Brugge make a break

By Berend Scholten

Club Brugge KV moved seven points clear in the Belgian First Division on Wednesday night as they defeated KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen 1-0.

Chipped winner
Defender Peter Van der Heyden claimed unbeaten Brugge's goal in the 17th minute, playing a one-two with Rune Lange before chipping goalkeeper Luciano Da Silva. Brugge's lead increased as second-placed RSC Anderlecht lost by a single goal at R. Standard de Liège, who climbed to fourth thanks to Sérgio Conceição's 53rd-minute goal.

Gent held
The team in third before kick-off, KAA Gent, fell to sixth as they drew 1-1 at KRC Genk. Igor De Camargo gave Genk the lead just after the hour mark but Tim Matthijs, a hat-trick scorer at the weekend, equalised in the 78th minute.

Single-goal victories
Replacing Gent in third are RAA Louviéroise, who beat K. Sint Truidense VV 1-0 with a headed Olivier Guilmot goal five minutes from time. R. Charleroi SC triumphed by the same score at R. Excelsior Mouscron thanks to Izzet Akgul's long-range effort to join La Louvière and Standard on 23 points, still 12 adrift of Brugge.

Cercle denied
KSV Cercle Brugge lost ground on the challenging pack as they were held 2-2 by visitors K. Lierse SK, for whom Laurent Fassotte was sent off. KVC Westerlo's Knut Henry Haraldsen was also dismissed after opening the scoring in a 2-1 win at lowly RAEC Mons, while KSK Beveren drew 1-1 with KSC Lokeren OV. The final game saw FC Brussels twice relinquish the lead to draw 2-2 with winless bottom side KV Oostende.