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Dan
August was a busy month for us as we faced three different competitions. Seven games crammed into just four weeks saw us playing basically two games every week and this has had a huge hit on our peformances and results this month. With two Europa League clashes, one Kupak Belarusi tie and four league games, could we cope with the added pressure or were we going to crumble.
A poor month in charge began with a trip to Russian to face Kuban in the Europa League third qualifying round and we finally fell short. We went in as underdogs and came away without a goal. A two goal victory for the Russians gave them first blood.
Our league form took a small hit as we welcomed BATE however holding them to a draw we can't complain. A strong game by both sides and both defences saw neither break the deadlock and it end all square at nil nil.
Back to Europa League action and we welcomed Kuban. We knew it would be tough to turn the tie around but being at home felt it could happen. It proved it wasn't to be as Kuban grabbed an away goal in the first half and went on to claim a three nil aggregate win as we were dumped out of Europe.
Back to league action and at home again we welcomed Belshina expecting to return to winning ways. But it wasn't to be as once again we struggled. Our form was taking a hit and once again we failed to score, the only positive was we kept our defence tight to earn a point.
Finally we returned to winning ways as we traveled to lowly placed Shakhter Soligorsk but a poor performance saw a narrow win. The winning goal coming twelve minutes from time through Lekhavitskiy to secure a one nil win and all three points and put us back top.
We then began our defence of the Kupak Belarusi with a trip to non league side and we had to wait till extra time to seal a spot in the third round. We took the lead just after the restart with Anyukevich nodding home before the underdogs leveled to force extra time. That was the moment we turned the game and a double either side of the break from Lekhavitskiy saw us secured a spot in the next round.
However my first return to the Baranovichi stadium since my departure was a horrid one as we lost for the first time in six league games. The relegation threatened club were instantly on the attack and we found ourselves behind within ten minutes. Come the break we were two down and sinking fast. Second half Lekhavitskiy brought us back in it but we failed to add a second and fell to defeat.
We remain top of the league for a second month on the trot and with a game in hand we can extend the gap at the top of the table. Neman Grodno sit level on points with us but have played a game more so our game in hand will be vital next month. BATE are still on our heels as well being just two points behind us. Dinamo Minsk are still in the frey as well sitting just three points behind in fourth. Crashing out the Europa League early on was a hit but it allows us to focus on the league now!
Dan
September saw us continue our fight for the league title and with the cup run on the go as well we would look to defend that, however I may not be in charge then (with any luck). But September was a busy month for us as we faced six games, going out of Europe last month was a boost for us and now with five league games and one Kupak Belarusi game we needed to pick up our form.
September began welcoming Vitebsk, a huge game with them still competing with us for the top spot. But it was a game we managed to conqour and come out on top with a very pleasing three nil win. We raced into the lead after just twelve minutes through Klopotskiy before Karp doubled our lead at the half hour mark. Second half we added a third with Schegrikovich to secure the win.
Our only slip up this month came in our only away game of the month, traveling to Neman Grodno. Despite falling two behind inside twenty five minutes we brought one back on the verge of the break as Karp brought us back in contention. Second half we came back to snatch the point as Gogoladze found the net.
Back at home for our first of four on the bounce we welcomed Slavia Mozyr and despite a scare we went on to win it. We fell behind after half an hour before a second half goal from Gogoladze brought us level and Anyukevich struck with twenty five minutes left to go we went on to win it.
The Kupak Belarusi was back around and this time we welcomed Shakhter Soligorsk where we advanced to the fourth round. Kruk put us infront after twenty two minutes before Gogoladze netted his third goal in three games to continued his fine form and fire us into the fourth round next March.
Welcoming Naftan in the league we knew we needed to win to try and carry on our good form. Luckily, despite leaving it late, we managed to claim all three points. A one goal game was ours when Gogoladze found the net in the eighty fourth minute to seal the win.
We ended the month welcoming Brest and Gogoladze continued his fantastic form whilst we continued our good league form. A superb double from Gogoladze either side of the break saw us race into a two goal lead before Brest netted a late consolation. Gogoladze now has six goals in his last five games.
