In an exhilarating clash at Crack Stadion on November 2, 2025, Westhoek and KRC Gent battled to a pulsating 4-4 draw that delighted fans and left coaches reflecting on missed opportunities. The match showcased the attacking prowess of both sides but underscored the ongoing struggles in defense that have plagued them throughout the season.
As expected from two teams nestled closely in the Second Amateur Division standings, both clubs entered this matchup with identical records of three wins, two draws, and four losses. A victory was crucial for either side as they sought to climb away from the relegation zone. With only eleven points apiece before kickoffs, Westhoek was positioned eighth while KRC Gent sat just below in ninth. The pressure was palpable.
The early exchanges set the tone for a high-octane encounter. It took just fourteen minutes for Westhoek to draw first blood when midfielder Jonas De Clercq netted a well-placed shot inside the box. Just as their fans were settling into celebration, KRC Gent responded swiftly with an equalizer from Renaud Verstraete in the 24th minute-both teams demonstrating a clear intent to go for broke.
A tense back-and-forth ensued, but it was Westhoek's Emil Verhaegen who put his team ahead once again just after the half-hour mark, scoring his first goal of the season. This time, however, KRC Gent refused to wilt. Before half-time struck, Sam Bouckaert converted a penalty kick after being brought down in the area, leveling the score at 2-2 heading into halftime-a fitting reflection of both teams' resilience and determination.
The second half continued with unrelenting excitement as Westhoek surged forward to regain control through Michael De Smet's deft finish shortly after play resumed. Leading 3-2 and riding a wave of momentum felt like a turning point for Westhoek; however, KRC Gent had other ideas. They countered almost immediately when Bouckaert found himself on target once more in the 66th minute thanks to clever interplay among their forwards.
With both teams neck-and-neck at three goals apiece and tension mounting among supporters, there seemed no end in sight for this thrilling contest. Yet drama unfolded rapidly as KRC Gent appeared to seize command when slicer Kevin Van Hooren split Westhoek's defense with a smart strike that made it 4-3 with just ten minutes left.
But Westhoek demonstrated their resolve deeper into stoppage time; amid chaos in front of goal reminiscent of both sides' seasons-filled with inconsistency-a last-minute equalizer came courtesy of substitute Leon Mertens. His header-the kind that dreams are made of-sank KRC Gent's hopes and tied things up one final time at 4-4 moments before full-time.
This result leaves both teams still looking for salvation from their turbulent campaigns as they remain locked at eleven points-each squad grappling not only with missing vital points today but also struggling overall throughout October where defeats overshadowed any fleeting glimpses of form.
Looking ahead, Westhoek will travel to Zulte Waregem II next week seeking redemption against yet another tough rival while KRC Gent prepares to host Diksmuide at home. Both matches hold substantial importance as these clubs aim not merely to get back onto winning paths but rather find enduring solutions to their defensive frailties.
If today's display is anything to judge by going forward; expect plenty more thrillers-perhaps too many if fans can bear such rollercoaster rides-for these two mid-table competitors fighting fervently against relegation's looming threat.