient in the recent game at Marville.
The new faces arrived late and so the debut of the season proved to be a difficult one - now Thoaurs have a fight on to keep their place in the National. Thouars have actually won more games than Red Star this season, two, including a recent 2-0 win over Pacy-sur-Eure.
Last season Thouars snatched a last-minute equaliser to earn a share of the points at Marville (2-2). With a poor attack on their travels (2 goals), sixteen goals let in and seven losses in seven away trips, all could yet change against Red Star.

Goalkeepers : Astier, Dolleans.
Defence : Baron, Caizergues, Denuault, Hébars, Hervé, Soumah, Tronchet.
Midfield : Chekraoui, Guégan, Moughfire, Oyaga.
Attack : Dubroca, James, Sabourin.

Top marksmen : Guégan & Sabourin (3 goals each)