With out form picking up we've finally managed to force some space in the league and with nine league games to go now we are finally five points clear. BATE won't give up easily though and the last nine games will be huge whilst Belshina jump to third and just seven points behind. Baranovichi have now slumped into the one relegation spot and are in trouble of going down!
Shedender
Didn't you win the Belarusian Cup? So if you win the league then it's just the Belarusian Super Cup and you're departing for Belgium?
Dan
The penultimate month of a successful season was upon us and as we went in to it top by five points we looked to hold the gap and extend our chances for another piece of needed silverware. The month was going to be a tough one though as we traveled away in four of our five league games this month. Never an easy month but as we faced Dinamo Minsk, BATE and Belshina all away doubled the pressure on us.
Our first of three away games to kickstart the month saw us travel to Dinamo Minsk and fall to a narrow defeat. We played poorly and failed to compete and this saw us slip to a one nil defeat. The only goal of the game came in the second half from a corner.
We managed to get back to winning ways as we traveled to Gomel. Once again a one goal game and again we played poorly however we luckily picked up a late goal. Gogoladze netted one minute into injury time to secure all there points for us.
Our third away game on the bounce saw us win one nil for the second game running as we traveled to BATE. The current title holders looked to beat us but another one goal game sealed all three points for us. Gogoladze was once again on form netting in the first half.
We fell to two more defeats, our first and only home game of the month saw us welcome Shakhter Soligorsk, the low flying side were too much for us as it seemed the title was slipping away. A goal in the second half was enough to sink us to another defeat.
We ended the month against second place Belshina and as we traveled to them we were dealt a huge blow to our title! As we slipped to a horrendous four nil defeat. Despite only conceding a single goal before the break we were still in contention. But we slipped away in the second half and went on to concede three twenty minutes into the second half, seeing us lose four nil.
Despite just two wins from our last five games over October we managed to remain top and still have a small gap over second place Belshina. Belshina may of beat us four nil but we sit two points clear and still have a game in hand and as we slip up it seems the other teams around us have been slipping up too. We only have four league games left this season and we could be on the verge of blowing 'our' title.
Martyn123
Dan
Here it was, the final month of the season and we were now on the verge of securing the title. However with just one win in our last five games following a sour October, November was bound to be a very tough month for us. Our final four games would test us with two at home and two away. But rallying the troops to get them ready for this month was the main thing. Here it is!
We began the final month by welcoming Baranovichi and securing a three one win which saw them relegated. We got off the blocked immediately as Klopotskiy put us infront after two minutes. Six minutes later we were two up as Schegrikovich doubled our lead. We conceded one before the break to put some pressure on us. However second half we came out fighting and added a third with Kruk sealing the win.
As we traveled to Vitebsk we strengthened our title bid with a fantastic four nil victory. Lisitsa put us infront after ten minutes with the only goal of the first half. After the restart Gogoladze continued his fine scoring season to put us two up before Yanush made it three two minutes from time. We added a fourth in injury time as Schegrikovich also found the net.
We secured the title before we even played Neman Grodno! We were set to play them a day later than everyone else but with Belshina not winning the title was ours. However we still went in to put a strong performance as we claimed a huge five one victory. We fell behind after just five minutes but then turned the game on its head. We leveled through Drozdov before Anyuchevich put us infront at the break. Second half we continued to run riot and added a third through Gogoladze as he netted his seventeenth league goal this season. Two more goals went our way as Yaroslavskiy netted before an own goal in the final minute made it five!
We ended the season on a sour note as we slipped to a three one defeat against Slavia Mozyr however we did play a weaker side. We went behind early on before Yaroslavskiy leveled for us with his second in as many games. We conceded a second before the break and added one after as we slipped to a three one defeat.
Here are the final standings of the 2018 season and as we already know we are champions! Knocking a third trophy off the tally and now we will just hunt the final one down at the start of next season. We won the title by six points come the end with Belshina second and Bate seven points behind us in third come the end. We secured a Champions League spot for next summer but I hope I won't be here then!
Shedender
Dan
After last seasons heroics and us winning the league in the last few games of the season we've now surpassed the winter months which we get away from the field and now return to action. We face a handful of friendlies over the next month and look to strengthen the side. We also learnt our opponents for the super cup, our last trophy required here in Belgium!
