DEURNE, Belgium (Interstat) — Young Reds solidified their position near the top of the Belgian Division 2 table with a decisive 3-1 victory over K. Bocholter VV on Saturday at Bosuilstadion - Terrein 3.

The home side avenged a narrow defeat from the reverse fixture in December and did so in commanding fashion, taking an early lead and never looking back. The win improves Young Reds’ season record in the competition to 16 wins, six losses and five draws. K. Bocholter VV’s record in Division 2 falls to 13 wins, 10 losses and three draws.

Young Reds set the tone from the opening whistle, finding the net in just the fourth minute. Defender Kobe Corbanie pushed forward to capitalize on an early opportunity, scoring to give the hosts immediate momentum and a 1-0 lead.

The advantage was doubled in the 36th minute through substitute Lars Neyens, who made an immediate impact after entering the match. His goal sent the teams into halftime with Young Reds firmly in control at 2-0.

K. Bocholter VV, which had lost four of its previous five matches, showed signs of life after the break. Forward Toon Franssen cut the deficit in half in the 57th minute, scoring to make it 2-1 and provide a potential pathway back into the contest.

Any hope for the visitors was extinguished late, however, as Young Reds sealed the three points in the 85th minute. Forward Jeff Godelaine restored the two-goal cushion, assisted by midfielder Milo Horemans, to finalize the 3-1 scoreline.

The match was a physical affair, with two yellow cards issued. K. Bocholter VV substitute Toon Lenaerts was booked in the 52nd minute, and Young Reds’ Horemans received a caution in the 76th minute.

The result continued divergent trends for the two clubs. Young Reds have now lost just once in their last seven Division 2 outings. K. Bocholter VV, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency, with Saturday’s loss marking its fifth defeat in the last six matches.

Statistical analysis firm Interstat had heavily favored Young Reds pregame, projecting an 80.60 percent probability of a home victory and a final score of 2-1. The actual match saw Young Reds exceed that offensive projection while the defense conceded the single expected goal.

Young Reds will look to build on this performance next Saturday when they travel to face RC Hades Kiewit Hasselt. K. Bocholter VV aims to halt its skid at home against Sportief Rotselaar, also on March 28.