Montpellier moved into second place in Ligue 2 after a 3-0 victory at Rodez, with goalkeeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu producing a decisive performance in the delayed match from the ninth round.

The result gave Montpellier a second successive win following their victory over Grenoble and kept them in pursuit of leaders Saint-Etienne. It was their fifth success in nine league matches.

The two sides created an even contest during a goalless first half at Stade Paul-Lignon, but Montpellier took control after the interval. Nicolas Pays broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, putting the visitors 1-0 ahead.

Lacine Megnan-Pave doubled Montpellier’s advantage four minutes later, before Daryll Benlahlou completed the scoring in the 79th minute.

Rodez made tactical changes in an attempt to get back into the match, but Montpellier remained in control and secured all three points without conceding.

Ngapandouetnbu started in goal and played the full match. The 23-year-old Cameroon international touched the ball 54 times and made two important interventions, including a crucial save inside his own penalty area in the 96th minute.

The goalkeeper has made an impressive start to the campaign with Montpellier. Across his nine appearances this season, the Lions indomptables goalkeeper has conceded only five goals and has kept six clean sheets.

Montpellier now have 18 points and sit second in the table. Their next fixture will be against Red Star in the 10th round of Ligue 2.