Belgian First Division wrap: Anderlecht march on

Ladder-leaders Anderlecht recorded their sixth successive league victory by thrashing Mons 5-0, while Zulte-Waregem remains in second place.

Anderlecht had made light work of opposing teams in recent weeks, netting 18 goals in the process and they continued that scintillating form at Mons thanks to a Dieumerci Mbokani hat-trick on Saturday.

The Congolese striker opened the scoring in the fifth minute and he double their advantage five minutes before the half-time break.

Substitute Kanu added a third with 17 minutes remaining at the Stade Charles Tondreau and Mons’ problems were compounded six minutes later when French goalkeeper Cedric Berthelin received his marching orders.

Guillaume Gillet converted the resulting spot kick before Mbokani completed his hat-trick with three minutes left to play.

A goal to Jens Naessens and a penalty from M’Baye Leye inspired Zulte-Waregem to a 2-1 win at Kortrijk, which keeps them within six points of Anderlecht and four clear of Lokeren, who fell to a 2-1 defeat against Mechelen.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Waasland-Beveren climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win against Gent, while bottom side Cercle Brugge and OH Leuven played out a 1-1 stalemate.