Club NXT once again knotted up against Dender with victory. The East Flames were a size too small despite a nifty counter goal by Borry just before halftime. Audoor and Vermant opened the scoring in the first half. In the second half, Blauw-Zwart could only finish off two of its many goal attempts through Sandra and Engels. For now, our youngsters are back in the coveted sixth spot in the rankings with an eye on Play Off 1.
Despite the World Cup in Qatar, the competition in the Challenger Pro League continues to rumble on. On the fifteenth match day, FCV Dender EH came to visit. Club NXT was at full strength with in goal Senne Lammens, who still played at Dender in his youth years, and in midfield Lynnt Audoor and Cisse Sandra along with Noah Mbamba. At Dender, Jasper Van Oudenhove, ex-Club NXT, was in the starting lineup. Led by captain Ibe Hautekiet, Blauw-Zwart immediately took control of the game. Dender soon had to give way. Soon the first chances and the first goal followed. Talbi saw Vermant standing free, who unfortunately hit goalkeeper Gies. At the following corner kick, Audoor headed towards goal and surprised the same Gies. 1-0, an early lead that felt good.
Ban broken
Our youngsters' attacking machine had taken off. Seys advanced from the left and put the ball nicely in front of goal, but the East Flanders goallie caught it. Vermant had been dry for a while and worked his ass off to shake the nets against Dender. After a wonderful rush, he popped in a spin towards goal, but again goalkeeper Gies was able to prevent worse. Not to worry, the next attempt by Sven Vermant's son was a hit. A distance shot ended up in the left corner and the deserved 2-0 was on the scoreboard, the crowd enjoyed. Dender was able to counter, but goalkeeper Lammens kept the shot out of the bottom left corner and in the rebound the visitors went wide. Club NXT let off the gas pedal and waited patiently for its chances. Dender was unable to really threaten our youngsters. Shortly before halftime, Blauw-Zwart missed two giant chances. After a beautifully set up attack via Engels, Sabbe and Talbi who again served Vermant, again goalkeeper Gies was the visitors' savior. Talbi demonstrated his speed and stormed towards goal on the left flank, but his magisterial effort stranded on the post. Then, instead of 3-0, it became 2-1 on the stroke of halftime. Out of nowhere, Borry was able to beat goalkeeper Lammens with a beautiful overhead kick. In the tumult after this goal, Lallemand hit a Club NXT player in the face. Referee Debeuckelaere did not hesitate and rightly pushed a red card under his nose.
