For the distant away match at Stayen, coach Rik De Mil was able to call on goalkeeper Senne Lammens, Lynnt Audoor, Noah Mbamba, Antonio Nusa and Cisse Sandra. Led by captain Xander Blomme, Club NXT went in search of a much-needed three-pointer with an eye on a place in the top four.
As is tradition, the Canaries started the match very intensely. They did not allow Club NXT one meter of freedom. They were fierce in the duels and ran after every ball. They also did not hold back from making vicious mistakes. Fortunately, no Club NXT player had to leave the field hurt. The referee allowed it to happen. Our youngsters had a hard time finding a hole in the yellow and blue wall. Only after more than fifteen minutes could Romeo Vermant force a first real chance. However, the home goallie easily grabbed his shot on goal. Blue Black pressed more and more, but no real open goal chances came. Lynnt Audoor kicked a free kick straight into the hands of goalkeeper Boets. Shortly after, Vermant was fouled and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Audoor kicked the ball hard as steel, finally 0-1 after just over half an hour of play. Nusa then dribbled through the Truien lines and gave an assist to Audoor, but he just couldn't get his foot to it.
Sint-Truiden started the second half as intense and aggressive as the first. They won many duels. Blauwzwart was shocked when a blast from STVV ended up in the side netting. The home team looked for the equalizer. Fortunately, goalkeeper Lammens played a strong game. He prevented the 1-1 on several occasions. At the other end, Nusa was a scourge for the defense. After another beautiful dribble, he served the free Sandra who unfortunately kicked over goal. Afterwards he advanced on the right flank and delivered a sharp cross that goalkeeper Boets could only fend off with his fingertips. On the hour, Keita rushed straight at the Bruges goal. Sylla tried to tackle the ball, but he went a little too violently. He mowed down Keita and the referee gave him the red card. Fortunately, goalkeeper Lammens parried the free kick from just before the penalty area.
Coach De Mil sacrificed Nusa for defender Mondele. Sint-Truiden smelled its chance with 11 against 10. But Club NXT played very well organized and even broke out regularly. A nice collective action allowed Audoor to net the reassuring 0-2. A cold shower for Sint-Truiden. Shortly before, a header went just wide of the Bruges goal. Several times the ball rolled all the way through the blue-black defense and passed in front of the goal, but fortunately nobody was able to score.
The minutes ticked away, Club NXT played out the match maturely. A hard-fought but deserved victory for our youngsters. Monday the clash against Anderlecht awaits at The Nest. Supporters come and support Club NXT en masse in Roeselare and turn the stadium into a blue-black fortress!
STVV: Keo Boets, Rien Van Helden, Vincent De Vos, Jarne Steuckers, Alouis Diriken, Emile Peios, Andrea Librici, Arnaud Dony, Matte Smets, Dieter Reynders, Malick Keita.
Coach: Stefaan Van Winckel.
Club NXT: Senne Lammens, Denzel De Roeve, Ibe Hautekiet, Abakar Sylla, Kyriani Sabbe, Xander Blomme, Antonio Nusa (65' Lukas Mondele), Noah Mbamba, Romeo Vermant, Cisse Sandra, Lynnt Audoor.
Coach: Rik De Mil.
Goals: 34' Lynnt Audoor 0-1 (penalty), 78' Lynnt Audoor 0-2.
Yellow card: Keita.
Red card: Sylla.
Stadium: Stayen.