The season expectations have come round once again and following our title win last season the board want much more of the same this year round. We are expected to at least challenge for the title this year and with the money they have offered its achievable. One point seven million pounds to spend this winter along with a healthy wage budget to improve the squad is more than pleasing.
The pre season fixture list has also been confirmed for this winter. We are looking good and with a variety of games this winter we are likely to make a good impact this year. Hopefully we can head into the super cup on a high from the friendlies arranged.
Our financial situation at the club is extremely healthy and its pleasing being at a club which sports such a confident and comfortable balance. With three point three million pounds sitting in the balance and just under two million pounds to spend on transfers the club are in a good place. We also have over ten thousand pounds spare in wages which we can use to lure players this winter.
Finally the Superkubak Belarusi (Belarus Super Cup) has been drawn and we will face last years runner ups Belshina. Despite them beating us four nil nearing the end of last season I am confident we can get the cup and move out of Belarus. The game will be the first of the new season with the date being the thirteenth of March. We could potentially then set our sights on Belgium which is already loaded!
PeterGriffin
Dan
We are only a couple of weeks into the new pre season however we have already had the all important first competitive game of the season. After our opening three friendlies, and three more still to play we had the Superkubak Belarusi tie against Belshina, but would it go our way.
The three warm up friendlies went perfectly and even though we still have three to play we are looking in great form. The first saw us comfortably win three nil before claiming back to back clean sheets in a one nil victory away from home. We then recorded a mamouth six one victory away from home before the all important cup tie against Belshina and as you can see we dominated.
We went into the Superkubak Belarusi as a quietly confident side and following our three friendly wins morale was high. We went on to pull off a superb four one victory to ensure Belarus was complete. After just eight minutes we were ahead when last seasons league top goal scorer Gogoladze found the back of the net. After fifteen minutes we were back level though as Belshina forced an equaliser from a corner. However we fired back up and into the lead as Kruk put us two one ahead and two minutes later Gogoladze netted his second of the afternoon and our third. We went on to put the icing on the cake when we added a fourth through Karp before the break to put us in control. Unfortunately no goals following in the second half but we were home and dry as champions!
And that was that, with all four trophies secured here in Belarus in a small stint it was time to resign and move on. Course I could of stayed here for a bit longer until a job became available however I wanted to make myself available early and with Belgium loaded early this year it is already in play and active so I will be immediately hunting for a new job, however it needs to be a good one, I won't be jumping on no sinking ship!
Dan
Following my completion of Belarus I packed my bags and grabbed a plan across to another part in Europe. This time I touched down in Belgium and set up camp over there for the next few years. However to live there I needed to get a job so the hunt began. However I let their season finish before I went to apply for some jobs. Finally the season ended and a job came available.
Here was the news that I had been waiting for. Current Belgacom League side Kapellen sacked their manager since 2011 Van Giel as they were relegated from this division meaning they will now be down in the lowest tier of Belgium. The side I had been waiting to come about. Now it was my turn to make my move!
I instantly applied for the Kapellen job and declared my interest in the vacancy to just to let them know I was really interested in taking them forward. And with this they backed me as they were flattered with my interest in the vacancy. Its always nice to find a team already interested in you despite only recently touching down in Belgium.
Finally they approached me and made the contract offer I had been waiting for. They initially offered me a three year deal at the club on just five hundred and twenty five pounds per week. I slightly edited this budget to just five hundred pounds a week, whilst keeping the three year deal and as far as I was concerned the deal was done.
And the deal was done. At thirty two years old I now head to Belgium to conqour another country. Sure this one will be a very tricky country to conqour but with them recently being relegated I can't see why they won't be favorites to go up this season. A three year deal, weather I'm still here in those three years is debatable but I look forward to another challenge on the journey.
Dan
After touching down in Kapellen ready to take charge of pre season here in Belgium I thought I'd review the squad I had and the financial situation we currently are in at the moment. Also a quick view of the pre season schedule friendly wise as I look to gain confidence from the team o the pitch.
The season expectations have been laid out and they aren't as forceful as I expected. Having just been relegated I was expecting the board to want promotion immediately, no choices. However they gave me three options, top half finish, title challenge or winners. I've kept with top half finish however I'm more than confident we can pick up the points here in the division to win it. Small budgets but something we can work with.
