PARIS. Aug 7: Olivier Monter-rubio and Antoine Sibierski scored the goals as Nantes won 2-0

away to promoted St Etienne on Friday night and moved to the top of the French league standings, reports AFP.

Monterrubio fired home a well-directed shot in the 35th minute on a rain-soaked night and Sibierski stabbed home a last-minute insurance goal from close range to give Nantes two wins out of two,

In other matches played Friday night, former champions Lens edged Monaco 1-0, promoted Sedan downed Nancy 3-1 and Bastia trounced Strasbourg 3-0.

Daniel Moreira rounded off a superb flowing move by firing home a crashing right-foot shot past French national team goalkeeper Fabien Barthez five minutes before halftime to give Lens their win over Monaco, who have gleaned just one point from their opening two matches.

A- Laurent Casanova header put Bastia on their way against Strasbourg and the Corsicans

then got further strikes from Dane Dan Petersen and Frederic Nee.

Sedan bounced back impressively from their opening loss to Marseille with goals from Pierre Deblock. Cedric Mionnct and Olivier Quint before Irish international Tony Cascarino grabbed a consolation goal for outgunned Nancy.

In matches played on Thursday night. Lyon won 2-1 at newly-promoted Troyes while Eerehnial strugglers Le Havre eld last year's runners-up Marseille to a 0-0 draw.

Troyes, who are based in Champagne country but have failed to sparkle in their opening two matches since promotion. look destined for a season of struggle because of their lack of punch in attack.

Two goals from French international striker Tony Vairelles saw them fall behind to Lyon before defender Richard Jezierski grabbed a late consolation goal with a fine header.

Marseille hit the post through Robert Pires, but were outplayed for long periods by Le Havre r.ia worry for coach Rol-, land Courbis;

The final brawl of an ilk

tempered match saw Cyrille Pouget of Le Havre and Eduardo Berizzo of Marseille shown red cards after Pouget had lashed out at his opponent with a wild kick.

The remainder of the second round of games will be played on Saturday with ambitious Montpellier hosting champions Bordeaux. Metz facing Auxerre and Rennes at home to Paris St Germain.