Category Archives: EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: Ajax 4-1 Vitesse

August 10, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2014

AJAX 4 – 1 VITESSE

Ajax got their title defense underway with 4-1 win over Vitesse, although the victory was not as one-sided as it sounds.

Whilst potential signing Samuel Eto’o was among the spectators at the Amsterdam ArenA, Frank de Boer went with three-pronged attack of Ricardo Kishna, Arkadiusz Milik and Lasse Schöne. He left all three of Ajax’s representatives at this summer’s World Cup on the bench, Jasper Cillessen, Joël Veltman and Daley Blind.

Meanwhile, Peter Bosz decided to feature two youngsters from the latest crop sent over to Arnhem from Chelsea. Burkina Faso attacking midfielder Bertrand Traoré returned for his second season at Vitesse while Brazilian right-back Wallace made his debut at the back.

Vitesse controlled the majority of the first 45 minutes with Ajax looking vulnerable at the back, however the visitors were due to rue all the missed opportunities especially when Ajax made the breakthrough five minutes before half-time.

Summer signing Nick Viergever got the first goal with a wonderful left-foot finish. Young full-back Ruben Ligeon got forward on the right-wing and planted a cross in the middle of the box, arriving late Viergever volleyed past Piet Velthuizen in goal to make the Amsterdam ArenA jump.

Just after the interval, the lead was doubled after Chelsea youngster Wallace brought down Kishna around 30-yards out. From the resulting set-piece, Lasse Schöne hit a dipping long range shot that made Velthuizen look rather foolish in goal.

The second goal woke Vitesse up immediately and Bosz’s men nearly reduced the deficit. Defender Guram Kashia cracked a header off the crossbar from a Zakaria Labyad corner and then nodded the rebound over. However, the game was settled just after the hour mark with Mike van der Hoorn’s first goal for Ajax. Schone whipped in the corner and the defender rose above Jan-Arie van der Heijden to make it 3-0. Game over for Vitesse Arnhem.

The entrances of new signing Denys Olinyk and young forward Uroš Djurdjevic did not bring Vitesse any joy, Ajax were in full domination and dictated the tempo of the play. Although, Vitesse did get a consolation goal with a lovely effort by Marko Vejinović with just six minutes to go. After shrugging off the challenge of Van der Hoorn, the midfielder caught the Ajax defence asleep as he surged through the area and slotted home inside Kenneth Vermeer’s inside post.

Ajax made it four before the final whistle when young substitute winger Ahmed El Ghazi played a ball into the back post, and Schöne sidefooted home to score his second of the match.

Great second half performance from the Amsterdammers which may have shown Marc Overmars and De Boer that, do they really need to spend €2million a year on wages for Eto’o when they have all this talent banging in the goals when it matters.

TEAMS

AJAX: Vermeer, Ligeon, Van der Hoorn, Moisander, Boilesen, Klaassen (Sigthórsson 80), Viergever, Serero, Schöne, Milik (Blind 59), Kishna (El Ghazi 70).

SUBS NOT USED: Cillessen, Veltman, Sigthórsson, Andersen, Denswil.

GOALS: Viergever 40, Schöne 48, Van der Hoorn 62.

BOOKINGS: Ligeon 43, Van der Hoorn 82.

VITESSE: Velthuizen, Wallace, Kashia, Van den Heijden, Kruiswijk, Pröpper, Leerdam (Achenteh 85), Vejinovic, Labyad, Kazaishvili (Olinyk 66), Traoré (Djurdjevic 66).

SUBS NOT USED: Room, Dijks, Bosz, Dauda.

GOALS: Vejinovic 84.

BOOKINGS: Wallace 47.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Lasse Schöne (Ajax)

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EREDIVISIE: ADO Den Haag 0-1 Feyenoord

August 10, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2014

ADO DEN HAAG 0 – 1 FEYENOORD

The opening game of Sky Sports’ coverage in the UK was a high octane affair with 12 yellow cards and a sending off however; ten-man ADO Den Haag were harshly defeated by a late Mitchell te Vrede goal.

In an already hectic season for Fred Rutten, the new Feyenoord head coach decided to hand debuts down the right side to Luke Wilkshire and Bilal Basacikoglu while he dropped young striker Te Vrede in place of midweek scorer against Beşiktaş, Elvis Manu.

ADO’s debutant goalkeeper Martin Hansen had to be alert on nine minutes as Terence Kongolo delivered a wonderful cross for former Den Haag man Lex Immers to rise above everyone to smash a header at goal, and the former Liverpool youth keeper tipped over.

Feyenoord should have gained the lead on 15 minutes after Basacikoglu threaded the needle for Manu down the right. The striker showed great power and strength to get past Vito Wormgoor but Hansen flicked the ball around the post.

The woodwork stopped ADO’s chances going in, twice in succession. On 17 minutes, Mike van Duinen nodded on a corner for former West Brom defender Gianni Zuiverloon to head the ball off the crossbar. A few minutes later, Dion Malone crashed the bar with a great effort from long range that had the supporters inside Kyocera Stadion on their feet and Feyenoord keeper Erwin Mulder on his knees.

The hosts impressed after the early scares form Feyenoord but lost their captain Ronald Alberg to injury before half-time and had to be replacement by another man making his debut, 18-year-old Tyronne Ebuehi.

Things got worse for Henk Fraser as Mitchell Schet received two bookings within four minutes. Schet dived in on Sven van Beek and then minutes later he was penalised for pulling back Kongolo. Video replays showed that the second should not have been a sending off. Nevertheless, referee Danny Makkelie dished out the first red card of the Eredivisie season so far and Schet trudged off the pitch.

As the rain poured down, ADO lost their discipline and Aaron Meijers was lucky to stay on the field after a two footed challenge in the corner on Basacikoglu. The teams went into the interval all square but Feyenoord, with the man advantage.

Still the Rotterdammers failed to get going and really test Hansen’s gloves and it was not until the hour mark that we saw the first real chance. An audacious effort from Kevin Jansen, spotting Erwin Mulder off his line, hit a 45-yard free kick towards goal that just sailed wide with Mulder scrambling to get back in his goal.

On 65 minutes, Feyenoord had a free-kick of their own and with a great piece of improvisation, Clasie laid the ball low into the area for Kongolo to crack an effort on goal. Unfortunately for Rutten’s men the box was too crowded and the ball went behind for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Immers got his head on the ball again but could not get his effort on target.

As the time dwindled on, ADO looked the more dangerous as Feyenoord became anxious. The introductions of Te Vrede, Ruben Schaken and later Ruud Vormer seemed to fail to inspire Rutten’s side to the expected victory. Although, In the dying moments, when it looked like the game would not be settled, Mitchell te Vrede snatched the win with an excellent header from a Clasie free-kick.

Feyenoord will need to improve if they wish to challenge the likes of Ajax, PSV and FC Twente for the Eredivisie championship. ADO will be disappointed with the result but on the bright this is only their second defeat in the last 14 league fixtures. Referee Danny Makkelie will be in headlines also, as the 13 cards he displayed in this game is an all-time Eredivisie record.

TEAMS

ADO: Hansen, Malone, Wormgoor, Zuiverloon, Meijers, Kristensen, Jansen (Merencia 87), Alberg (Ebuehi 38), Van Duinen, Kramer, Schet.