The squad here is very...very weak this summer as I take over. We have lost thirteen players already this pre season, the majority leaving just as I turned up. So I need to rebuild the squad a little and hope we can do something in the transfer market to piece together a strong squad which is capable of challenging for the top spot. However the few players that are at the squad do have some quality.
Following the players leaving this summer already the budgets have taken a little change already. We are looking quite tidy financially this summer as we have just under four hundred thousand pounds in the budget, not quite the three million at Torpedo but with thirty eight thousand pounds to spend and just under two thousand pounds spare in wages I'm sure we can change something at the club this year.
Finally the pre season fixtures this season. A fairly busy summer as I will try and get the players use to my tactics and playing with each other before the season begins. Nine friendlies with a mix of quality and a mix of venues, some will see us travel away whilst some will see us play at home infron our fans.
Shedender
You've left me behind in Belarus alone! Good luck in Belgium pal.
Dan
I've been in charge here at Kapellen for almost three months now and already I believe I have made a big impact here in Belgium. The club was very small as I took charge of them and the first thing on my mind was to get some new players in. That we did. We also played a variety of friendlies, our last scheduled one was canceled however we do have a good report to feedback from pre season.
A very busy transfer window, I'm not going to screenshot players but if you wish to see a certain players attributes just ask and I will pop it in my reply to you. As I said earlier we lost a lot of players just as I got to the squad, this was thirteen players leaving which gave us a huge blow. However I made light work in the transfer window and brought in eight new faces. With four coming in on permanent deals and the other four coming in on loan deals from higher clubs we have certainly strengthened the squad.
On paper the squad look very tough for the season ahead. However the game isn't played on paper. I'm confident we can make a good start this year. We have a strong keeper and our back line isn't too bad, there are a few positions I'd like to improve still with a second centre back needed. In midfield we need a second central midfielder but look strong apart from that and upfront we have two great strikers, our leading one will be loanee Kil who I have my money on to be top scorer should he perform!
With all the transfers in and out of the club I know your thinking our budgets must be strained. But no, our financial status has remained strong this summer. We still have over quarter of a million pounds in the balance and once adjusting the budget to take the transfer money and convert them into wages we are still under spending by just under four hundred pounds, meaning we have money to improve if we find the right freebie.
Finally the pre season friendly round up. As I said we did perform rather well this summer and put in plenty of pleasing performances. We initially faced nine friendlies but with one being canceled we were down to eight and done well. With just three defeats and five wins we look very good this summer. We kept four clean sheets in the summer and ending with two wins, scoring eight goals without conceding, confidence is high heading into the new year.
BOWC
Dan
So after touching down here in Belgium, getting hired within a couple months and playing through pre season, it was finally time to make myself known here and immediately got into the competitive fray. We faced two different competitions in the opening month as we had league games and games in the Confidis cup. All I hoped is that this side, who got relegated to the lowest tier, are ready to bounce straight back up!
The season started in the Confidis Cup where we enter the third round (for some unknown reason) and we traveled to non league side KFC Lille. A confident showing saw us progress to round three as we confirmed a two nil win. A goalless first half saw us take the lead early in the second half as Vanvoorden put us infront. Later in the second half loanee Kil doubled our led to send us through.
The fourth round was next on the agenda before the league started and once again we were away. We traveled to a side I knew well, Bleid-Molenbeek, a side I managed earlier and now a side in our league. Once again a superb performance from Vanvoorden saw us advance once again. He grabbed a fine double one in either half saw us comfortably move on once again.
Finally our league season began and we started away from home as we traveled to Verviers and managed to get off to a winning start. Loanee Kil made his name as he put us infront after just twenty five minutes. We conceded before the break to level the scoreline. However Kil made a brilliant league debut and took his tally to three goals in three competitive games this season doubling his for the night and setting us up for a two one win.
A fourth away game on the bounce saw us travel to non league side Hamoir and they gave us a good run for our money as both sides seeked a place in round six. It was us who proceeded though thanks to a late extra time winner. The goal coming six minutes into extra time from Shabi with a calm finish.
