 Burgundy and Armagnac were aware of the advance of Philip VI and resolved to await his arrival without giving battle.This plan came to nothing when a number of French knights, eager to engage with the enemy and disdainful of orders from their commanders urging restraint charged from the town and into the left wing of the allies.They were beaten back from the barricades but as they retreated, the Ypres infantry followed them into the open ground in front of the position.