Belgian First Division wrap: Anderlecht bounce back

Belgian First Division leaders Anderlecht returned to winning ways with victory over Lokeren on Sunday, while Club Brugge were shock losers.

Ariel Jacobs’ men suffered a 2-1 loss to Mechelen last time out in the league, but they were back on the winner’s list domestically after a 3-2 victory against Lokeren at Stade Constant Vanden Stock.

Guillaume Gillet struck twice – either side of winger Benjamin De Ceulaer’s equaliser – to take his league tally to nine goals for the season.

Yet, the visitors were on level terms for a second time in the 76th minute when striker Benjamin Mokulu struck.

But substitute Geir Ludvig Fevang’s 83rd-minute own goal, moments after coming off the bench, proved decisive, leaving Anderlecht three points clear at the top.

Meanwhile, Club Brugge slipped to third after a surprise 3-1 loss to OH Leuven.

Leuven forward Bjorn Ruytinx and Nigerian striker Joseph Akpala had exchanged goals early in the second half, but Frederik Boi’s late brace lifted the hosts into 11th.

A 59th-minute goal from Hannes van der Bruggen helped Gent climb into second after a 1-0 win over Cercle Brugge, who dropped to sixth.

In the other game, Standard Liege moved into fourth after playing out a 0-0 draw at home to Genk.