We ended the month with our fifth win from as many games as we made a perfect start to the season winning our second league game. We welcomed Bleid-Molenbleek for our first home game of the season but the second time we faced them. We raced into the lead after just seven minutes with Morissens putting us ahead. The second goal came nine minutes after the restart as we sealed the win with a goal from Van den Brandt.
So despite playing five games in the first month, having only played two in the league the table is pretty irrelevant but looks likes this. Scoring four and conceding just one after the opening month sees us sit top of the table and already open up a two point gap at the top. The side that were relegated are now sitting happy at the top of the table and on a comfortable cup run too.
Shedender
Dan
We rolled into September off the back of five wins and initially that wasn't going to be easy to keep up with. We knew a down note would be coming soon. But into September we went and facing five league games we were confident that some good form would continue this month.
September began on the road as we traveled to Sint-Niklaas and the team that sit tenth ran us to the edge but we secured all three points. It was late on but a goal from Shabi saw us secure a one nil win, the eighty ninth minute header enough to keep our unbeaten start going.
We then returned home to welcome lowly placed Veldwezelt and they to gave us a game to compete with as we failed to take all our chances but still came away with the three points. We manage to edge into the lead just after the half hour mark as Kil found the back of the net. In the second half we went two up with Olieslagers finding the net before conceding a late consolation goal.
Our third game of the month saw us finally lose our one hundred percent start as we traveled to Deinze. We played poorly and failed to make the chances we did create count and this saw us two down at the break. Second half we went to concede a third before Vanvoorden found the net late on for us with only a consolation.
We showed our bounceback ability however as we returned home and welcomed Torhout and a confident showing saw us smash three goals past them whilst keeping a solid clean sheet. Loanee Kil up top once again put us infront after just four minutes before a penalty ten minutes later saw us double our lead as Vanderheyden leveled things for us. A second half header from Vanvoorden saw us secure a dominant win.
We ended the month on a sour note as we were held to a nil nil draw away from home against a midtable VW Hamme. We can take credit from the draw as we defended brilliantly.
So after seven games we no longer sit top as Turnhout show their bid for promotion remaining unbeaten come the end of September. We only sit three points behind them but sporting a worst goal difference means we are going to have to do a lot if we wish to win the first period of the season and earn a playoff spot. However its a long season and we are only just getting going.
Shedender
Dan
Sitting second as we went into October things were looking very good for us and still in the cup. However we knew October would test our strength and with the first period coming to an end we could look towards the playoffs if we could hit the top spot. But it wasn't for granted. October saw us face five games, with four huge league games followed by a massive ending as we faced the sixth round of the Confidis Cup and a tough opponent.
The month began at home as we welcomed title challenge Liege in a narrow game. We fell behind early inside half an hour and were on the back foot for the majority of the first half. Second half we pulled our socks up a bit and grabbed an equaliser through Olieslagers to snatch a point.
We returned to winning ways as we traveled to the leagues bottom side, Geel-Meerhout expecting to pick up all three points and we did. Once again it was Olieslarger on form for us as he netted the opening goal of the game. Second half we added the second goal to kill the home side off as Vermeerbergen netted five minutes after the restarted.
As we returned home to welcome Sprimont I celebrated my two hundredth game in charge and this time it was a better milestone than the previous. We secured a dominant three one win. Despite falling behind we clawed back level moments before the break with Verboven netting. Second half we started brighter and forced the lead through an own goal before finally adding a third through Kil to round up what proved to be our final win of the month.
Our first game of period two and final league game of the month saw us travel to Heist and poorly lose. A game where we barely showed up saw us behind after five minutes. Despite clawing back level through Van den Brandt on the twenty fourth minute we eventually conceded a second in the second half to lose two one.
We ended the month in the Confidis Cup as we made it to round six! We welcomed top league side Cercle Brugge and fail to an expected defeated. Despite being two tiers below them we gave them a good running and only found ourselves one behind at the break. Second half we did concede two more but losing just three nil is a very respectable result.
Because the league is set up to three periods Turnhout have earned a playoff spot by winning the first period (first ten league games). The first period saw us finish third and now with a defeat to our names to kick off period two (second twelve games) we aren't looking good for that. However the overall league table sees us sitting steady in third, four points off the top spot.
