Griffin Yow‘s late strike keeps Westerlo in the hunt for a European spot, while Marlon Fossey‘s Standard lose at home.
Westerlo 4 – 2 Dender
Both Bryan Reynolds and Griffin Yow were in the Gamecocks starting lineup as they tasted victory in front of their home crowd after Yow scored late from the penalty spot on Friday night.
After a tight scoreless contest for most of the first half, Dávid Hrncár picked out Roman Kvet in the box and the Czech struck from deep inside the box. The 37th minute goal however was matched a few minutes into first half stoppage time when Allahyar Sayyadmanesh scored from the penalty spot. This was the Iranian’s seventh goal of the campaign.
Dender regained the lead just past the hour mark with a penalty of their own. Bruny Nsimba converted this time. And in the 76th minute it was all square again. Matija Frigan scored from the right side of the box.
The winner came from the spot, the third penalty of the game, when Yow placed the ball on the spot after Sayyadmanesh was brought down in the box. The goal came in the 88th minute and was the American’s fourth playoff goal. Westerlo added one more just for good measure in the 96th minute when a fast break resulted in Serhii Sydorchuk’s net bender.
Next up Westerlo will head to Wallonia to take on Sporting Charleroi, who are leading the group after seven games.
Notes
Marlon Fossey was in the starting line-up for Standard Liege when they lost by a goal to none to Charleroi. Up next for last place les Rouches is a trip to Mechelen.
Kahveh Zahiroleslam remained on the bench again as Sint Truiden came away winners against Beerschot. Their next and last game of the season will be in Kortrijk. A win will guarantee Pro League security.