Marseille have kept alive their chances of winning Ligue 1 this season with a 1-0 victory over Brest at Stade Velodrome.

Both sides had a quiet start to the proceedings, with Andre-Pierre Gignac's attempt from distance on 24 minutes the first shot taken in the contest.

Gignac had another chance before the break, but once again he failed to keep his effort on target.

Marseille did head into the half-time interval 1-0 up as Benoit Cheyrou scored from a free kick with his left foot in the first minute of injury time.

The former French champions continued to dominate in the second half, Jordan Ayew heading Mathieu Valbuena's delivery just over the Brest bar before the latter tried his luck but in vain.

Brest began to venture forward thereafter, as Kamel Chafni had two chances in quick succession before Abel Khaled came close from inside the box, but the home side held on for all three points.

The result leaves Marseille six points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain for the moment, while Brest remain second from bottom.