Flu-hit St Etienne pulled off a surprise 1-0 win at Nancy but still remain in the lower reaches of Ligue 1.

Dimitri Payet's 70th-minute winner allowed Alain Perrin's visitors to turn the French formbook on its head, St Etienne's success following three consecutive defeats - against opponents who were hoping for their third victory on the trot.

Nancy dominated possession and had many more chances - to no avail.

The hosts' first opportunity came in only the second minute when Youssouf Hadji's shot from the edge of the penalty area flashed just wide.

Hadji was at it again in the 10th minute, this time the provider for Djamel Bakar - whose cross-shot baffled, but in the end did not beat, goalkeeper Jeremie Janot.

The St Etienne stopper needed to be alert another 10 minutes in when Hadji's header - on the end of Issiar Dia's cross - was fingertipped away.

Just before the half-hour, Jonathan Brison's shot from the edge of the area went just wide as Nancy continued to press.

St Etienne's first worthwhile chance came 11 minutes from the break when Payet's free-kick found Gonzalo Bergessio for a header that drifted wide.

Bergessio tried again five minutes into the second half, this time with a shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Damien Gregorini.

It was Nancy who were soon threatening again, though, Bakar's effort blocked by Yoann Andreu and then Julien Feret scenting an opportunity but shooting wide.

Nancy paid for their wastefulness when Payet, released by Christophe Landrin, beat Abdeslam Ouaddou and then Gregorini with a blistering shot.

The hosts responded with a Bakaye Traore header that Janot deflected on to a post and wide - and the goalkeeper did even better to protect the lead again with a brilliant reflex save four minutes from time when Dia put Cheick Diabate in for a volley only two yards out.