PeterGriffin
Dan
November was set to be a pleasing month for us as we lost out on the first playoff spot of the season we went into period two with confidence that we could finally hit the playoffs for the end of the season. November had five league games in store for us and as we are now out the cup we could fully focus on the league and the promotion we not only want but need for the end of the year.
A perfect November kicked off at home welcoming league leaders and playoff secured Turnhout where we played out a five goal thriller with us on the winning end. Kil gave us the lead after just forty two seconds however we conceded twice within the next twenty five minutes to be two one down. A goal two minutes into injury time from Van den Brandt to see us level. Second half we secured the win as Verboven found the net to win the game.
A second home game on the bounce saw us welcome UR Namur and a confident showing saw us run away with a three nil victory. A goalless first half saw it all come down to the second half where we smashed three goals. Van den Brandt put us ahead from the spot in the sixtieth minute before seven minutes from time Vanvoorden doubled our lead. There was still time for Van den Brandt to net a second as we won three nil.
Away from home we were just as good as we recorded a two one victory over Lyra. A tough game saw us behind early on before Shabi leveled just after the half hour mark for us. Second half we went on to secure the win with Van den Brandt netting his fourth goal in three games.
Our final home game of the month saw us welcome Berchem, they were struggling and we were flying and another confident game from us saw us win three nil for the second time this month. Vanvoorden put us infront early on before a second half to be proud of saw us win. Shabi netted ten minutes after the break before Phiri came off the bench to net in the final ten minutes.
We ended the month away from home traveling to Witgoor where we recorded a narrow one nil victory. Not the best game we had played but still picking up a win. The only goal of the game came from Shabi as he fired home from inside the box after nineteen minutes.
After a perfect month winning all five of our league games conceding just three goals all month we close the gap on the league leaders Turnhout to just a single point and still sit in the playoff spot. Nearing the halfway mark in the league now and looking very good to go up this year or at least hit the playoff spot.
For anyone wondering this is what period two looks like at the halfway stage. Six of the twelve games down for the period and we are sitting in second place which won't be enough. Sprimont occupy first place and the playoff spot for the end of the season as it stands having won all six games of this period and sitting three points ahead of us at this moment. However six games to go yet.
Dan
The final calender month of the year and the final competitive month before a very short winter break saw us face just three league games in December with the chance of going top with a good run still about we just wanted to continue our fantastic force. However it is a tough battle at the top.
December began at home welcoming Hasselt hoping to pick up all three points and that we did following a fantastic solo performance from inform Van den Brandt. His first came just after the half hour mark before he snatched a second moments before the break. He completed the scoring with our third and his hatrick just three minutes into the second half scoring from close range.
A second home game on the bounce saw us welcome Verviers and miss the chance to win. We dominated from start to finish and started well as Pellegriti managed to find the net after twenty minutes. However despite dominating we were caught on the counter in the second half, conceded and had to settle for a point.
The month ended with a trip to a well known stadium as we faced relegation threatened Bleid-Molenbeek. A good first half showing was enough to secure the win as loanee Kil was on form. His first goal put us infront after fifteen minutes and just after the half hour mark he added his and our second and what proved to be the final goal of the game with a narrow tap in to secure the win.
Another decent month in the league saw us win two of the three games this month seeing is close the gap. After the win against Hasselt we did move top, but the draw that followed saw us throw away our top spot. But finishing the month and calender year with three points sees us just a point behind league leaders Turnhout with just over half the season now played.
Another three games done and dusted in period two meaning we are just three league games off finishing period two now and aren't too far off the pace thats for sure. Sprimonth continue to sit top of this period though with their fantastic form winning eight of their nine games this month, it will be tough to so the job on them and could come down to the final game of period two.
Dan
So with less than a month for a winter break my assistant organised plenty of friendlies for us to face over the next three weeks. We faced five games and its fair to say we didn't make a great impact but at least the football was kept ticking over and the team could continue working with our tactics.
We started the winter break well as we took a three nil win over non league side Eeklo which was always an expected win especially at home. Second division side Antwerp were too strong for us as they comfortably beat us two nil before we lost three nil to top league side and parent club Charleroi three nil. We then drew to lowly opposition Zwarte Leeuw thanks to a late penalty before traveling to Maldegem and claiming a clean sheet in a good two nil win to boost morale late on.
