UNION - BEERSCHOT 0 - 0 (match abandoned after 83 minutes)
Beerschot's last game in Division 1A ended on a very sour note. Our Mannekes looked on their way to clinch a nice and deserved draw against league leaders Union when ugly scenes in the away end made referee Boucaut decide to abandon the game after 83 minutes. It's such a pity Beerschot's two year stay in the top division has to end this way. Bowing out in shame it is.
The first half had been very even. Coach Vanderidt's tactical plan worked as the home time never got in their stride, were outwitted and could only create three scoring opportunities, all denied by goalkeeper Lejoly and some clever defending. On the half hour Lawrence Shankland went close as his shot from the halfway line hit the bar for what would have been a great contender for Goal of the Season.
After the break Union upped the tempo and the pressure with chances from Marcq, Vanzeir and Machida but again Lejoly and our central defense duo Radic-Lemos were in the right spot to palm away, block and save the danger. On the break our midfield dynamo Ryan Sanusi went close with a good run and shot that went narrowly wide. Union were the better side, won twelve corners but never really threatened.
The Belgian FA will now decide the outcome of this game. Union will almost certainly be given the three points; Beerschot a hefty fine and more shame.
ATTENDANCE: 8.000
REFEREE: Boucaut
GOALS: none
UNION : Moris, Nieuwkoop, Nielsen, Lazare, Undav, Vanzeir, Burgess, Mitoma, Marcq (67' Kozlowski), Machida, Kandouss
BEERSCHOT: Lejoly, Dom, Radic, Lemos, Bourdin, De Smet, Sanusi, Coulibaly (76' Pietermaat), Avenatti, Sebaoui (71' Vaca), Shankland
YELLOW CARDS: Machida
RED CARDS: none
By Danny Geerts
Photo: Jan Mees
