Bryan Reynolds’ side managed to win on an early goal and Marlon Fossey’s Standard won too, but the team captain missed that one due to injury in Belgian Pro League action.
OH Leuven 0 – 1 Westerlo
Bryan Reynolds and Westerlo made the roughly 20-mile trip to Leuven to take on relegation threatened OH Leuven at Den Dreef on Saturday afternoon. With recent results in their favor and just three games left before the play-offs begin, a strong finish would propel them into the top group where they could be fighting for a place in European competition next season.
The game started well for the visitors as they had luck on their side and a little help from Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, who found the back of his own net after just four minutes to gift the visitors the lead that they stubbornly held onto over the 90 minutes. It was an unfortunate deflection from the Nigerian striker that came from a Westerlo corner kick. Turkish defender Emin Bayram got his head to it and played it off the Ikwuemesi, who cursed his bad luck.
Both sides created chances though Westerlo never looked much like scoring again, but Leuven’s finishing was their downfall, so in the end they came away with nothing but a place in the relegation play-offs position. After the game, the Westerlo coach spoke to the press.
“In the first half we played good football, but afterwards we were too calm on the ball and gave away too many stagnant phases” said Issame Charai.
“All in all, chapeau for the boys. I’m very happy: for the 10th time the clean sheet and our 3rd win in four matches, that’s nice.
“Now Club Brugge and Standard follow, but we remain just as ambitious. We are still in the underdog role for Play-off I and I think that’s good. We’ll see where we end up.”
Notes
Marlon Fossey is still recovering from a thigh injury, so missed Standard Liege’s 1-0 away win at Waregem. Just a point out of the top six, the American captain could return over the weekend when les Rouches goes up against Royal Antwerp.
Kayden Pierre and the Genk Reserves lost a close one to Beerschot on Saturday afternoon. The 1-0 result went along the same lines of Westerlo’s game where an own goal decided who picked up the points. Pierre picked up a yellow card but it was his team mate, Elie Mbavu who scored the unfortunate goal. Next up the Genk Reserves will face the Club Brugge Reserves.
Jamath Shoffner got to taste victory over the weekend as his Lierse side held off resilient Brugge Reserves to pick up three points with the 2-1 home victory. Now in 11th place, it is highly unlikely that they’ll be able to fight their way into a promotion spot with just six games left and 13 points away. Up next will be a visit from Molenbeek.
