Ghanaian central defender John Boye was the savior for his side, FC Metz, as his goal clinched a narrow victory for the Ligue 1 strugglers in a crucial league game.

FC Metz, who are battling relegation in the French Top flight needed a win at all costs to give their survival bid any glimmer of hope when they welcomed Strasbourg to the Stade Municipal Saint-Symphorien for the Round 20 league encounter.

The game’s match-winner came in the 68th minute after Boye responded quickest in a rebound situation to slam the ball into the net. FC Metz had been awarded a corner kick earlier. A glancing header from the set-piece saw the Strasbourg goalkeeper Matz Sels make a diving save. The rebound fell into the 6-yard box with an onrushing John Boye reacting quickly to slam the ball inside the net.

The win takes Metz to the 16th position on 20 points, 3 above the relegation zone having played a game more.

Metz is enduring a tough time in the French top flight after sealing qualification from the Ligue 2 last season.

John Boye who was key in that promotional push will definitely be needed in their push to stay afloat the Ligue 1 seas.