The first game of the season between Beerschot and Cercle Brugge only lasted for 55 minutes on Saturday night. An incredible downpour early in the second half, which transformed the pitch into a swimming pool, made referee Boucaut decide to abandon the game. Cercle Brugge were leading 1-0 at the time after Beerschot had failed to transform their dominance into goals during the first half.
Newcomers Konstantopoulos, De Smet and Krekovic all made coach Peter Maes' first starting XI that immediately put pressure on the visitors. Rapha Holzhauser had two good scoring opportunities but his finishing could have been better. His first shot went narrowly wide; his second was saved by Cercle goalkeeper Didillon. Cercle Brugge then grew better into the game, cleverly used the space on the wings... and scored from their first (and only!) shot on target when Deman headed in an inch perfect cross from the right, leaving both goalkeeper Vanhamel and his opponent Konstantopoulos stranded.
And that was it on the night. After the break Beerschot went 'full power on' in search for an equaliser - Suzuki came very close - but torrential rain made 'normal' football impossible, leaving ref Boucaut the only option to abandon the game just ten minutes into the second half. A logical decision it was, as lightning and thunder on top of that created a much too dangerous situation to continue.
Yesterday night the Pro League decided the remaining 35 minutes will be played on Tuesday night.
ATTENDANCE: 3.800
REFEREE: Boucaut
GOALS: 40' Deman 0-1
BEERSCHOT: Vanhamel, Frans, Konstantopoulos, Van den Buijs, Van den Bergh, Dom, Halaimia, Holzhauser, De Smet, Krekovic, Suzuki
CERCLE BRUGGE: Didillon, Da Silva, Daland, Utkus, Decostere, Denkey, Hotic, Vanhoutte, Miangue (36' Popovic), Deman, Van der Bruggen
YELLOW CARDS: De Smet, Deman
RED CARDS: geen
Text: Danny Geerts
Photo: Jan Mees
