Nice held to 1-1 draw by struggling Bastia (The Associated Press)

Alassane Plea missed a golden chance with three minutes left and Nice saw its lead at the top of the French league cut to one point after a 1-1 home draw against struggling Bastia on Sunday. Playing without the injured Mario Balotelli did not seem to be a problem for Nice, which dominated the first half and took control of the game after Plea scored his eighth goal in 14 league appearances. On Nice's second corner, Plea made no mistake from a precise cross from Jean-Michael Seri and outjumped defenders to head the ball home at the far post in the 11th minute.