League Play-Off

Zande Stadion
Spectators: 35 (Terracing: 27, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) 9 minutes into the match, Zande's goal looked a bit too open when Jose Vrancken came free, but Boudewijn Maerschalck reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Andy Gijselinghs's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Boudewijn Maerschalck read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 10th minute of play. After 11 played minutes Zande got a freekick which was hit by Sander Steuckens. Sean Lefevre made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Michel Van Steen in the 13th minute of play. Andy Gijselinghs blasted a shot towards the goal in the 15th minute, but the shot hit the top of the crossbar and went out without Boudewijn Maerschalck having to make a save. Michel Van Steen fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 20th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Sean Lefevre having to interfere. In the 23rd minute, Loid Van Huele hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. 24 minutes into the match, Zande's Carl Sielens sent off a blazing shot straight on target, a shot that Sean Lefevre narrowly saved just below the crossbar. The crowd rose to their feet as Michel Van Steen kicked a wonderful shot that went in to the left of a diving Sean Lefevre. That made the score 1-0 in the 27 minute of play. Sean Lefevre acted impressively in front of the goal and made a superb save when he, in the 31st minute, took the ball on the long shot from Gerard Wans. Rocky Baele hit a great freekick 33 minutes into the match. If Andy Gijselinghs had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 36th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. In the 40th minute of the match Roel Render shot from a long distance. The ball could have gone into the goal to the right of the goalkeeper, but Boudewijn Maerschalck showed his good shape when he easily got hold of the ball. If Jose Vrancken had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 41st minute. The ball went over the crossbar instead. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Andy Gijselinghs in the 44th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Boudewijn Maerschalck saved Zande from getting behind. No-one was surprised that the home team were leading 1-0 at half-time.

The wind increased when Michel Van Steen made the kick off in the second half. After a defensive mix-up in SC Houthalen's zone, Philip Vanpevenaeyge stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Sean Lefevre came out of the goal and Philip Vanpevenaeyge tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Philip Vanpevenaeyge's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Sean Lefevre read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 56th minute of play. 57 minutes into the match, SC Houthalen's goal looked a bit too open when Michel Van Steen came free, but Sean Lefevre reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Jose Vrancken struck a weak shot in the 63rd minute. Boudewijn Maerschalck didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for SC Houthalen. A collision led to Zande getting a freekick after 65 minutes play. Carl Sielens hit a great ball. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Philip Vanpevenaeyge in the 73rd minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Sean Lefevre prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Sean Lefevre took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Michel Van Steen, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Andy Gijselinghs during the 82nd minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. 84 minutes into the game, Jose Vrancken was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. SC Houthalen's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Zande the free kick. After 85 played minutes, Zande's Carl Sielens shot from a long distance, and at first it looked like the ball was going into the goal, but the goalkeeper Sean Lefevre came through and got his fingers on the ball before it flew over the goal line. He then quickly gripped the ball tighter before the forwards in Zande reached it. Philip Vanpevenaeyge struck a weak shot in the 92nd minute. Sean Lefevre didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Zande. 98 minutes into the match, Zande's Michel Van Steen sent off a blazing shot straight on target, a shot that Sean Lefevre narrowly saved just below the crossbar. Zande's fans were exulted and cheered after their team won in a match that could easily have gone the other way.