Hat-trick for Nicholson against Eupen

Shamar Nicholson's outstanding form in the Belgian Pro League continued yesterday, with the Reggae Boy bagging a hat-trick to lead Charleroi to a 4-0 win over Eupen.

Nicholson, who netted in the 22nd, 42nd and 49th minutes, took his tally to 13 goals for the season, three behind leading striker Denis Undav of Union Saint-Gilloise. It continues to be a record-breaking season for the Jamaican target man, who netted nine goals in his previous two seasons in the Belgium top-flight.

Charleroi broke the deadlock when Nicholson set up Ali Gholizadeh after only eight minutes of play.

Nicholson, who is Jamaica's joint leading scorer with West Ham United's Michail Antonio in World Cup qualification, with two goals each, opened his account in the game when he drilled home a right-footed shot from inside the area in the 22nd minute.

Three minutes before the half-time break, Nicholson got his second when he blasted a shot into the top corner to give his team a 3-0 advantage at the interval.

Charleroi and Nicholson continued where they left off in the first-half and four minutes into the second-half they extended their lead when they caught their opponents on the break. Nicholson was in the right place at the right time to finish off the move, with a low, precise drive from outside the area past Eupen goalkeeper Robin Himmelmann.

The win moved Charleroi to sixth in the table.

Nicholson's national teammate Tyreek Magee was not present for Eupen, having been out of action since October.