Belgian First Division wrap: Gent lose ground

Gent missed a chance to close the gap on Belgian First Division leaders Genk and Anderlecht when they were held 1-1 at Mechelen on Saturday.

The third-placed side could have drawn within five points of both teams, who are split by goal difference at the top of the league table, with victory.

But they were forced to settle for a point when David de Storme nabbed an injury-time equaliser for the hosts.

Senegalese striker Elimane Coulibaly had earlier put Gent into the lead with his eighth goal of the season, finding the net in the 77th minute.

Elsewhere, Kortrijk ended a run of four straight league losses thanks to a visit from bottom-placed Charleroi, running out 3-0 winners to climb to ninth on the table.

Davy De Beule scored a first-half brace for the hosts, interrupted by a rare goal from defender Sven Kums.

Lokeren consolidated their place in the top six with a 2-1 win at home over 10-man Zulte-Waregem.

Alfredh Finnbogason and Benjamin de Ceulaer scored within the first 10 minutes for the hosts, before Zulte-Waregem threatened a second-half comeback with Thomas Matton’s 49th-minute goal.

But the danger quickly passed as defender Miguel Dachelet was sent off for a second caution in the 56th minute.

Finally, Sint-Truiden defeated fellow relegation battlers Germinal Beerschot 1-0 on Gregory Dufer’s 61st-minute winner, and Westerlo triumphed 1-0 at Cercle Brugge courtesy of Dieter Dekelver.