Lierse took an early lead through a penalty from Jarju after 10 mins. Eupen played too sloppily to force any major chances. Lierse should have increased their lead, but Samir (side netting) and Jarju (bar) missed.
The second half was rather a non-event. Eupen matched Lierse and threatened now and then. Lierse’s finishing was poor, but they deservedly won to win their second consecutive match.
Lierse: Van der Jeugt, De Corte, Frans, Janssens, Rabie, De Witte, Buyens, Rimkus (Wahed 68′), Samir, Cavens (Develer 75′), Jarju (Bojovic 87′-
Booked : Buyens, De Corte
Eupen: Wins, Chareton, Rentmeister, Lebe, Tomsin, Colin, Bongard, Thijs, Molnar (Falcione 30′), Vinamont, BrulsBooked: Molnar, Thijs, Rentmeister
Sent Off: Rentmeister (90′ - 2 x yellow)
Trainer Helleputte is a happy man:
We played especially well in the first half hour. There were chances for a second and third goal which we didn’t take. As long as the second goal doesn’t come, it remains tense of course, but we kept playing the ball around well.
On the counter it didn’t work as well in the second half:
We fell back and then the counter attack has to be better. The final ball didn’t work. I’d like to cite mitigating circumstances. The pitch wasn’t in the state it should be. It was bumpy and that made it difficult sometimes. It was no problem to keep a clean sheet, although it was sometimes dangerous in front of our goal.
Helleputte justified his decision to start with Rimkus and to bring on Wahed as sub:
They were both not totally fit, but I let Lorenzo start because he has a dangerous free kick. I let Wahed come on as we had to keep our slender lead, and he is able to keep hold of the ball.
Samir also pleased the trainer:
It was unlucky for him that he wasn’t able to score, because just like last week he played a very decent game.
On Sunday there is an important game for Lierse between Leuven and Antwerp:
Let them draw, that’s always the best!
On Lierse TV you can watch the highlights of the first half , and the second half, an interview with goalscorer Mustapha Jarju, and some footage of the victory celebrations.
Pictures of the Match/Players.
Pictures of the Supporters.
