De Bosuil is full and the fans create a great atmosphere for the 1st match in the play offs against a skillful 1st division side with excellent players such as Tanghe, Dissa, McDonald and Van Handenhoven in their line up. Coach Svilar has decided to beef up the midfield and brings back Frankel to provide a buffer for the defence and to stop the visitors dangerous counter attacks.

Match Summary – 1st Half

Almost a dream start for Royal Antwerp as the ball is crossed to a free standing Pivaljevic who heads powerfully goalwards but Sierens is able to punch clear.
Roeselare are not here for the ride and start to work the ball around smoothly bypassing a somewhat static home side. The upfront duo McDonald and Dissa create plenty of problems for the Royal Antwerp defence and so the visitors are able to work any number of good combinations.

Ristovic is called into action saving well from a close effort. Svilar starts to ring the changes and asks his charges to press higher and Royal Antwerp start to come back into the match. The next big chance is for Royal Antwerp, Kenmogne let’s fly and only the post is there to save Roeselare from going behind. The home side are certainly not overawed and are matching Roeselare so that the fans are able to go through their full vocal repertoire.

A corner and Frankel leaves Mirvic with a free header and he makes no mistake. (0-1) showing that at this level errors are mercilessly exploited. Roeselare play out the half comfortably albeit Dissa pulls up and is taken off, replaced by Benjelloun. After a promising opening Royal Antwerp go in at the break behind wondering how they are going to overcome the deficit.

Half Time 0-1.

Svilar makes a change at half time taking off Vukamanovic, bringing on Setti to bring more creativity to the attack with Frankel moving into defence. Within seconds they are caught out again, Van Loo is allowed to push up on the right and given time and space by De Vriese and Trenson to cross to Benjelloun who unhindered crisply heads home. (0-2).

Royal Antwerp completely lose their bearings and for 10 minutes are left to play chase ball. An hour gone and Roeselare break clear again, the ball is with Benjelloun who without hesitation shoots home for his 2nd of the afternoon. (0-3). With their pride to play for Royal Antwerp start to fight back however the referee is not doing them any favours, turning down a strong appeal for a penalty after a foul on Kenmogne.

Roeselare go down to 10 men when McDonald gets a 2nd yellow card and with the crowd urging them on the home side start to make a fist of it. Frankel heads home from a free kick (1-3) and there is a feeling that something might happen with Setti and Jelicic (on for De Vriese) pushing the home side forward. Chances are created for Setti, Kenmogne and Jelicic but somehow Sierens and his defence hold firm.

Final Score 1-3.

The chances were there but no one could begrudge Roeselare the victory. The match against Lierse is now of greater importance and Royal Antwerp need to salvage something from that match if they are to play a significant role in the play offs this year, something that many believe is still the case.