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkles, Kanon, Buwalda, De Vlugt, Houtkoop.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Schet 36, Meijers 43, Kramer 52, Jansen 54, Zuiverloon 63, Kristensen 65, Merencia 90.

SENT OFF: Schet 40.

FEYENOORD: Mulder; Wilkshire, Van Beek, Mathijsen, Kongolo, Clasie, Immers, Vilhena, Basacikoglu (Schaken 67), Manu (Vormer 81), Boëtius (Te Vrede 58).

SUBS NOT USED: Hahn, Vormer, Verhoek, Nelom, Karsdorp.

GOALS: Te Vrede 90+1.

BOOKINGS: Manu 25, Te Vrede 77, Van Beek 80, Wilkshire 82, Clasie 85.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kevin Jansen (ADO)

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EREDIVISIE: Heracles 0-3 AZ Alkmaar

August 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2014

HERACLES 0 – 3 AZ ALKMAAR

Marco Van Basten’s AZ side ran out 3-0 winners over Heracles in his first match in charge of the club, but it wasn’t as comfortable as the scoreline suggests, especially in the first half, but quality won out in the end.

Heracles started the match well, with a lot of crisp passing and they kept the ball well. AZ hardly had a kick of the ball in the opening ten minutes, when they did, they looked very uncomfortable and rushed in possession. This may have been down to the impressive work rate of their opposition, who were pressing well. The first chance came around in the opening minute as the home side managed to get in behind AZ, but Oussama Tannane shot over the bar. The opening exchanges were encouraging for the home side, but it was unlikely that they could play at such intensity for the entire match and that proved as AZ slowly managed to show their ability.

The front three of AZ have lots of ability and all three started to threaten the Heracles defence. Both Steven Berghuis and the new signing from Fulham, Muamer Tankovic forced saves with shots from range, while Guus Hupperts started to pose a lot of questions down the left hand side and the pressing of the front caused the home side’s defence to make several errors in their own half when in possession.

However, it was Heracles who had the better chances, a deflected effort from Thomas Bruns came very close to breaking the deadlock after good work from Linssen on the left, while the midfielder had another great chance minutes later, but he fired over when Ilias Bel Hassani picked him out on the edge of the area. The home side had a shout for a penalty as well as Bryan Linssen was clumsily taken down by Esteban, who looked shaky at times, but AZ got the decision in their favour.

The second half started in the same way as the first, with Heracles coming out of the blocks quickly, good play down their right, led to Bel Hassani getting space in the box and he came close to opening the scoring, hitting the post. The quality of the AZ front three started to show as the half wore on and two were involved in the opener. A hopeful long ball was played up to Tankovic and the clearance fell to Steven Berghuis. His low shot squirmed underneath the keeper. It was perhaps harsh on the home side, but it gave AZ confidence and they doubled their advantage just minutes later.

Wide player Guus Hupperts drifted inside, evaded a challenge and curled his shot into the top right hand corner from the edge of the area. It was a super goal to mark his debut for the club. The signing from Roda JC was a constant threat and he will become very important for Van Basten as the season progresses.

As the match progressed, Heracles still threatened, but their poor decision making in the final third meant they couldn’t get back into the match. It’s clear they will be a difficult team to play against this season. Unfortunately for them, AZ’s quality shone through in the end as forward Tankovic scored the first after Berghuis’ shot from range was pushed into his path. He was the second AZ player to score on his debut for the club and it was fitting all three attackers scored as they were excellent for the entire match. They will certainly create problems for teams this season and the return of Aron Jóhannsson will only add to the attacking threat at Marco Van Basten’s disposal.

TEAMS

HERACLES: Telgenkamp, Schenkeveld, Aktaou, Zomer, Te Wierik, Sibum (Cziommer 73), Bruns, Bel Hassani, Linssen, Tannane (Weghorst 69), Fledderus (Gyasi 70).

SUBS NOT USED: Castro, Paljic, Pelupessy, Engberink.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Fledderus 64.

AZ: Esteban, Johansson, Gouweleeuw, Wuytens, Ortiz, Gudelj, Hendriksen, Poulse, Berghuis, Hupperts (Haps 85), Tankovic (Rosheuvel 78).

SUBS NOT USED: Rochet, Elm, Hoedt, Haye, Luckassen.

GOALS: Berghuis 56, Hupperts 63, Tankovic 76.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Steven Berghuis (AZ Alkmaar)

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EREDIVISIE: NAC Breda 1-1 Excelsior

August 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2014

NAC BREDA 1 – 1 EXCELSIOR

Eredivisie newcomers Excelsior clinched a vital 1-1 draw away to prospected relegation rivals NAC Breda which saw two goals scored in a matter of minutes.

The Eredivisie new boys started well and the tricky Jordan Botaka caused NAC a lot of trouble from the start. It was clear that NAC defensive midfielder Joeri de Kamps had a game plan for the young winger, rough him up and keep him out the game. However, it almost backfired when referee Jeroen Sanders made a terrible error on 18 minutes. De Kamps was clearly seen fouling Botaka in the area, although the referee stated it was outside the box. Despite the protests, the free-kick was awarded and NAC had been spared.

Breda’s goalkeeper Jelle ten Rouwelaar was presented a plaque pre-match, for this was his 205th consecutive Eredivisie game for the club. Unfortunately for the stopper, he was beaten on 19 minutes.

Kenny van der Weg got his feet tangled with Excelsior striker Tom van Weert and referee Sanders pointed to the spot. It was a soft decision, possibly making up for the one the officials missed a few minutes previous. Jeff Stans converted the spot-kick even though Ten Rouwelaar guessed the right way and got his fingertips to the ball.

From the restart, NAC were level. Moroccan Under-23 international Adnane Tighadouini hit a first time shot after a poor clearance from the erratic Jordy Deckers, and the ball ended up in the empty goal.

Breda should have taken the lead moments later, again Tighadouini involved. Kingsley Boateng, NAC’s new signing from AC Milan, whipped the ball away from Kevin van Diermen and crossed low across the goal. The Moroccan was arriving at the back post and smashed his finish off the foot of the post.

After the break, NAC had another chance to take the lead but wasted the opportunity again. Erik Falkenburg’s long range effort was pushed onto the post by Deckers and Elson Hooi blazed the rebound over from a few yards out.

Excelsior may have had another penalty in the dying seconds when Boateng was deemed to handball in the area but nothing was awarded. NAC will need to improve their efforts in front of goal or better teams than Excelsior will punish them for the mistakes.

TEAMS

NAC: Ten Rouwelaar, Ssewankambo, Drost, Van der Weg, Amieux, Falkenburg, De Kamps, Matic, Hooi (Sarpong 70), Boateng, Tighadouini.

SUBS NOT USED: Babos, Damcevski, De Roover, Suk, El Allouchi.

GOALS: Tighadouini 20.

BOOKINGS: De Kamps 40.

EXCELSIOR: Deckers, Karami, Fischer, Van Diermen, Brito, Kruijs, Auassar, Stans (Vermeulen 86), Botaka, Van Weert (Gouriye 71), Van Mieghem (Hutten 76).

