Club NXT U23 continues its momentum in the Promotion playoffs of the Challengers Pro League. After our youngsters fell behind after a goal by Vekemans, they fought their way back into the game. Two goals by Daniel Pérez in the second half ensured a fourth three-pointer in the final phase of the competition.
After the international break, Club NXT U23 headed to the Lisp with a greatly changed team. The Audoor brothers and our Japanese Homma are injured and with Vermant, Talbi, Spileers, Sabbe and Sandra there are a lot of youngsters in the selection of the A core.
On a difficult playing field, Blauw-Zwart struggled and the rain made it even more difficult. The home team immediately put Club NXT U23 under pressure. Goalkeeper Shinton was able to keep the zero on the board with two fine saves in the first five minutes. Lierse quickly converted several corner kicks. First our goalie stopped a low shot, then he took a fine shot from De Schryver. Our defense also held firm in the rebound. After ten minutes, the free Vekemans headed wide from close range.
A miss by Ordoñez, who delivered the ball to the same Vekemans, made it 1-0. Club NXT U23 struggled but tried to get back into the match. Seys put himself through on his flank, but Cuevas could not force more than a corner kick. At the other end, De Roeve worked extremely hard. Through a quick combination with Pérez, he was able to reach the free-standing Lenn De Smet, but his shot was blocked. Combining with his twin brother Liam, he put the ball in front of goal, but De Roeve could not direct his shot properly. The leather disappeared over the Lierse goal.
Our youngsters started looking more and more for the equalizer. Servais' shot also went over the goal of Jarno De Smet, who received his youth training at Club Brugge. Lierse tried to counter quickly and shortly before the break, captain Shinton had to make another ultimate save to avoid the double lead.
