A point is all that is needed but a win is preferable in Deinze if Royal Antwerp want to book an early place for the qualifying matches for the play-offs. Coach Svilar has a number of selection problems and he has to cobble together a makeshift defence. De Corte, after waiting patiently for weeks, is given a run out at left back, Vervaeke is at right back and Setti is asked to play further back than usual. KMSK Deinze need the win to keep alive their hopes of surviving the drop and have Elejiko in their line up, obviously hoping he can put one across his old team.

Match Summary – 1st Half

KMSK Deinze face an uphill task as Royal Antwerp take an early lead. Kenmogne tussles for the ball with the keeper in the home penalty area and it drops invitingly for De Vriese to ram home, dispelling the view that he does not score enough goals (0-1). Unfortunately Royal Antwerp do not build on this good start and creep back into a more conservative mode, playing much in their own half.

This could have spelt trouble with better sides but KMSK Deinze only confirm why they are in such deep trouble at the bottom of the league, they lack cohesion and any stroke of creativity and give Royal Antwerp plenty of space with which to control the pace of the game.

The visiting fans don’t care too much about the performance, interested only that their team will make the play offs, as for the home fans, many can see the writing on the wall. Addo limps off with a groin injury, Jelicic moves to left back and De Corte moves to central defence, but even this new line up is rarely troubled.

Half Time 0-1

Match Summary – 2nd Half

KMSK Deinze push further forward in search of the necessary goals and so leave more room for Royal Antwerp to exploit in midfield, which they do, but not with any end product, lacking a telling final pass or contact plus they rarely push more than 3 players up to threaten the home goal. All too often promising Royal Antwerp attacks falter and so the home side continue to live in hope.

Svilar pulls off Coulibaly, who is not having an impressive match, bringing on Lukanovic, back from a long term injury. His early touches do not hold out much promise but he will make his mark before the end of the game. De Vriese continues his impressive form and turns provider, crossing for Lukanovic to head back across goal and into the net (0-2).

KMSK Deinze continue to push forward and are rewarded when Deschacht sweeps home coming between 2 defenders (1-2). Royal Antwerp cut short any celebrations as De Vriese crosses into the area for Lukanovic to side foot firmly home (1-3).

Final Score 1-3

A win, and the necessary points gained, most praised is reserved for De Corte who showed off his talent in 2 different positions, giving Svilar more options for the coming matches.

With R Exc Virton winning in Beveren, KMSK Deinze are relegated. The Royal Antwerp fans are happy that their favourites have made the play-off qualification round when they will have K Lierse SK as a sparring partner for the two available play-off positions. The other candidates will be two out of KV RS Waasland, KVK Tienen, KVSK United, KSK Ronse, RFC Doornik or KV Oostende.