Reims have moved into sixth position in Ligue 1 with a 3-1 win over struggling Valenciennes.

The home side got off to a strong start and came close to scoring inside the opening minute when Antoine Devaux's shot from just outside the box moved wide of the post.

© Getty Images

Grzegorz Krychowiak was then found by Antoine Conte and struck a shot from distance, but Magno Macedo Novaes got behind the effort well to hang on.

It continued to be one-way traffic and Reims got the goal that they deserved, thanks to Nicolas De Preville, who was played in by Conte to finish neatly down low.

Conte almost scored himself but had an effort saved, before Prince Oniangue slammed in from the resulting corner as Valenciennes failed to clear their lines.

In the second half both teams continued to have chances, but the crucial third goal went the way of the hosts. Gaetan Charbonnier made it 3-0 after latching onto Odair Fortes's pass.

There was time for a late consolation goal as Johnny Placide put through his own net from a corner, but it did not affect the end result.