Engels – Match report Beerschot – KVM
BEERSCHOT – KV MECHELEN 1 - 2
What a turnaround in the Olympic Stadium. Until the 89th minute Beerschot were heading for their first home win since 27 December and a comfortable fifth spot in the table. But then lightning struck twice in three minutes when Walsh and Druijf scored for KV Mechelen, giving the visitors three unexpected points. What a disappointment… and how frustrating when TV footage later showed the winning goal was yards offside while VAR looked the other way.
Beerschot started with two ‘new’ wingbacks and Loris Brogno partnered Suzuki up front. Our Mannekes showed more passion and desire compared to last Thursday’s cup tie… but it was KV Mechelen that created the best scoring chance of the first half. Vanhamel parried De Camargo’s shot from three yards out with his legs.
At the other end Holzhauser tried to take control in midfield, and hit out as well, but Thoelen saved his shot and Dom kicked the rebound high in the stands. The visitors combined better and found space on the flanks without really challenging Vanhamel though. Beerschot’s reply came with inch perfect inswinging balls from Holzhauser’s corners and free kicks.
Early in the second half Beerschot opened the score when Loris Brogno slalomed through the Mechelen defense beating four opponents before Schoof’s challenge brought him to the ground. Ref Verboomen pointed to the penalty spot and Holzhauser scored his 12th of the season.
KV Mechelen upped the pace and took over midfield after Holzhauser got injured and had to be replaced. With Storm as an extra striker the visitors made it a one way traffic affair with full pressure attacking football. And that paid off in the end.
In the last minute of the game Walsh scored the equaliser and deep in injury time Beerschot got the final knockdown when Schoofs was allowed to continue despite being in a clear offside position and his low pass was driven in by Druijf. No response from VAR… and KV Mechelen had their three points in the bag. Sheer robbery it was…
ATTENDANCE: 0
REFEREE: Verboomen
GOALS: 52’ Holzhauser 1-0 (strafschop), 89’ Walsh 1-1, 90+2’ Druijf 1-2
BEERSCHOT: Vanhamel, Dom, Radic, Frans, Van den Bergh, Bourdin, Sanusi, Coulibaly, Holzhauser (60’ Eleke), Brogno (87’ Broadbent), Suzuki
KV MECHELEN: Thoelen, Bijker (78’ Kaya), Bateau, Heiremans (78’ Druijf), De Camargo, Schoofs, Mrabti, Peyre, Kabore (24’ Walsh), Vanlerberghe, Vranckx (63’ Storm)
YELLOW CARDS: Radic, Brogno
RED CARDS: none
By Danny Geerts