SUBS NOT USED: Mattheij, Damen, Bovenberg, Maletic.

GOALS: Stans 19P.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jordan Botaka (Excelsior)

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EREDIVISIE: SC Cambuur 1-1 FC Twente

August 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2014

SC CAMBUUR 1 – 1 FC TWENTE

A Youness Mokhtar equaliser, with just two minutes to go, denied Cambuur of all three points against FC Twente this evening, after Manchester City loanee Albert Rusnák had put the hosts ahead.

Slovakian midfielder Albert Rusnák stole the show and demonstrated to everyone watching that he could be a real force this campaign for Cambuur. Formerly having loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Birmingham City, this was the 20-year-old’s debut on a season-long loan from Premier League champions Manchester City. He announced his arrival on 13 minutes after Kyle Ebecilio fouled Michiel Hemmen on the edge of the area. The 18-year-old stepped up and curled the free-kick into the top corner out of Nick Marsman’s reach. This was Rusnák’s first goal in professional football.

Twente were struggling to get going and Cambuur looked the more likely team to score. The impressive Rusnák showed great movement throughout and worked hard, showing great tenacity to get back deep into the midfield and win the possession for his team.

Twente coach replaced Robert Schilder with new signing Kamohelo Mokotjo at half-time to try and lift his side, however, even though the link-up play improved, no decent chances were created and Leonard Nienhuis’ gloves stayed cold.

With two minutes of play remaining, the game was tied due to a deflected shot from Youness Mokhtar. The winger cut inside and on the edge the box tried his luck, the ball flicked off the boot of Cambuur defender Lucas Bijker and ended up past Nienhuis for the equaliser. An undeserving goal for the team from Enschede.

Twente will feel fortunate to leave Leeuwarden with a point, for Cambuur, it may feel like two points lost although if you would have asked coach Henk de Jong before the game, I’m sure he would have took a draw. Today was all about Albert Rusnak, the Manchester City youngster that we will all be treated to this season.

TEAMS

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Droste, Reijnen, Bijker, Pereira, El Makrini, Bakker, Rusnák, Meleg (Schepers 61), Hemmen (Dijkstra 78), Ogbeche (Barto 90).

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, Mac-Intosch, Janzen, Schokker.

GOALS: Rusnák 13.

BOOKINGS: None.

TWENTE: Marsman, Breukers, Lachman (Tapia 81), Martina, Koppers, Schilder (Mokotjo 46), Ebecilio, Castaignos, Mokhtar, Børven, Kusk (Ould-Chikh 72).

SUBS NOT USED: Stevens, Andersen, Hölscher, Corona.

GOALS: Mokhtar 88.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Albert Rusnak (SC Cambuur)

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EREDIVISIE: Heerenveen 1-2 FC Dordrecht

August 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2014

HEERENVEEN 1 – 2 FC DORDRECHT

Ernie Brandts and his FC Dordrecht side pulled off a shock 2-1 win against a poor Heerenveen side that seemed to be lacking something going forward.

The hosts got off to a great start with an opening goal within 13 minutes. Jordy Buijs bombed down the right wing and despite the efforts of Dordrecht defender Sem de Wit, Buijs got a cross in towards the back post. Arriving late was Hakim Ziyech, who rose above the challenge of Marvin Peersman to nod towards goal. Polish goalkeeper Filip Kurto tried relentlessly to stop the header but to no avail.

Heerenveen pressed for a second with Daley Sinkgraven, just aged 19, looking the most likely to make something happen, however Kurto was rarely tested. The youngster came off worse in a challenge with the big goalkeeper before half-time and was bleeding from the top of his head throughout the game.

A minute before the break, Dordrecht found themselves level with a fortunate goal. Former PSV youth player Funso Ojo whipped a free-kick into the area and what should have been an easy catch for Heerenveen stopper Kristoffer Nordfeldt, the big Swede flapped when De Wit jumped with him. Then when Luciano Slagveer botched a clearance, Giovanni Korte was on home to drive the ball home.

Ten minutes to go, the Eredivisie new boys sealed all three points. A mix-up between Nordfledt and young defender Joost van Aken allowed Joris van Overeem steal the ball and slot home to take the win.

Selling Alfred Finnbogason in the summer, new coach Dwight Lodeweges knew it was going to be a massive task replacing him. Aside of Sinkgraven and Ziyech, Heerenveen was missing the attacking threats that we are used to seeing. On the right wing, Slagveer was ineffective and lone striker Mark Uth never got going. New Danish signing Thomas Dalgaard replaced Uth after 55 minutes but himself failed to inspire.

The home side were booed off by their fans inside the Abe Lenstra Stadion as Brandts and his coaching staff jumped up and down in a circle celebrating on the final whistle. Lodeweges will have to pick his players up, as on Friday night they travel to De Kuip to face Feyenoord.

TEAMS

HEERENVEEN: Nordfeldt, Marzo, Buijs, Van Aken, Raitala, Van den Berg, Ziyech, De Roon, Slagveer (Wildschut 54), Uth (Dalgaard 55), Sinkgraven (Thorsby 75).

SUBS NOT USED: De Fockert, Otigba, Schmidt, Varga.

GOALS: Ziyech 14.

BOOKINGS: De Roon 37, Ziyech 75.

DORDRECHT: Kurto, Fortes, Troost-Ekong, Haddad, Peersman, Ojo, Gosens, Van Overeem (Vet 90), Korte (Meulens 70), Lieder (Ten Voorde 82), Pisas.

SUBS NOT USED: Te Loeke, De Wit, Hamdaoui, Van Haaren.

GOALS: Korte 44, Van Overeem 81.

BOOKINGS: Haddad 21, Meulens 84, Kurto 90+4.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Marvin Peersman (FC Dordrecht)

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EREDIVISIE: PEC Zwolle 2-0 FC Utrecht

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 2014

PEC ZWOLLE 2 – 0 FC UTRECHT

PEC Zwolle were victorious in the first game of the 2014/15 season rather comfortably against a weak FC Utrecht side at the IJsseldelta Stadion this evening, however they left it late to score the goals in a 2-0 win.

As the rain poured down, it was a cautious start, after Jesper Drost headed over in the opening minutes, we had to wait until ten minutes gone to witness our first shot on goal. Mark Diemers, playing in an advance right midfield role for Rob Alflen’s side had a pop from the outside of the area, however, Zwolle goalie Diederik Boer saved easily.

The hosts looking good on the counter attack with the pace of Mustafa Saymak, Jesper Drost and Jody Lukoki sprung open the Utrecht defence when right-back Bram van Polen lobbed a ball forward. Drost rose above Anouar Kali to nod the ball into the path of Saymak, but unfortunately the 21-year-old midfielder latched at his half-volley, and Robbin Ruiter was able to parry as he hurried out to meet the onrushing Saymak.

Zwolle continued to create chances and became the more productive of the two sides especially with the through balls from Saymak, sitting in a role where Kamohelo Mokotjo would have been located, before his transfer to FC Twente this morning. The quick-thinking, creative passing from Saymak made you think Mokotjo was present. In addition, new signing Lukoki was frightening down the right-wing and gave Christian Kum, a summer signing from Heerenveen, a torrid time down Utrecht left side of defence. The fans inside the IJsseldelta Stadion will be pleased the former Ajax man has signed a three-year permanent deal.

