On Wednesday evening, the Mauves played their first game in the Premier League International Cup, a tournament for U21 teams held in England. The Neerpede boys made an immediate statement with a convincing 1-4 victory away at Crystal Palace. Enzo Sternal, who opened the scoring early on, and an outstanding Kamiel Timmermans played key roles in the win.

Enzo Sternal needed just 55 seconds to find the net. Pape Ndao laid the ball back perfectly for Sternal, who calmly slotted it into the far corner. It was an excellent start for the Mauves in the Premier League International Cup.

Shortly afterwards, Sternal came close to doubling the lead. The Frenchman cut inside and curled an effort narrowly over the top corner. A few minutes later, the score was 0-2. Sternal was involved again, beating his marker before setting up Terry Van De Ven, who only had to tap the ball into the net.

Just before half-time, the RSCA U21s put the game firmly beyond Crystal Palace’s reach. A short corner from Alexis Flips, one of two RSCA players over the age of 21, found its way to Enzo Sternal. He beat his opponent near the byline before sending the ball across goal. It deflected off an English defender and ended up in the net. Sternal had now played a part in all three goals.

After the break, Kamiel Timmermans kept a clean sheet for a long spell. The young Belgian goalkeeper produced several excellent saves as Crystal Palace pushed to get back into the game.

In the 85th minute, however, Timmermans was finally beaten by King from close range. Alexander De Ridder then put the result beyond doubt from the penalty spot. With this 1-4 victory, the Mauves have made an excellent start to their Premier League International Cup campaign.