Late winner for Union St Gilloise from former Accrington Stanley defender puts more pressure on Genk head coach

Late goal from former Accrington Stanley defender Ross Sykes has put more pressure on Genk head coach Jess Thorup. Sykes, a fan favorite for Union St Gilloise, made his first start since returning from injury and netted the winning goal against Genk at the weekend. With his goal, Sykes has now scored 18 times for Union, including 11 in 123 games with Accrington Stanley.

Thorup, who joined Genk this summer to replace Nicky Hayen, who left to join Burnley and was recently sacked by them, may now face the sack himself. Genk currently have four wins, three draws, and four losses in their 11 games this season. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins in their last five matches, including defeats to KV Mechelen and Union St Gilloise.

Both clubs are under pressure heading into the international break for 2026, with Genk facing RAAL La Louviere and Sint Truiden, who have a new head coach in Jonas De Roeck. Genk's only hope for silverware this season lies in their cup match against Beerschot on the 5th of December, where a victory could save Thorup's job.