Apart from set-pieces, the visitors rarely threatened. Jens Toornstra’s balls from the left with the danger and on 23 minutes, the midfielder whipped one perfectly into the back post for Willem Janssen to nod straight into Boer’s arms.

Zwolle central defender Trent Sainsbury took a knock in a challenge with Leon de Kogel and was subbed off by Maikel van der Werff just before the half-hour mark and Utrecht made a replacement minutes later. Fearful of Lukoki, Utrecht coach Alflen took off Kum and brought on 21-year-old defender Yannick Cortie. Cortie, who is more comfortable in the centre of defence, made a slight improvement but could not keep Lukoki quiet.

Zwolle kept pressing but failed to find a goal before half-time. Chances for Bart van Hintum and Drost went begging and just before the interval, Van Polen went close with a front post flick from Lukoki’s corner. Holding midfielder Ben Rienstra, a new signing from Heracles, got a rare opportunity to get forward and lashed a low shot wide of the goal before referee Eric Braamhaar blew for half-time.

It was a slower tempo in the second half as Utrecht closed down Zwolle’s attacks and took control of the game and started to get into the play, however either goalkeeper’s gloves were hardly tested.

As the hour mark passed, Ron Jans decided to make a change up front with of his new Greek striker, Nikos Ioannidis, on a two-year loan from Olympiakos with a view to a permanent move replaced Stef Nijland as the lone man up front. The 20-year-old got involved straight away, holding the ball up to play Saymak into the area on the right side, but Saymak’s shot was easily parried again by Ruiter.

When it looked like a goal was never going to come it arrived. Another bit of magic from man of the match Lukoki as the winger cross a ball into the area and when Ramon Leeuwin failed to clear it with his header, Jesper Drost was at the back post to finish across goal. This is the 25th consecutive game that Utrecht have failed to keep a clean sheet, not a feat to be proud of.

Lukoki received a standing ovation from the home fans when Soufain Moro, a free transfer this summer from Utrecht, replaced him with seven minutes remaining. The 21-year-old made an impact against his former side with seconds of the game to go.

We have seen it a million times when goalkeepers head up the pitch to try and win the header from a corner in stoppage time to rescue a point. Unfortunately for Ruiter, he was stuck in no man’s land when the corner was quickly cleared and the ball fell to Moro deep in the Zwolle half. After a quick glance at the empty goal, Moro sent a high looping shot and the ball carried in the air perfectly as it flew into the net.

The referee below virtually instantly after the restart and Zwolle pick up an excellent 2-0 win to get their campaign underway. For Utrecht, this resembled more of the same from the Wouters era and unless they get their act together quick, it could be another long season for the Utrechters.

TEAMS

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Sainsbury (Van der Werff 27), Broerse, Van Hintum, Saymak, Rienstra, Drost, Lukoki (Moro 83), Nijland (Ioannidis 64), Thomas.

SUBS NOT USED: De Jong, Mahmudov, Dekker, Fernandes Pereira.

GOALS: Drost 75, Moro 90+3.

BOOKINGS: Ioannidis 90.

UTRECHT: Ruiter, Van der Maarel, Leeuwin, Heerings, Kum (Cortie 30), Janssen, Kaloi, Toornstra, Diemers (Sarota 75), De Kogel (Markiet 59), Barazite.

SUBS NOT USED: Verhoeven, Ayoub, Quesada, Antwi.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Janssen 34, Kali 37.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jody Lukoki (PEC Zwolle)

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Week 32 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax virtually crowned

April 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

League leaders Ajax defeated ADO Den Haag 3-2 to move within one point of clinching the Eredivisie title. Feyenoord are the only side that can mathematically catch the Amsterdammers, however it looks high unlikely as the Rotterdam side will have to hope the defending champions lose their last two games and that they can make up a nine-goal deficit on the way.

Saturday 12th April 2014

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Roda JC will finish in the bottom three after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at FC Twente left them eight points adrift of safety with two games to go. The rock-bottom Roda will either be automatically relegated or have to compete for this Eredivisie survival in the relegation play-off. Young Norwegian striker Torgeir Børven scored twice in the opening 26 minutes to virtually cement all three points to Michel Jansen’s side, as former Arsenal youth player Kyle Ebecilio made sure in the second-half.

Seven goals were exchanged in a topsy-turvy contest as SC Cambuur defeated Vitesse 4-3 to ruin Peter Bosz’s men’s chances of an automatic Europa League spot. Full-back Kelvin Leerdam struck first for Vitesse before scoring past his own goalkeeper following Martijn Barto’s equaliser. Although, it was level at half-time as Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu restored parity. Chelsea team-mate Bertrand Traoré put the visitors back in front 11 minutes into the second half but Bartholomew Ogbeche and Barto scored within five minutes of one another to send the Cambuurstadion into raptures.

Go Ahead Eagles need one more point to mathematically secure their Eredivisie status as lost 2-0 to Heerenveen at De Adelaarshorst. Impressive young left-back Joost van Aken nodded Marco van Basten’s side in front in only his second full start for the club. On 76 minutes, Alfred Finnbogason scored Heerenveen’s second after some good work from Bilal Basacikoglu on the right-wing. The goal was the Icelander’s 27th of the Eredivisie campaign.

Sunday 13th April 2014

Frank de Boer’s Ajax defeated Henk Fraser’s ADO Den Haag in a five goal thriller, however, Feyenoord’s 2-0 victory over PSV ensured that Koeman’s men remain six points behind in second place with two rounds of games remaining. If Ajax can clinch at least a point away to Heracles Almelo in a fortnight, they will clinch their fourth successive Eredivisie championship.

Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen gave the league leaders the lead on 35 minutes, although within a minute ADO drew level via Stefano Denswil scoring in his own net to send the sides in at half-time all square.

Second-half goals from Davy Klaassen and Thulani Serero put Ajax 3-1 up with central defender Tom Beugelsdijk scoring a last-minute goal to cut the deficit for ADO. However, it was too late to make an impact when referee Richard Liesveld blew for full-time just moments later

Along with their slim title hopes, Feyenoord maintain their second place with the consolation prize of Champions League qualification well within their grasps. Goals from defensive duo Joris Mathijsen and Daryl Janmaat gave them the win over PSV Eindhoven, who have now suffered three consecutive defeats since Philip Cocu was called out of action after a back operation.

NEC Nijmegen are set to compete relegation play-off in a month’s time although they held AZ Alkmaar to an impressive 1-1 draw that leaves them five points from safety. Dick Advocaat’s side took a second half lead through Nemanja Gudelj’s penalty on 55 minutes but NEC midfielder Kevin Conboy netted three minutes from time to secure a valuable point.

Fellow relegation contenders RKC Waalwijk played out a 1-1 draw with PEC Zwolle and now are three points off safety. RKC striker Daniel De Ridder scored just before the hour mark, but his goal was cancelled out by PEC’s Mateusz Klich just nine minutes later.

FC Utrecht will play Eredivisie football next season after they eased their relegation worries thanks to first-half goals from Jacob Mulenga and Juan Agudelo that earned Jan Wouters’ side a 2-1 victory over Heracles. The visitors saw Mikhail Rosheuvel hit back on 64 minutes and defender Bart Schenkeveld was dismissed with five minutes remaining to halt any ideas of a draw for the Almelo side.