We now go back to league action with three league games to be played in January which will also see us finish period two and the second playoff spot will be confirmed.
Shedender
Dan
A pretty pointless winter break is now over and after a month without competitive football the team were itching to get back on the attack. And with that we went into the second half of January with three competitive games to face. Two at home with one away from home as we would see period two slam shut and the second playoff side named.
We welcomed Sint-Niklaas as we returned to action to claim another solid win. Vanvoorden got us off to a flyer netting in the opening seventeen minutes before we conceded before the break. However despite leaving it late we did claim all three points as Kil netted in the final minute of the game.
Traveling to struggling Veldwezelt we made it two two one victories on the bounce. Vanvoorden once again got us off to a flyer as he netted after twenty two minutes and eleven minutes later we doubled our lead with Van den Brandt finding the net. We conceded a consolation goal but were already home and safe.
The final game of the month and period two came as we returned home to welcome Deinze. We managed to make it three two one wins this month as we fell behind after ten minutes it looked like we could lose. However Olieslagers brought us level after twenty three minutes. A minute before the break we doubled our goals and took the lead as Vanvoorden netted his third in as many games.
Period two has now come to an end and it was a good ending for us. As we recorded ten wins from twelve games this period, one draw and one defeat we managed to topple Turnhout, who have already got a playoff spot and Sprimont to finish top and give ourselves a playoff spot for the end of the season now.
The overall league table looks like this with twenty two games played and just twelve left now this season. We join Turnhout with a playoff spot secured for the end of the season and something to look forward to. We have also toppled them and take the lead in the table by a single point now. Should we hold onto this we can go straight up and an extra playoff spot would come available in the league.
Shedender
Dan
January was a great month for us returning to competitive action and picking up three two one victories to not only secure the playoff spot from period two but to top the league overall we felt we could stay there. However February was another month and we had to keep the players focused and not let the lead at the top slip. We faced the first five games from period three.
February began on the road as we traveled to Torhout looking to continue our top form. A narrow game saw us claim all three points with a single goal game as a third minute goal from Van den Brandt saw us secure the win and keep our top spot.
Our form took a slight dip as we returned home to welcome VW Hamme, a poor game saw neither side make a decisive breakthrough and the game ended level, however both sides had a goal. We went behind early on and trailed at the break. However a second half strike from Leurquin saw us snatch a point.
Traveling away to fourth place Liege we knew we had a tough game on our hand and for the second time running we failed to win as we were held to a draw. Neither side broke the deadlock and we ended nil nil.
Returning home to welcome struggling Geel-Meerhout we finally returned to winning ways. A poor second half saw us finally come out and play better second half with Olieslagers putting us ahead. We added a second less than ten minutes later as Morissens made it two nil.
We ended the month of a sour note as we welcomed Sprimont and their battling spirits were enough to see them cruise to victory. I believe this was the biggest defeat I've had since starting here in Belgium and its one we won't take lighty. Losing the top spot with a three nil defeat means we are going to have to work hard to get it back.
Our league form took a bit of a dip and so did our position in the league as we slip from the top spot down to second once again. We trail by four points but still have to play Turnhout so we can overturn some of those points next month. The league title is still in question if we don't get it we will head to the playoffs with confidence.
Dan
March was set to be one of the shortest competitive months I will ever be in charge of. We faced just two games this month, one at home and one away but we knew the games were huge. Firstly welcoming Heist before traveling to league leaders Turnhout. A chance of taking the top spot was on.
A short month started at home as we welcomed Heist and got March off to winning ways. A good showing saw loanee Kil continue to make his mark in the division with the opening goal a minute before the break. The decisive second came in the second half, late on as Shabi found the net.
We ended the quick month away to league leaders Turnhout and with them losing their other game in February we could go top with a win and knowing that we played very well. We went on to topple the league leaders as Oliselager netted the only goal of the game six minutes after the restart.
With two wins from two games and not conceding a single goal we return to the top of the pile and Turnhout suffer an awful March losing both their games and throwing away their four point lead. We now sit top, two points clear of them heading into the final five games of the season which are spread across the next two months and knowing we could avoid the playoffs will be a huge boost for the players now.
PeterGriffin