Belgian First Division wrap: Anderlecht extend gap at top

Anderlecht moved six points clear at the top of the Belgian First Division on Sunday after cruising to a 4-0 win over Lierse.

Hosts Anderlecht led from the 10th minute of the match at the Stade Constant Vanden Stock, thanks to a goal from former Standard Liege favourite Milan Jovanovic.

Midfielder Guillaume Gillet made it 2-0 in the 25th minute, with the assist provided by midfielder Sacha Kljestan.

US international Kljestan got in on the scoring act 10 minutes later, increasing the margin to 3-0 and effectively ending the match as a contest.

The visitors managed to stem the flow in the second half, although they did concede a fourth and went a man down with 15 minutes to go.

Frederic Frans was shown a red card for a foul inside the box, and Gillet dispatched the resulting penalty to complete his brace for Anderlecht.

With second-placed Gent drawing away to promoted side Mons on Saturday, Anderlecht’s victory extends their margin at the head of the table.

In the other match on Sunday, Standard Liege were held 1-1 at bottom side St Truiden.

The struggling hosts led in the match through Reza Ghoochannejhad’s 50th-minute strike, and Liege needed an equaliser from Mohamed Tchite with 20 minutes remaining to claim a point.

The draw leaves St Truiden at the foot of the table, four points adrift of safety.

Liege are seventh, 11 points back from leaders Anderlecht.