Belgian First Division wrap: Anderlecht rue missed chances

Anderlecht missed a chance to go to the top of the Belgian First Division with a frustrating 0-0 draw with Lokeren on Sunday.

At the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels, Anderlecht failed to take advantage of having an extra man for more than an hour which frustrated the home fans and leaves Genk a point clear in first.

Unbeaten in seven league matches in succession, Ariel Jacobs’ side headed into the match full of confidence but were frustrated by the fifth-placed Lokeren, who have not lost away from home since September.

The hosts received a boost just before the half-hour mark when midfielder Koen Persoons received a straight red card, but Anderlecht failed to score and remain second on the table.

In Sunday’s other match, a Davy de Beule double gave Kortrijk a 3-1 triumph over Lierse.

Former Everton and Fulham striker Tomasz Radzinski put the second-from-bottom visitors in front but Kortrijk soon flexed their muscle, with de Beule’s goals after 34 and 45 minutes putting the hosts 2-1 up at half-time.

It took until the very last minute of the game for Kortrijk to assure victory, with Mboyo Ilombe sealing the result after good build-up work from Brecht Capon.

The win rocketed Kortrijk from 11th to seventh, while Lierse remain in the relegation zone.