Former Accrington Stanley defender grabs late goal to send Union St Gilloise through to first Belgian Cup final since 1914 | OneFootball

Ross Sykes was the hero for Union St Gilloise as his stoppage time header sent the Pro League leaders through to the Belgian Cup final. The side went into their second-leg at home to Club Brugge 2-1 down after the tie in Brugge. It took them until the 73rd minute to draw level, with Algerian striker Mohamed Amoura smashing home a leveller.

With time added on, Union were awarded a free-kick on the right-hand side. The ball to the back post was powered home by Ross Sykes to spark pandemonium in the crowd. Club Brugge had replaced veteran goalkeeper Simon Mignolet during the second half with Nordin Jackers, on loan from OH Leuven. The goalkeeper could do little to stop the header.

As Club Brugge pushed for an equaliser they were denied a clear corner at the end of the game. Frustration boiled over with Maxim De Cuyper pushing the referee and receiving a straight red card. It has been a bad few days for head coach Ronny Deila after a late defeat to Anderlecht and now a late defeat in the cup ending the sides chances at winning two of the domestic trophies on offer. Their only chance of silverware this season will be in the Europa Conference League.

For Union, they are still on for an unlikely treble. They too remain in the Conference League, while also having a commanding lead in the league and now a cup final for the first time since winning the competition back in 1914.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson