Belgian First Division wrap: Ten-man Anderlecht notch win

Anderlecht beat Lokeren 2-1 on Sunday to keep pace with Genk in the Belgian First Division Playoff I, despite going down to 10 men.

Visitors Anderlecht were a man short from the 25th minute at Daknamstadion, when Polish defender Marcin Wasilewski conceded a penalty and received his marching orders as a consequence.

Lokeren failed to take advantage of the gift, with goalkeeper Silvio Proto producing a smart stop to keep the scores level.

And four minutes later the hosts paid for the missed opportunity, with Argentine forward Matias Suarez putting Anderlecht ahead after an assist from Romelu Lukaku.

Lokeren levelled through Benjamin De Ceulaer five minutes before half-time, but Anderlecht were not be denied.

They restored the lead on the hour mark, with Suarez turning provider for sought-after teenager Lukaku to put his side back in front.

The win sees Anderlecht move into second place at the expense of Standard Liege.

They are now one point behind playoff group leaders Genk, while Lokeren are last in the group, 14 points off the pace.