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Week 31 Eredivisie Report: Kostic late winner clinches points

April 11, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Friday 11th April 2014

FC GRONINGEN 2-1 NAC BREDA

Filip Kostic hit an 92nd minute solo effort to give Edwin van der Looi’s FC Groningen their fourth consecutive win in tonight’s 2-1 victory over NAC Breda.

The visitors felt robbed just before half-time when Chelsea loanee Stipe Perica hit an effort towards goal and Hans Hateboer booted the ball off the line. NAC players protested with referee Eric Braamhaar but the official waved away appeals. Video replays showed that decision was very close and may indeed have been the wrong one.

After the goal-less first half, it took ten minutes into the second half for Groningen to take the lead. Braamhaar awarded the hosts a penalty after Gill Swerts fouled Filip Kostic in the box and Nick van der Velden hit home the resulting penalty.

NAC, desperate for points, pressed for the equalising goal and Stipe Perica notched the leveller on 73 minutes. The young Croatian striker beautifully controlled a cross on his chest and smashed the ball into the net, giving Groningen goalkeeper Marco Bizot no chance of stopping.

The visitors attacked for all three points and came close on two occasions through Danny Verbeek and Perica. However, it would be Groningen to claim the maximum points two minutes into stoppage time with Filip Kostic notching his eighth goal of the season. Cutting in from the right-wing, dodging a few challenges before smashing a shot home from outside of the area.

The Eruoborg erupted as the final whistle was blown and Groningen have now virtually confirmed their berth in Europa League playoffs. Meanwhile, NAC sit only four points off the dropzone and must face the visit of RKC Waalwijk in a potential six-pointer.

TEAMS

GRONINGEN: Bizot, Hateboer, Botteghin, Wijnaldum, Burnet, Kieftenbeld, Adorjan (De Leeuw 89), Lindgren (Van Nieff 79), Van der Velden (Kirm 84), Zivkovic, Kostic.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Lei, Clintje, Saban, Zeefuik.

GOALS: Van der Velden 55, Kostic 90+2.

BOOKINGS: Burnet 60, Kostic 88, De Leeuw 90+2.

NAC: Ten Rouwelaar, Drost, Kwakman, Gilissen (Verbeek 70), Hooi, Matic, Poepon, Perica, Swerts (Van der Weg 74), Buijs, Bodor.

SUBS NOT USED: Babos, Hadouir, Seuntjens, Sarpong, Suk.

GOALS: Perica 73.

BOOKINGS: None.

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Week 31 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax leave champagne on ice

April 6, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

League leaders Ajax are yet to clinch the Eredivisie title as they were held 1-1 by Vitesse at the Gelredome on Sunday. Elsewhere, Feyenoord maintained second place and Twente in third as PSV were defeated 3-0 by Heerenveen on Saturday night.

Saturday 5th April 2014

PSV, minus head coach Philip Cocu, fell to heavy 3-0 defeat on Saturday evening to Marco van Basten’s Heerenveen. Ernest Faber, deputising for Cocu, has now lead the Eindhoven side to two defeats in two and their aspirations of Champions League football next season have been dashed. Balil Basacikoglu netted on the half-hour mark but second half goals from Rajiv van la Parra and Alfred Finnbogason has now stuck PSV down into fifth place but are five points ahead of Heerenveen who sit a place behind them.

Twente stay in third after winning 2-0 away to NAC Breda thanks to goals from Felipe Gutiérrez and Dušan Tadić. Dropping down to fifteenth in the standings, Breda are now only four points away from the drop zone.

Go Ahead Eagles steered themselves out of relegation trouble with a 2-1 away win at Heracles. Mikhail Rosheuvel, a threat throughout and put the hosts into a first-half lead but the Eagles turned the game on its head after the interval. Midfielders Deniz Türüç and Erik Falkenburg scored the goals to move Go Ahead up to 11th place even though Jarchinio Antonia was dismissed two minutes before time.

NEC Nijmegen stay second bottom and six points from safety after being held 1-1 by manager-less SC Cambuur in a game that saw three sending-offs in four minutes. Geoffrey Castillion gave NEC the lead but Mart Dijkstra equalised just after half-time. NEC captain was sent off six minutes from time and the sides were evened up when Marcel Ritzmaier was given his second yellow minutes later. However, the relegation strugglers were reduced to nine with just two minutes remaining when Rens van Eijden received his second booking.

Sunday 6th April 2014

Frank de Boer’s Ajax came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Vitesse, however, being six points clear of Feyenoord in second, remained on track to win their fourth consecutive Eredivisie championship. The Amsterdammers fell mid-way through the first-half when Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traoré netted. Icelandic international forward Kolbeinn Sigthórsson equalized two minutes after the break to earn his side the point.

Sunday also saw the return of Italian striker Graziano Pelle to the Feyenoord side after a four-game suspension and he notched both goals in his side’s 2-0 with over RKC Waalwijk. Ronald Koeman’s men travel to PSV next weekend but look most likely to claim the second Champions League spot.

ADO Den Haag are still undefeated under Henk Fraser after smashing ten-men FC Utrecht by four goals to one. Ronald Alberg and Mike van Duinen sent Utrecht in at half-time two goals down, and Mitchell Schet and Michiel Kramer added to the tally in the second half. Utrecht saw striker Steve de Ridder dismissed after just 24 minutes for two bookings and Jens Toornstra grabbed a last minute consolation goal.

In the final game of the weekend, basement boys Roda JC held AZ Alkmaar to a 2-2 draw that yet another red card. Berry Powel put Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men ahead but AZ midfielder Markus Henriksen equalised before half-time. American striker Aron Johansson notched before the hour mark to give the visitors the lead but Guus Hupperts snatched the leveller twenty minutes from time. With just below ten minutes remaining, Guy Ramos saw red for his second bookable offence. Roda look doomed and are eight points away from safety, results next weekend could see them confirmed to the relegation play off places.

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Week 31 Eredivisie Report: Botteghin header gives Groningen win over Zwolle

April 4, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Friday 4th April 2014

PEC ZWOLLE 0-1 FC GRONINGEN

FC Groningen narrowly defeated PEC Zwolle 1-0 on Friday night to boost their hopes of clinching an Eredivisie Europa League Play-off berth, and now hold a four-point cushion with just three league games remaining.

Brazilian defender Eric Botteghin netted the game’s only goal 20 minutes against his old club from time to settle matters in the visitors’ favour at IJsseldelta Stadion. After a free-kick was failed to be cleared by Zwolle, the ball fell to Maikel Kieftenbeld on the right-wing and the midfielder’s swung a deep ball into the back post. Botteghin emerged from a pack of players unmarked to head home at the back post on 70 minutes but did not celebrate out of respect for the club where his Dutch football career began in 2007.

It was a poor game with few chances but Groningen’s Marco Bizot was the busier of the two goalkeepers. After a dull first half, Zwolle striker Fred Benson saw his near-post effort beaten away by the visiting keeper. Bizot was called upon again in the closing stages, denying Bart van Hintum at the front post as Erwin van de Looi’s men held out to put secure their third successive league win.

