Beerschot – KV Oostende: 1-1
With four enforced changes through supsension and injuries coach Andreas Wieland fielded an unprecedented team for this game against a very eager KV Oostende. The match ended in a draw after some sloppy defending and questionable refereeing decisions.
Cagro threatened first but his shot was easily saved by the visiting goalkeeper. Beerschot's start was good and when Nzita was fouled in the box we deserved a penalty but ref Matonga waved away Beerschot's protests. At the other end however KV Oostende were awarded a penalty after a foul from Alhassan despite the fact that the infringment happened outside the box. Luckily Davor Matijas saved the spotkick.
All in vain because minutes later the visitors scored after a quick break when Berte put the ball high in the top corner from a low cross. KV Oostende remained dangerous on the break and again Matijas was called upon when Atanga got the perfect chance for a second goal. But our goalie, who had a peach of a game, saved again. Beerschot combined well for the last opportunity of the first half but Cagro's shot ended up in Bossin's arms.
In the second half, and with a not fully fit Thibaud Verlinden in the team, Beerschot equalised through Reyners whose drive went in via the legs of Oostende defender Medley. The visitors regrouped with a compact defence and even got the better scoring opportunities on the break. In the dying minutes Awokoya appeared in front of Matijas but again our goalkeeper was on top. Enough brilliance to claim the Man of the Match award.
Beerschot: Matijas, Reyners, Alhassan, Sanusi, Nzita, Tshimanga, Keita, Cagro, Van Himbeeck, Konstantopoulos, Michez.
KV Oostende: Bossin, Vinck, Medley, Laes, Henderson, Dewaele, Osifo, D’haese, Tanghe, Atanga, Berte
Goals: ’26 Berte (0-1), ’61 Reyners (1-1)
