Club NXT U23 surprised by winning with a great team performance at SK Beveren. The Waaslanders had not lost nine games, but thanks to goals by Barbera and Homma in the second half, our youngsters recorded a well-deserved victory.
After three consecutive defeats, Club NXT urgently needed to win points to avoid slipping further down the rankings. Coach Hayen was able to put the returning Vermant and Sabbe in the starting line-up. Barbera and Seys also returned to the team. Blauw-Zwart started the game well, but the first big chance was still for the home team. Goalkeeper Shinton had to tap an initial header by Koyalipou over the cover. A low shot by flank attacker Ismaheel, who cleverly outplayed the charging Seys, disappeared just wide of the left post. Beveren wanted to take a quick lead, but the Club NXT defense held firm. Gradually our youngsters also got good chances to open the score. Sabbe conjured one of his well-known rushes out of his hat and put the ball in front of goal, but goalkeeper Reus caught it. When Homma dribbled between three opponents and played the ball to Barbera, the Spaniard hit the crossbar hard from close range. This was the chance to make it 0-1.
After a mistake by Goemaere, Geusens also hit the crossbar with a free kick. Beveren pressed again and two ex-Club Brugge players almost scored the first goal. Anthony Limbombe laid the ball back to Mathis Servais who pushed, but Et-Taïbi was just able to interject.
The very industrious Homma snatched the leather from Hrncar and cleverly passed to Vermant, but the captain choked and away was yet another great opportunity to score. Our Japanese felt at ease and also went for his own chance. His shot, however, disappeared wide of the goal. Just before half-time he dribbled through the defense, his ball diverged through a Beveren defender and was just barely defused by goalkeeper Reus. We went to rest with a glasses score. Club NXT was at least the equal of SK Beveren in an entertaining match.
The first chances in the second half were for the home team. Shinton had to parry a low shot by Koyalipou. An attempt by Servais fortunately resulted in a goal kick. Afterwards Louis Verstraete picked up two yellow cards in quick succession and was allowed to take a shower. Beveren with ten almost took the lead anyway. Goncalves crossed the ball perfectly at the first post where striker Koyalipou headed towards goal. Goalkeeper Shinton had a super reflex and kept his nets clean in spectacular fashion. In the next phase of the match, Club NXT led 0-1. A through pass ended up with Seys, who in turn served Barbera. Our striker kicked a half volley that collided in front of and over the surprised goalkeeper Reus. Both coaches changed some players. Vermant and Sabbe were allowed to rest. Faraas and Simba entered the field. Cukur immediately rushed past Simba but his shot ended up on Shinton's fists. The match became a real cup match with a lot of effort, but it also resulted in a lot of fouls and yellow cards. Coach Hayen brought in Audoor for Barbera. At Beveren, Servais was replaced by ex-Club Brugge player Sander Coopman.
