Belgium First Division: Plenty on line in playoffs

Lokeren defeated Gent 1-0 in the Belgian First Division Playoff I on Saturday, and there were also wins for Kortrijk and Charleroi.

Belgian striker Nill De Pauw put Lokeren ahead with what proved to be the winning goal in the 66th minute at the Daknamstadion. Lokeren now have one win and one defeat from two matches played in the playoff to determine the league champion.

In Group A of Playoff II, Sint-Truiden drew 0-0 at home to Cercle Brugge.

The teams are level on two points from two playoff matches played, behind group leaders Mechelen.

The winner of the group will meet the top team in Group B with a Europa League qualification berth at stake.

In Group B, Kortrijk beat Germinal Beerschot 1-0 thanks to a 57th-minute strike from midfielder Mohamed Messoudi.

Kortrijk and Germinal Beerschot both have three points from two matches played.

Westerlo remain top and can take a three-point lead with a win over Zulte-Waregem on Sunday.

In Playoff III, Charleroi overcame AS Eupen 2-0 at home.

Goals from Israeli striker Dudu Biton and midfielder Alessandro Cordaro wrapped up the win for the hosts at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi.

Both sides now have one victory each in their five-match contest to avoid automatic relegation.