Groningen remain in eighth but are now four points clear from Zwolle in ninth to hold the European play-off place but Zwolle seem to already have a European place next season when Ajax inevitably win the league.

TEAMS

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Lachman, Van der Werff, Van Hintum, Drost, Gravenbeek, Klich (Nijland 66), Narsingh (Fernandez 46), Benson, Thomas (Broerse 83).

SUBS NOT USED: Ter Wielen, Karaguonis, Hiwat.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Lachman 37, Van Polen 69.

GRONINGEN: Bizot, Kappelhof, Botteghin, Burnet, Hateboer, Kieftenbeld, Chery, Lindgren, Adorjan (Van Nieff 84), Kostic (Kirm 90+3), Zivkovic.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Lei, Cljintje, Hiariej, Hagenauw, Zeefuik.

GOALS: Botteghin 70.

BOOKINGS: Kappelhof 74.

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Midweek Eredivisie Report: Ajax & Feyenoord pull away

April 3, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

On a night which saw four red cards in the Eredivisie, Ajax take a further step to clinching their fourth championship in a row as Feyenoord pull away from the chasing pack in second.

Wednesday 2nd April

GO AHEAD EAGLES 2-1 NAC BREDA

Go Ahead Eagles pulled four points clear from the drop zone with a vital 2-1 home win over NAC Breda.

Adelaarshorst was sent into raptures on 26 minutes when Jarchinio Antonia displayed his skills with a wonderful solo goal which ended up with the winger delightfully chipping the ball over NAC goalkeeper Jelle ten Rouwelaar to put the hosts in front.

Jordy Buijs got the equaliser with a smart free-kick from the edge of the box on 38 minutes. A low grass-cutting effort that sneaked under the wall and left Go Ahead’s Danish keeper Stephan Andersen totally bemused.

However, the hosts grabbed the late winner through an own goal from Henrico Drost after the NAC defender stuck a leg out trying to stop a Sjoerd Overgoor effort but diverted the ball past Ten Rouwelaar to give Go Ahead the win.

TEAMS

GO AHEAD: Andersen, Amevor (Haps 86), Vriends, Van den Linden, Schenk, Overgoor, Falkenburg, Rijsdijk (Lambooij 88), Antonia, Kolder, Houtkoop (Godee 66).

SUBS NOT USED: Ten Den, Cummins, Azevedo, Pot.

GOALS: Antonia 26, Drost 84.

BOOKINGS: Amevor 85.

NAC: Ten Rouwelaar, De Roover, Drost (Hadouir 88), Kwakman, Swerts, Buijs, Matic, Bodor, Hooi, Poepon (Perica 78), Verbeek (Sarpong 46).

SUBS NOT USED: Babos, Van der Weg, Suk, Seuntjens.

GOALS: Buijs 38.

BOOKINGS: Swerts 21, Buijs 33, Ten Rouwelaar 85.

HERACLES 1-2 FEYENOORD

Feyenoord defeated Heracles Almelo 2-1 to make the gap between second and third placed FC Twente to four points which makes Ronald Koeman’s side favourites to clinch the Champions League qualification spot.

The hosts took control early in the game as the tricky Iliass Bel Hassani scored the opening goal after 14 minutes. The 21-year-old, cut inside from the left-wing and avoided the challenges of Jordy Clasie and Daryl Janmaat to drive a low left-footed shot to beat Erwin Mulder in goal.

Feyenoord were 2-1 up before half-time with young striker Mitchell te Verde heading home a Clasie corner on the half-hour mark. Four minutes before the break, Ronald Koeman’s side took the lead and what turned out to be the winning goal by Tony Vilhena.

The Rotterdam side look to nail the Champions League place down but face tough tests against PSV and AZ Alkmaar before the end of the season.

TEAMS

HERACLES: Pasveer, Koenders, Schenkeveld, Veldmate, Davidson, Bruns (Cziommer 62), Rienstra, Bel Hassani, Tannane (Rosheuvel 25), Uth (Amoah 46), Linssen.

SUBS NOT USED: Telgenkamp, Belterman, Streutker, Quansah.

GOALS: Bel Hassani 14.

BOOKINGS: Cziommer 72, Amoah 84.

SENT OFF: Cziommer 87.

FEYENOORD: Mulder, Janmaat, De Vrij, Martins Indi (Van Beek 90+1), Kongolo, Clasie, Immers, Vilhena (Vormer 78), Schaken, Te Vrede, Boëtius (Verhoek 57).

SUBS NOT USED: Lamprou, Armenteros, Bakkal, Nelom.

GOALS: Te Vrede 30, Vilhena 41.

BOOKINGS: Verhoek 90+4.

RKC WAALWIJK 0-2 AJAX

Ajax could win the Eredivisie title at the weekend against Vitesse if Feyenoord fail to beat Ajax’ opponents tonight RKC Waalwijk. Frank de Boer’s men controlled RKC to take a 2-0 victory back to Amsterdam.

Ajax were not messing about in Waalwijk and went a goal up after just 14 minutes. Central defender Joël Veltman rising above everyone at the back post to head home from a Lasse Schöne corner.

It was 2-0 before the half-hour with Davy Klaassen finishing the move that Kolbeinn Sigthórsson orchestrated.

RKC remain up to their knees in relegation trouble four points adrift from safety with just four games left to play.

TEAMS

RKC: Van Dijk, Lamey (Apau 26), Van Hoevelen, Prince, Amieux, Sno, Jungschläger, Duits, Castelen (Anderson 73), Beauguel, De Ridder (Joachim 57).

SUBS NOT USED: Šeda, Van Mosselveld, Braber, Schet.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: None.

AJAX: Cillessen, Van Rhijn, Veltman, Denswil, Blind, Klaassen (Serero 82), Poulsen, Duarte, De Sa (Kishna68), Sigthórsson, Schöne.

SUBS NOT USED: Vermeer, Van der Hoorn, Boilesen, Riedewald, Bojan.

GOALS: Veltman 14, Klaassen 28.

BOOKINGS: None.

FC TWENTE 1-1 ADO DEN HAAG

Henk Fraser managed ADO to another fantastic result a 1-1 draw away to FC Twente, who ended the game with just nine men. However, ADO have now gone eight games unbeaten for the first time since 1972.

The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute through Felipe Gutiérrez when he coolly finished a move created by Quincy Promes.

The three points looked to be slipping away out of Twente’s grasp just after the hour mark when Rasmus Bengtsson was dismissed for a professional foul when he bundled over ADO striker Michiel Kramer, who was racing through on goal. The resulting free-kick on the edge of the area by Danny Holla was curled perfectly low around the wall but was tipped onto the post by Twente keeper Nick Marsman.

Luc Castaignos thought he had sealed the win for his side on 75 minutes but had his effort correctly ruled out for offside.

With just nine minutes to go, Michiel Kramer nodded home the all important equaliser from a wonderful cross from right-back Dion Malone.

Twente saw red again before full-time with Castaignos given his marching orders for a harsh challenge on Malone.

The hopes of Twente’s Champions League qualification take a blow but the point lifts the Enschede side above Vitesse, whose links with Premier League giants Chelsea were revealed to be under investigation by the KNVB on Wednesday.

