Belgium round-up: Anderlecht in charge

Runaway leaders RSC Anderlecht consolidated their lead at the top of the Belgian First Division at the weekend courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 away defeat of R. Charleroi SC.

Dindane decisive
Anderlecht face Celtic FC in the UEFA Champions League next week and midfield player Aruna Dindane ensured his team could go into that crucial game on the back of a win, scoring the only goal of a tight encounter - despite a succession of missed chances for either side - in the tenth minute.

Lange double
Norwegian Rune Lange, meanwhile, was twice on target as Club Brugge KV, who face AC Milan in Europe on Wednesday, defeated KVC Westerlo 4-0 to move into second place, seven points behind Anderlecht. Andres Mendoza and Sandy Martens contributed a goal each.

Thijs stars
German midfield player Bernd Thijs was another two-goal hero as KRC Genk sauntered past Cercle Brugge KSV 3-1 on Sunday to stay in third place. Cédric Roussel added the third after the break before Nordin Jbari managed to pull one back for the visitors.

Maiden wins
Former Juventus FC player and assistant coach Sergio Brio, in his second match in charge of RAEC Mons, led the side to their first victory of the campaign. The 1-0 home defeat of R. Antwerp FC was secured by David Mounard's solitary goal. Similarly, KSC Lokeren OV won their first game of the season, coming out 3-0 on top against bottom-placed K. Heusden-Zolder, with two goals from Aristide Bance.

Easy win
R. Standard de Liège were also comfortable winners, cruising to a 2-0 defeat of AA Gent, despite being reduced to ten men after Uruguayan international defender Gonzalo Sorondo was dismissed. Emile Mpenza put his side ahead in the 45th minute and Joseph Enakarhire added the second in the 54th. Gent goalkeeper Frederik Herpoel saved a penalty from Moreira with 15 minutes left on the clock.