They say football is a game of opinions, but there were few travelling Royal Antwerp fans who would have predicted the sudden revival of 'King Darko' (Pivaljevic) after receiving a yellow card for a hefty challenge on him in the first half. As a mainstay of Ratko Svilar’s set-up and one of the more passionate and consistent performers in a Royal Antwerp side under severe financial strain, Darko Pivaljevic had become something of a flag bearer for the supporters. If there was a rallying call to be made, his name was invariably heard in the media and as one of the more senior players in an ever-diminishing side, he led by example and scored a brace at Union Royale Namur giving us our highest ranking in a long time, third spot in the Exqi-league!

In a direct confrontation at the Lisp KSK Beveren was from the start on their toes and were in the lead twice through Martens and Mulisa but K. Lierse S.K. came back and sealed the win thanks to their leading goal scorer Cavens, who did bend a free-kick from the edge of the area directly in goal and was in the dying minutes the author of the decisive goal in front of 7 100 spectators. So, with his 21st goal of the season Jurgen held on to keep the pressure on leaders K. St.- Truidense V.V. who brushed play-offs candidates K.S.K. Ronse aside at their own ground, goalkeeper Mignolet even taking a spotkick versus his opposite colleague and netting in two times. With 3 games to go and 5 points ahead, it’s for STVV to lose the title!

With his three goals Frenchman Sébastien Dorizon brought his Royal F.C. Tournai team victory in their home tie against K.F.C. V.W. Hamme which set up a kind of final at the Bosuil on Saturday when third (RAFC) meet fifth (RFCT) in the Exqi-league.

(Published with the permission of the author.)