A late goal from Moussa Maazou spared Bordeaux's blushes on home soil as they snatched a point against Valenciennes tonight.

Les Girondins looked to be heading for their fifth defeat of the Ligue 1 season as they trailed to David Ducourtioux's first-half strike, while Jussie also missed from the penalty spot for the home side.

But Maazou popped up five minutes from time to rescue a draw which keeps Bordeaux one point ahead of their opponents in the standings.

Valenciennes made a confident start, with Gregory Puyol forcing two excellent saves from Cedric Carrasso as the visitors looked for an early advantage.

And they got it with 17 minutes on the clock thanks to Ducourtioux, who was found unmarked in the area by a Gael Danic cross which he turned home from a few yards out.

Bordeaux had to wait another 15 minutes for their first meaningful chance, but should have pulled level from it as Anthony Modeste smashed a volley onto the crossbar.

The near miss seemed to bring the home side to life and they dominated the second half.

Henri Saivet's 22-yard drive was well blocked by goalkeeper Nicolas Penneteau before Bordeaux were gifted the chance to equalise with a penalty after 55 minutes.

Remi Gomis handled the ball in the area to concede, but Jussie's spot-kick was weak and Penneteau was able to make the save.

It looked like it might not be Bordeaux's day as Penneteau made another good stop to keep out a header from Maazou before the Niger striker directed a second header inches wide.

Penneteau continued to frustrate the hosts as he tipped away a volley from Fahid Ben Khalfallah, but Bordeaux were eventually rewarded for their pressure five minutes from time when Yoan Gouffran whipped in a cross which was flicked on by Benoit Tremoulinas to Maazou, who struck the ball beyond the reach of the VA keeper.