Ismael Bennacer player the full 90 minutes as his Tours side lost 3-2 at Bourg-en-Bresse on Friday night and was integral in winning a penalty.

The visitors took the lead after just seven minutes. Denis Bouanga grabbing the first of his brace. He found the bottom right corner of the goal after intercepting a pass and sprinting between two defenders.

The opening exchanges seemed to favour the visitors, with defensive errors aplenty by the hosts but 15 minutes later Bourg-en-Bresse had drawn level, Jason Berthomier finishing with his left foot after receiving the ball from Romain Del Castillo.

On the stroke of half-time the visitors took the lead again after they were awarded a penalty. Florent Perradin fouled Sacha Clemence in the box and Bouanga made no mistake from the spot. But it was the Arsenal man, Bennacer, who was hailed in the buildup. His pass to Clemence described as ‘superb inspiration.’

It was another (soft) penalty that handed the hosts a chance to draw level for the second time and Berthomier showed that whatever Bouanga could do, he could match.

Bourg-en-Bresse won it with five minutes left, Del Castillo turning goalscorer, meeting a Loic Damour cross with his head, much to the dismay of Tours who no doubt felt they had done enough to at least claim a draw.

The result is somewhat indicative of the lack of confidence around Tours at present and is a defeat they can perhaps feel unlucky in.

The game was played in front of 2, 633 supporters.