Midfielder Mahdi Camara has scored the first hat trick of his career to help Brest to a 3-0 win at Strasbourg, keeping this season's surprise-package on course to qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
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Camara scored twice in the first half for second-placed Brest, an unheralded side from a port city in Brittany who have never finished higher than eighth in the top flight.
Camara then coolly converted a penalty in the 60th minute to complete his treble.
The 25-year-old did well to win the ball near the edge of the penalty area in the 33rd minute and, after a shot was charged down, he guided the rebound into the right corner to give his side the lead.
Seven minutes later, the former Saint-Etienne player showed good technique to control a cross from the right and finish neatly.
The win moved Eric Roy's side 10 points behind runaway league leaders Paris Saint-Germain and four clear of third-placed Nice - although they have played a game more than both.
The top three at the end of the season gain automatic qualification to the group stage of the Champions League.
Patrick Vieira's Strasbourg slipped to 12th place.
They were overtaken by Nantes, who moved up to 11th on goal difference with a 1-0 win at relegation-threatened Lorient.
Cameroon defender Jean-Charles Castelletto netted for Nantes early in the second half after being set up from the left by winger Moses Simon.
Australian Associated Press
