Sykes heads Union to victory over Racing Genk

Union secured a narrow home victory against Racing Genk. There were few chances for either side in the first half, but Union looked the more dangerous team after the break. Sykes rose highest to head home from a corner, and that proved enough to seal all three points.

The Unionistas welcomed Racing Genk to the Duden Park. The visitors had failed to win any of their previous four meetings with Union. Following Club Brugge's draw, Union had a golden opportunity to move to the top of the league table.

A lacklustre first half

Genk had not travelled to Brussels to roll over. A ball played in behind sent Durosinmi through one-on-one with Koffi. The Union goalkeeper managed to keep out his effort. The striker was also flagged offside.

Union then created the first real threat of the game. Sylla met a free-kick with a header towards goal. The ball looked destined for the net, but Brughmans managed to turn it away. The hosts threatened again moments later. This time, Van de Perre tried his luck from distance, but his effort was off target. From a corner, Guilherme laid the ball off for Florucz. The Austrian curled a first-time effort just wide of the post.

Union come out firing after the break

Union returned from the dressing room with renewed intent. In the opening three minutes of the second half, they carved out two chances. Zorgane found some space and skipped past Heynen with a clever turn. The Algerian then unleashed a shot, but it took a deflection and flew narrowly over the crossbar. From the resulting corner, Florucz struck the rebound first time, but his effort went straight at goalkeeper Brughmans.

The tempo then dropped again, allowing the visitors to grow into the game. Durosinmi weaved his way past four Union players. Keeping his composure, he picked out Kongolo, who was through on goal with only Koffi to beat. However, Chibani brought Kongolo down inside the box. The referee waved away the penalty appeals, as the Frenchman had won the ball cleanly.

Sykes breaks the deadlock

The game could still have gone either way, with Genk finding more and more space. However, Union launched another attack. Florucz dribbled past two defenders before Zeneli prepared to pull the trigger. Kongolo managed to block his effort and concede a corner. From the resulting set piece, Sykes rose highest and powered a header into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Sykes proved just as valuable at the other end of the pitch. Genk pushed forward once more and Heymans looked ready to get his shot away, but Sykes threw himself in front of the ball to make another crucial block. The entire stadium responded by chanting his name.

The visitors refused to give up and continued to create chances around the edge of the box. Van de Perre failed to deal with a ball, giving Heymans the opportunity to get a shot away. His effort, however, flew wide.

Racing Genk failed to trouble Union in stoppage time. The victory sends Union to the top of the league table.