A satisfying victory for Dender. The PhD candidate – after a series of frustrating draws – had not been able to win in the Belgian competition for a month, but a goal from Nathan Rodes just before half-time was enough for a three-pointer this time. Dender quietly moves up into the densely populated mid-table, Westerlo continues to lag behind.
With each a 4-1 loss as the last result, it was a matter of regrouping for both teams today. Yes, Westerlo had sent half a B team to the cup match against Anderlecht. Yes, Club Brugge-Dender’s score was exaggerated, but still.
The lack of chances in a windy first half showed that the two teams are not at a point of confidence after all. Only after 35 minutes did real danger arise. Scheidler and Ferraro missed their chances for Dender, but Rodes headed the lead into the net five minutes before half-time.
Westerlo had to come out of the dressing room with more spirit, but failed to do so. Dender did keep a lot of control in their own half, the home team’s counters caused the most danger with Nsimba heading a great ball wide.
At the very end, Frigan still had a Western point on his mind. Gumuskaya’s cross was clever, Frigan’s deviation just too subtle.
Next to and therefore no points for Westerlo. Three for Dender, who mainly think of Karol Fila, who tore his cruciate ligament against Club Brugge and is therefore out for the rest of the season.