TEAMS

TWENTE: Marsman, Martina, Bengtsson, Bjelland, Koppers, Ebecilio (Breukers 92), Brama (Roseler 85), Gutiérrez, Promes (Mokhtar 81), Castaignos, Tadić.

SUBS NOT USED: Stevens, Schilder, Corona, Borven.

GOALS: Gutiérrez 9.

BOOKINGS: None.

SENT OFF: Bengtsson 64, Castaignos 88.

ADO: Coutinho, Zuiverloon (Van Haaren 59), Wormgoor, Bakker, Meijers, Malone, Holla, Alberg, Schet (Wildschut 81), Kramer, Cabral (Gouriye 78).

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkles, Gehrt, Buwalda, Kanon.

GOALS: Kramer 82.

BOOKINGS: None.

FC UTRECHT 1-0 SC CAMBUUR

Jacob Mulenga, making his first start since November last year, scored the only goal of the game as FC Utrecht eased their relegation worries at home to mid-table SC Cambuur.

Jan Wouters will be a relieved man as he witnessed his side clinch their first win in five games to steer clear of relegation worries.

Jacob Mulenga poked home the winner on 56 minutes after Steve de Ridder had fed the Zambian striker through on goal. The visitor’s hopes of a comeback were dented midway through the second half when Lucas Bijker was shown red for a rash challenge on Adam Sarota.

Cambuur’s great season could end on a sour note after Tuesday saw manager Dwight Lodeweges announce he would be leaving for Heerenveen at the end of season. The Leeuwarden’s sides fans protested on Wednesday morning which saw Lodeweges resigned later that day. They sit only three points off the Europa League playoff places but with caretaker manager Henk de Jong leading them out for the last four games, this may be out of their reach.

TEAMS

UTRECHT: Ruiter, Van der Maarel, Delpierre, Heerings, Bulthuis, Sarota, Mårtensson, Toornstra, Oar, Mulenga, De Ridder.

SUBS NOT USED: Verhoeven, Van der Gun, Markiet, Diemers, Agudelo, Dorda, Quesada.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: None.

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Droste, Leeuwin, Van der Laan, Bijker, Bakker, El Makrini, Ritzmaier, Lukoki, Barto, Manu.

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, Periera, Van Moorsel, Hemmen, Dijkstra, Ogbeche, Schepers.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: None.

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Week 30 Eredivisie Report: Ajax close in on another championship

March 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Once again it seems Ajax’s will be lifting the Eredivisie title soon after handing FC Twente a 3-0 defeat today to put Frank de Boer’s side eight points clear at the top with just three games to go.

Sunday 30th March 2014

FEYENOORD 5-0 GO AHEAD EAGLES

Even without top scorer Graziano Pellè, Feyenoord managed to hit five past Go Ahead Eagles to move themselves into pole position for the Champions League qualification slot.

Lex Immers got the scoring underway with an excellent powerful low drive from his right foot that beat Go Ahead keeper Stephan Andersen at his near post. The 45,000 inside De Kuip were as loud as usual and push their team on.

However, the visitors should have been level on 20 minutes when a Jop van der Linden free-kick had the beating of Feyenoord stopper Erwin Mulder, but unfortunately for the Eagles defender the post kept the ball out.

Feyenoord search for the second goal but they had to wait until 49 minutes. Ruben Schaken crossed in from the right wing and Tony Vilhena leaped above everyone to head past Andersen to double the lead.

It was three in the 64 minute with Jean-Paul Boëtius scoring his ninth of the season. Attacking on the right-wing again, Schaken and Immers linked up well for the latter to put the ball on the plate for Boëtius to tap home. De Kuip erupted knowing that their side had cemented the victory.

Ronald Koeman’s side were not finished and Daryl Janmaat played in young striker Mitchell Te Verde on 77 minutes for the fourth, and finally Ruud Vormer split the Eagles defence with a ball through to Miquel Nelom two minutes from time and the substitute blasted the ball past Andersen to make it five.

This was the biggest win of the season for the Rotterdam side who are now in pole position for Champions League football next term, with a game in hand on the chasing pack. That game in hand will take place in Almelo on Wednesday against Heracles.

Go Ahead look in trouble and are only one point off the drop zone, they will look to Wednesday’s home game against NAC Breda to give them some breathing space off the others in the relegation fight.

TEAMS

FEYENOORD: Mulder, Janmaat, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Kongolo, Clasie, Immers, Vilhena, Boëtius, Te Vrede, Schaken.

SUBS NOT USED: Lamprou, Van Beek, Vormer, Nelom, Verhoek, Armenteros, Bakkal.

GOALS: Immers 13, Vilhena 49, Boëtius 64, Te Verde 77, Nelom 89.

BOOKINGS: Kongolo 51.

GO AHEAD: Andersen, Amevor, Vriends, Van der Linden, Schenk, Overgoor, Türüç, Rijsdijk, Antonia, Houtkoop, Falkenburg.

SUBS NOT USED: Ter Mate, Ten Den, Kolder, Azevedo, Haps, Pot, Lambooij.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Türüç 21.

AJAX 3-0 FC TWENTE

Frank de Boer’s Ajax close in on their fourth successive Eredivisie title and now sit eight points clear of nearest rivals Feyenoord.

Twente should have taken the lead after a quarter of an hour after some great work from Felipe Gutiérrez. The Chilean playmaker surged down the right wing and slipped past Stefano Denswil with ease, and as Luc Castaignos was waiting at the back post for a tap in, the ball to him was not good enough and played in behind him. The majority of the 51,117 inside the Amsterdam Arena breathed a sigh of relief.

After Andreas Bjelland fouled Thulani Serero just before the half hour mark, referee Pieter Vink awarded Ajax a free-kick on the right wing which lead to opening goal. Dane Lasse Schöne whipped in the ball to an unmarked Stefano Denswil to nod the ball towards the goal out of Nick Marsman’s reach.

Twente pressed for the equaliser and look likely to score every time they went forward and they should have been level before the interval. The always lively Quincy Promes spotted a lovely run into the area by Youness Mokhtar. When the midfielder received the ball, the angle was too tight and his effort bounced off the foot of the post. Minutes later, Castaignos overpowered Denswil and was one-on-one with Jasper Cillessen, but the striker blared his shot off the crossbar from close range.

As the second half began, Twente pressed forward looking for that equalising goal but it was Ajax that found the net before the hour mark. Bojan Krkic, on loan from Barcelona, has had a poor season but he had a cracking second half for the Amsterdammers and spied a great run down the right from Ajax full-back Ricardo van Rhijn. The defender collected the ball and laid in Lasse Schöne in the middle to tap home with ease.

Seven minutes later, the Spaniard Bojan Krkic clinched the win for Ajax with an excellent goal. With Twente on the back foot, trying to find that defensive cover whilst still attacking got it all wrong as the ball came out to Davy Klaassen on the right wing. Klaassen played the ball into Bojan just outside the area, and rather than look for another pass, the young striker blasted a shot past Marsman to make it three.

All in all a great day for Ajax and this win felt like a win from the champions, and after the last few disappointing performances, Frank de Boer will sleep much better this evening. The Amsterdammers are now eight points ahead and have a game in hand on most of their rivals with just four rounds to go. That game in hand will be played on Wednesday night away to relegation contenders RKC Waalwijk.

