Benjamin Mwaruwari's 78th-minute goal gave Auxerre maximum points and moved them alongside Nice at the top of Ligue 1.

The hosts thoroughly deserved the victory after dominating for virtually the entire game.

All that stood between Bastia and a heavy defeat was the performance of visitors' keeper Nicolas Pennetau, who was outstanding.

Bastia's miserable night was completed when Cedric Uras was sent off in the final minute after picking up his second yellow card.

French international Djibril Cisse carried Auxerre's early threat but wasted a great first minute chance, shooting wide when well placed. Senegalese winger Khalilou Fadiga also looked dangerous but found his best efforts flounder when confronted by Pennetau.

The Bastia keeper saved Fadiga efforts in the 10th, 18th and 26th minutes as the Corsican-outfit struggled to get any grip on the game.

Auxerre's domination continued after the interval and they got the goal they deserved when Mwaruwari netted after a fine team build up.

Olivier Kapo collected a pass from Yann Lachuer, backheeled it into the path of Mwaruwari, who side footed home from close range.

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