Bordeaux's fine start to the season continued with a hard-fought home victory against struggling Troyes.

The only goal came four minutes before half-time when the prolific Jean-Claude Darcheville headed home Camel Meriem's cross.

The visitors pressed for a late equaliser but were unable to beat French international keeper Ulrich Rame.

Rame had to be alert just 12 minutes in when he pushed away Karl Tourenne's fine half-volley effort.

The visitors were content to sit back and hit Bordeaux on the break but that policy always looked dangerous when the talented Brazilian winger Savio was in possession.

The on-loan Real Madrid star had the ability to beat defenders at will and after rounding three with consummate ease went to ground. The home crowd bayed for a penalty but the referee waved away the protests much to Savio's annoyance.

Bordeaux continued to press and their pressure almost paid dividends when Portugal international Pauleta's header struck the post after 29 minutes.

The second half was a similar story with the hosts dominating possession without being able to convert.

Bordeaux went close twice in the space of six second half minutes - Darcheville hitting the side netting and Savio grazing a stanchion when both players should have done better.

As the minutes passed, Troyes became more adventurous as they went in search of the equaliser.

Gharib Amzine forced Rame into another top class save 10 minutes from the end but Troyes' best chance fell to David Linares in injury time.

The former Lyon man could have made himself the visitors' hero but he completely missed Amzine's cross with the goal gaping.