TEAMS

AJAX: Cillessen, Van Rhijn, Denswil, Veltman, Boilesen (Poulsen 70), Blind, Klaassen, Serero, Bojan (Duarte 79), Schöne, Kishna (Sigthórsson 62).

SUBS NOT USED: Vermeer, Van der Hoorn, De Sa, Riedewald.

GOALS: Denswil 29, Schöne 58, Bojan 65.

BOOKINGS: None.

TWENTE: Marsman, Bjelland, Schilder, Bengtsson, Martina, Ebecilio, Tadić, Gutiérrez (Brama 71), Mokhtar, Promes (Corona 81), Castaignos (Børven 70).

SUBS NOT USED: Stevens, Breukers, Eghan, Röseler.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: None.

SC CAMBUUR 0-0 AZ ALKMAAR

The resilient Cambuur kept the free-scoring AZ Alkmaar at bay to share the points in a goal-less draw.

AZ missed the chance to leapfrog Heerenveen into sixth but it was the home side should have taken the lead after just five minutes when Elvis Manu hit the side netting with a glorious opportunity.

Dick Advocaat’s side were unlucky not to leave Leeuwarden with the win after Denni Avdic, replacing Aron Johansson in the starting line-up, had a goal ruled out by match official Ed Janssen with twenty minutes to go. AZ were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box and Donny Gorter lashed a shot into the wall and the ball fell perfectly to Victor Elm who hit a half-volley at goal.

Cambuur goalkeeper Leonard Nienhuis stopped the effort but failed to smother the ball. Central defender Nick Viergever attacked the ball which ricocheted off Nienhuis into the path of Avdic who tapped home the rebound. The referee deemed that Avdic was offside when Elm had took his shot and much to AZ’s chagrin, video replays showed that may have been the case, but it was certainly a close decision. AZ coach Advocaat when ballistic on the touchline protesting furiously with the fourth official.

The sharing of points saw Cambuur stay in 11th well clear of the relegation places and AZ stay in seventh inside the Europa League playoffs.

TEAMS

CAMBUUR: Nienhuis, Droeste, Van der Laan, Bijker, Leeuwin, Van Moorsel (Ogbeche 62), El Makrini, Ritzmaier, Barto (Hemmen 62), Lukoki (Bakker 79), Manu.

SUBS NOT USED: Zeinstra, Pereira, Dijkstra, Schepers.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Lukoki 76.

AZ: Esteban, Johansson, Viergever, Poulsen, Gouweleeuw, Gudelj, Elm, Ortiz, Berghuis (Gorter 53), Beerens (Gudmundsson 26), Avdic (Jóhannsson 83).

SUBS NOT USED: De Winter, Reijnen, Henriksen, Wuytens.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Johansson 32, Gouweleeuw 51.

RODA JC 0-1 RKC WAALWIJK

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Roda are staring the Eerste Divisie straight in the face now falling to 1-0 defeat to fellow relegation contenders RKC Waalwijk.

The only goal of the game came midway through the first half with Romeo Castelen scoring his sixth of the campaign. After receiving the ball inside the area, Castelen faked a shot that made Ard van Peppen slip and turn his back on the ball and the striker drove the ball home past Filip Kurto.

Tomasson’s Roda had their chances to score the equaliser but Berry Powel smashed a great effort on the post and RKC stand-in keeper Arjen van Dijk was in good form saving from Gus Ramos and Guus Hupperts.

As time ticked on, the Roda crowd got restless and just past the hour mark the hosts should have been awarded a penalty by referee Bjorn Kuipers. A corner was whipped in and Prince-Désir Gouano literally rugby tackled striker Krisztián Nemeth down to the ground. The referee and his assistants missed the incident and the French defender got away with it.

RKC keeper Van Dijk was worked for the remainder of the game but Roda could not get the ball past him and it was a poor result for the home side. Roda now sit sixth points adrift from safety and their best chance of survival will surely be trying to move out of the bottom position and into the relegation playoffs.

TEAMS

RODA: Kurto, Ramos, Van Peppen, Letschert, Dijkhuizen (Paulissen 81), Fledderus, Donald (Németh 63), Kali, Sutchuin (Bonevacia 74), Hupperts, Powel.

SUBS NOT USED: Prus, Luijckx, Monteyne, Höcher.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Donald 57, Dijkhuizen 67.

RKC: Van Dijk, Van Hoevelen, Amieux, Gouano, Apau, Jungschläger, Braber (De Ridder 46), Anderson, Sno, Castelen (Van Mosselveld 85), Beauguel (Joachim 70).

SUBS NOT USED: Šeda, Ivens, Schet, Lamey.

GOALS: Castelen 22.

BOOKINGS: Beauguel 27, Apau 45.

ADO DEN HAAG 1-1 PEC ZWOLLE

In the final game of the weekend, ADO Den Haag and PEC Zwolle played a draw which saw ADO remain undefeated under Henk Fraser but by no means out of relegation trouble yet.

Zwolle arrived in Den Haag buzzing with confidence after reaching the KNVB Beker final in midweek, took the lead after twenty minutes through defender Maikel van der Werff. Stef Nijland whipped in a corner towards the back post and ADO goalkeeper Gino Coutinho misjudged it, flapped, collide into team-mate Gianni Zuiverloon and Van der Werff headed the ball into the empty goal.

The hosts should been level before half-time if it were not for the heroics of Zwolle keeper Kevin Begois. Tom Beugelsdijk met Jerson Cabral’s cross with his head on 40 minutes but the Belgian goalkeeper, diving the opposite way, stuck a leg out to clear it off the line.

Fraser’s side did tie the scoring with a Ronald Alberg wonder goal two minutes later. The midfielder lashed a half-volley inside Begois right-hand post from around 30 yards.

Zwolle should have gained all three points in the dying moments of the game when substitute Fred Benson was given an golden opportunity after Kamehelo Mokotjo had played the striker through on goal. With only the Coutinho to beat, the striker side footed his effort wide of the post much to the delight of the home crowd.

ADO are still just three points off the drop zone and with just four games to go, they will need some more points to feel safe. PEC Zwolle stay in ninth place and with their KNVB Beker final appearance, European football beckons next season if or when Ajax finally clinch the championship.

TEAMS

ADO: Coutinho, Wormgoor, Beugelsdijk, Meijers, Zuiverloon, Holla, Gehrt (Kramer 74), Bakker, Van Duinen, Schet (Wildschut 30), Alberg.

SUBS NOT USED: Zwinkels, Kanon, Buwalda, Van Haaren, Cabral.

GOALS: Alberg 42.

BOOKINGS: Beugelsdijk 56, Van Duinen 74, Wormgoor 76.

ZWOLLE: Begois (Ter Wielen 46), Lachman, Van der Werff, Van Hintum, Gravenbeek, Nijland (Benson 84), Drost, Mokotjo, Saymak, Narsingh (Karagounis 57), Fernandez.

SUBS NOT USED: Pereria, Klich, Hiwat, Mahmudov.

GOALS: Van der Werff 20.

BOOKINGS: Saymak 47, Nijland 50.

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