Nicholson bags first Jupiler League hat-trick

NATIONAL striker Shamar Nicholson will go into the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in hot goal-scoring form as his first Belgian league hat-trick helped Charleroi defeat bottom club Beerschot 5-2 in their Jupiler League fixture on Saturday at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi.

Nicholson, who got his first goal of the season in a 2-2 draw against Zulte Waregem last week, netted in the 37th, 51st and 78th minutes to give the team their second win of the season and extended their unbeaten start to six games.

Charleroi were assisted early by a man advantage as early as in the fifth minute, as Beerschot's Thibault De Smet was shown a straight red card. However, they would not make the advantage count until eight minutes before half-time when Nicholson gave them the lead thanks to a great header. He would then double the advantage six minutes after the restart from close range, tapping home a pass from Martin Wasinski. Nicholson had an early chance from the spot to complete his hat-trick but missed his penalty. The resulting Beerschot counter-attack led to Raphael Holzhauser getting one for Beerschot in the 59th minute. However, Ryota Morioka would restore their two-goal lead a minute later and Nicholson, 12 minutes from time, ensured he left with the match ball after a great low finish.

In an interview with Belgian newspaper Les Sports yesterday, Nicholson said that it was an important win having dropped points in their previous games and said that he was not bothered by criticisms of his offensive play.

"What criticisms? I am never unsettled by comments. I remain focused on my goal which is to help the team win matches. I knew I would have chances. It's typical in this type of game."

Beerschot would get another goal in the 88th minute, but Morioka would add another on the stroke of full time to ensure all three points. Beerschot's day would get worse as they finished with nine men with the sending off of Stipe Radic in the 89th minute for a second yellow card.

Charleroi are now sixth with 10 points, two adrift of leaders Union Saint-Gilloise. Nicholson is expected to be named in the Reggae Boyz squad to face Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica, respectively, as they start their road to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.