Wins for KV Kortrijk, Sint-Truiden and Sporting Charleroi
There were victors in 3 of Saturday evening’s 4 Belgian First Division games Sporting Charleroi moved up into the top (albeit possibly for less than 24 hours) after a convincing 3-1 home win against Cercle Brugge. KV Kortrijk continued their recovery since the return of Yves Vanderhaeghe with a 1-0 home win against near-neighbours Excel Mouscron. The shock of the evening came in Antwerp though, where Sint-Truiden beat second-placed RFC Antwerp by 1-3. Saturday’s other match, a West Flemish derby between Zulte Waregem and KV Oostende end in a 1-1 draw.
Sint-Truiden claim second major scalp in less than a week
Sint-Truiden have consolidated their position in the top 6 with a 1-3 win against RFC Antwerp. Their victory at Antwerp’s Bosuil Stadium came just six day after they beat Sporting Anderlecht 4-2 at home in Sint-Truiden. Sint-Truiden took the lead on 9 minutes from a Jordan Botaka penalty.
The spot kick was awarded after the Antwerp keeper Bolat had elbowed De Sart inside the box. Antwerp’s equalized after the unfortunate Tomiyasu pull the ball past his own keeper on 17 minutes. Roman Bezus made it 1-2 to Sint-Truiden on 37 minutes. Sint-Truiden defended strongly and were able to thwart Antwerp’s strike force.
It was over and out for the Great Old when Pol Garcia made it 1-3 on 74 minutes. What was an enjoyable match to watch as a neutral supporter ended 1-3 in Sint-Truiden’s favour. RFC Antwerp remain 2nd for the time being with 32 points from 17 games. However, the 2 teams directly behind them, Club Brugge and Anderlecht are still to play, so they could slip back to 4th. Sint-Truiden are 5th with 30 points. .
A convincing win for Charleroi
After an at times shaky start to the season, Sporting Charleroi appear to have found their form again. They made light work of seeing of Cercle Brugge. Sporting Charleroi open the scoring on 16 minutes through Benavente. Second half goals from Osimhem on 53 minutes and a goal scored from a free-kick Marco Ilaimaharitra on 60 minutes did the rest. Cercle scored a consolation goal through Bongiovanni on 85 minutes. The match ended 3-1 in Sporting Charleroi’s favour. The result sees 6th place with 26 points from 17 games. However, they could slip back a place if their arch-rivals Standard de Liège win or draw against Club Brugge on Sunday afternoon. Cercle Brugge are 10th with 22 points.
Early goal seals it for KV Kortrijk
KV Kortrijk’s recovery continues. A De Sart (photo below) goal in the second minute of the game was enough to give them victory against near-neighbours Excel Mouscron. The result sees KV Kortrijk move up to 9th place with 22 points from 17 games. Excel Mouscron are 14th with 13 points.
All square in the West Flemish derby
With 5 teams from West Flanders in the top flight a West Flemish derby is almost a weekly occurrence in the Belgian First Division. Saturday evening’s match between Zulte Waregem and KV Oostende ended in a 1-1 draw. Zulte Waregem’s goals came from Hamdi Harbaoui on 8 minutes. Indy Boonen equalized from KV Oostende on 85 minutes. The result leaves Zulte Waregem 13th with 16 points from 17 games. KV Oostende are 11th with 19 points.
