STRONG SECOND HALF LEADS TO SECOND SPOT IN THE TABLE

VIRTON - BEERSCHOT  1 - 2

Beerschot handsomely won this "Battle for second spot"-game with Thibo Baeten and Jan Van den Bergh goals and some smart tactical changes from coach Andreas Wieland at the break. The result was fruitful: three golden points and moving up to second spot in the table. It all looked very bleak at half time though as a strong countering Virton lead by the one goal while Beerschot hardly created a chance despite claiming almost 70% ball possession. In the second half however our Mannekes put it all right.

Andreas Wieland pushed  Weymans, Koshi and Thorisson in his starting line up instead of Baeten and Verlinden, while Rigo sat out his first from two suspension days. Virton played the waiting game and speculated on the counter; tactics that proved right as Abdallah scored the opening goal on the break when he headed in a high cross. Beerschot reacted with three shots from Icelandic striker Thorisson but were sloppy and too slow in the build up. It was the home team that threatened again, but luckily goalkeeper Bill Lathouwers saved from Abdallah again and Ilunga.
 
The game changed in the second half: Thibo Baeten was sent on for Koshi and Jan Van den Bergh moved up to a midfield position. Exactly the changes that were needed. Baeten's impact was immediate when he headed in a perfect cross from Weymans. Minutes later goalkeeper Vicensini was called up twice but he saved a nearly own goal from Perri and a shot from Thorisson after a good combination.

Beerschot scored a second goal fifteen minutes from the end when Van den Bergh was at the right spot at the far corner to head home a cross from...Baeten. The third headed goal of the game. Virton threatened - on the break again! - with a quick counter but Anne hit the crossbar. It was the last chance for the home team. Beerschot solidly defended their 2-1 lead and could celebrate after five minutes added on time.

ATTENDANCE: 1.200
REFEREE: Allaerts
GOALS: 17' Abdallah 1-0, 54' Baeten 1-1, 75' Van den Bergh 1-2
VIRTON: Vincensini, Vinck, Abdallah (61' Anne), Doué, Allach (61' Espinosa), Ilunga, Paulet (84' Lloci), Aguemon (67' Mabella), Perri, Khemais (67' Kagé), Rémy
BEERSCHOT: Lathouwers, Seydoux, Meisl, Van den Bergh, Matthys, Weymans (77' Nzita), Sanusi, Koshi (46' Baeten), Vaca (64' Verlinden), Sebaoui (64' Petkevicius), Thorisson (83' Frans)
YELLOW CARDS: Meisl, Rémy, Matthys, Kagé, Wieland
RED CARDS: geen

By Danny Geerts