Sporting West Harelbeke and Hoogstraten VV played out a remarkable 3-3 draw in the Belgian First Amateur Division on Wednesday, October 1, 2026, in a six-goal thriller that had everything but a winner.

Harelbeke twice led by two goals, only for Hoogstraten to fight back and snatch a dramatic late equaliser. The point does little to change the fortunes of either side in mid-table, but it provided fantastic entertainment for the fans in attendance.

Match Overview

The home side started like a train, racing into a 2-0 lead inside half an hour. Bram Van Dessel opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a neat finish, and Jarno De Smet doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a powerful header from a corner. Hoogstraten looked shell-shocked but pulled one back just before the break when Kevin Van den Broeck capitalised on a defensive error.

The second half was even more chaotic. Harelbeke restored their two-goal cushion in the 65th minute through Van Dessel's second of the night, but Hoogstraten refused to give up. Lars Van der Linden made it 3-2 in the 78th minute with a stunning free-kick, and Van den Broeck grabbed his second and his side's third in the 88th minute, finishing off a goalmouth scramble. Harelbeke pushed for a winner in stoppage time, but Hoogstraten held on for a hard-earned point.

Key Moments

• 5' – Goal! Harelbeke 1-0 Hoogstraten: Bram Van Dessel slots home from inside the box after a neat through ball.
• 28' – Goal! Harelbeke 2-0 Hoogstraten: Jarno De Smet rises highest to head in a corner.
• 40' – Goal! Harelbeke 2-1 Hoogstraten: Kevin Van den Broeck pounces on a defensive mistake and finishes calmly.
• 65' – Goal! Harelbeke 3-1 Hoogstraten: Van Dessel scores his second, curling a shot into the top corner.
• 78' – Goal! Harelbeke 3-2 Hoogstraten: Lars Van der Linden bends a free-kick around the wall and into the net.
• 88' – Goal! Harelbeke 3-3 Hoogstraten: Van den Broeck reacts quickest to a loose ball in the box and smashes home.

Tactical Analysis

Sporting West Harelbeke set up in a 4-3-3 and looked to attack from the first minute. Their high pressing caused Hoogstraten all sorts of problems early on, and their two-goal lead was fully deserved. However, they took their foot off the gas and allowed their opponents back into the game.

Hoogstraten VV, playing a 4-4-2, struggled to cope with Harelbeke's intensity in the first half. But after switching to a more direct approach in the second half, they found joy. The introduction of Van der Linden from the bench changed the game, and their never-say-die attitude earned them a point. Defensively, both sides were guilty of lapses in concentration.

Standout Players

Bram Van Dessel (Harelbeke): The forward was excellent, scoring two well-taken goals and causing problems all night with his movement and finishing.

Kevin Van den Broeck (Hoogstraten): The striker was his team's hero, scoring twice including the dramatic late equaliser. His poaching instincts were on full display.

Lars Van der Linden (Hoogstraten): The substitute made a huge impact, scoring a superb free-kick and providing fresh energy in the final third.

League Impact

The draw leaves both Sporting West Harelbeke and Hoogstraten VV locked together in mid-table in the Belgian First Amateur Division. With both sides showing attacking flair but defensive fragility, it is clear where their priorities lie for the rest of the season. A point apiece does little to help either team's push for promotion, but it does keep them clear of the relegation zone.

Harelbeke's manager said: "We were 3-1 up and cruising, so to only get a draw is very disappointing. We switched off defensively and paid the price."

Hoogstraten's coach added: "The character we showed was incredible. At 3-1 down, many teams would have given up, but we kept fighting. A point feels like a win."

What's Next

Sporting West Harelbeke travel to face RFC Wetteren next weekend, while Hoogstraten VV host KRC Gent. Both sides will be looking to tighten up defensively while maintaining their attacking threat.