Tag Archives: FC Dordrecht

EREDIVISIE: Excelsior 1-1 FC Dordrecht

September 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2014

EXCELSIOR 1 – 1 FC DORDRECHT

Excelsior and Dordrecht ended the game level on Saturday evening in a 1-1 draw, however it was a poor night for the visitors losing captain Funso Ojo to injury with Giovanni Korte also hurt that will keep the striker out for some time writes Will Burns.

After Tom van Weert saw an effort hit the woodwork on 12 minutes, the opening 45 did not provide much action expect for aforementioned injuries. Belgian midfielder Funso Ojo was substituted for new signing Ryan Koolwijk for the visitors on 41 minutes with a calf strain while striker Giovanni Korte was taken off with a suspected broken leg.

Shortly after the restart, Excelsior midfielder Adil Auassar scored a goal of the week contender. The 27-year old, who was born and started his career at Dordrecht, cut inside from the right to curl a perfect shot past the helpless Filip Kurto.

The Rotterdam side held on until five minutes to go when the visitors grabbed the all important equaliser with 20-year old German midfielder Robin Gosens nodding home the levelling goal past Excelsior’s debutant goalkeeper Gino Coutinho.

The hosts went down to ten-men when summer signing Luigi Bruins was shown a straight red from referee Pieter Vink after clashing with Marvin Peersman. Replays showed that the sending off was harsh as Peersman went down easy after Bruins lead in with his head with minimal contact.

TEAMS

EXCELSIOR: Coutinho, Karami, Fischer, Van Diermen, Kuipers, Kruys (Mattheij 73), Stans (Bruins 68), Auassar, Botaka, Van Weert (Gouriye 68), Van Mieghem

SUBS NOT USED: None.

GOALS: Auassar 51.

BOOKINGS: None.

SENT OFF: Bruins 88.

DORDRECHT: Kurto, Fortes, Lima, Troost-Ekong, Peersman, Ojo (Koolwijk 41), Gosens, Van Overeem, Korte (Pisas 47), Lieder (Hamdaoui 80), Ten Voorde.

SUBS NOT USED: None.

GOALS: Gosens 85.

BOOKINGS: None.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Adil Auassar (Excelsior)

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EREDIVISIE: FC Dordrecht 1-3 AZ Alkmaar

August 31, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

FC DORDRECHT 1 – 3 AZ ALKMAAR

Without head coach Marco van Basten present, AZ Alkmaar bounced back from last weekend’s horrific showing against Willem II to a 3-1 win over FC Dordrecht writes Will Burns.

With Alex Pastoor looking after the team for this game, AZ were ahead early on as Guus Hupperts got on the scoresheet after six minutes of play. The summer signing from Roda JC, saw his effort saved by Polish keeper and former Roda team-mate Filip Kurto, but unfortunately for the new Dordrecht stopper could not stop the ball rebounding off Hupperts and into his net.

AZ found another goal on 22 minutes with another new signing Muamer Tankovic, a freebie from Fulham, scoring the second. Steven Berghuis put the ball on the plate for Tankovic, and the young Swedish striker lobbed a delightful goal over Kurto to double the advantage.

The hosts got themselves back into the game after half-time with an excellent counter move. Joris van Overeem hit a defence-splitting ball through to Mart Lieder who went onto finish in style past debutant Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

However, AZ grabbed the third and final goal to slam the door shut for Dordrecht just before the hour mark with Tankovic crossing for Steven Berghuis to poke home for yards out.

AZ’s new striker Robert Mühren, this week signing from Eerste Divisie side FC Volendam, was introduced with twenty minutes to go and on his performance, he should have plenty chances created for him.

TEAMS

DORDRECHT: Kurto, Fortes, Haddad, Troost-Ekong (Ten Voorde 72), Peersman, Van Haaren (Van Deelen 46), Gosens, