Belgian First Division wrap: Anderlecht, Gent triumph

Anderlecht shot out to a six-point buffer atop the Belgian First Division with a 2-0 win over Standard Liege on Sunday.

Few chances were on offer for both sides at the Stade Constant Vanden Stock, with the first half finishing scoreless.

The league-leaders, however, took charge of the match in the 49th minute when Mbark Boussoufa’s cross evaded Standard goalkeeper Srdjan Blazic, allowing Guillaume Gillet to prod into an empty net.

Two minutes later, Gillet was felled in the area by Standard defender Jelle Van Damme – in his first appearance against his former club since returning from a short stint with Wolves in the English Premier League – and winger Jonathan Legear converted the penalty to ensure Anderlecht keep a healthy lead on top of the table.

Gent moved into outright third place on the table with a 2-1 victory over Lokeren at Jules Ottenstadion.

Francky Dury’s men went ahead in the seventh minute when Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Soumahoro netted, before Christophe Lepoint made it 2-0 to the hosts in the 25th minute.

Lokeren striker Nill De Pauw pulled a goal back for his side four minutes later, but Gent held on for their 13th win of the league season.