Reims have scored a second-half penalty to draw 1-1 with Nice in the Ligue 1 clash at Stade Auguste Delaune II.

Nice's form had faltered of late, with just two wins from their last eight matches, but they started brightly and took the lead after just six minutes when Olivier Boscagli crossed for Valere Germain to turn home the rebound after Johnny Placide had saved his first effort.

Reims were looking to preserve a three-game unbeaten run and they attempted to hit back quickly, but Frederic Bulot's strike from distance lacked power and was easily held by Yoann Cardinale.

David N'Gog headed wide from Hamari Traore's cross for the hosts and Jeremy Pied volleyed wide at the other end as both sides looked for the important second goal of the game, and N'Gog's deflected effort was saved moments before the half-time whistle as Nice ended the half in the ascendancy.

The former Liverpool striker missed further chances in the second half as Nice looked the more likely to score again, but Mohamed Fofana should have levelled things up when he could only head wide from Diego Rigonato's corner.

However, with 12 minutes remaining the hosts were handed a golden chance to secure a point as Diego converted from the spot after Vicent Koziello handled in the area, and although Aissa Mandi was sent off in injury time the hosts held on to secure a point.