On the fourth day of play, Club NXT U23 hosted Stijn Stijnen's team that became champions in first amateur class. Against a strong defensive block, our youngsters first trailed 0-2. But as the match progressed they still tried to keep the three points at home. With goals from Barbera and Vermant in the second half, Blauw-Zwart had to be satisfied with a point difference.
Patro Eisden had descended to The Nest with a lot of experienced players who, moreover, surpassed Club NXT in stature. Their average age was 30 compared to only 20 at Club NXT. Add to that the fact that the visitors played as a huge defensive block, and you realize that Club NXT did not have an easy time finding a hole. As a result, it took a long time before there was the first significant goal attempt. It was Elisha who saw his shot go past Shinton's goal. Shortly after, Seys stopped a Limburg attack on the right. Kevin Kis was able to use the free kick to drop the ball behind the defense. Elisha Sam Bruce was close by and was able to work the ball into goal via Jano Willems after a few caroms. An avoidable deficit. Afterwards, Seys himself was foul brought down. Homma popped the free kick on the fists of goalkeeper Belin. Club NXT tried to get through Patro's defensive lines. An attempt by Lenn De Smet was blocked. Captain Vermant found the visiting goalkeeper in his path. The very industrious De Roeve painted another perfect cross for goal before halftime, but Vermant just couldn't get his foot to it.
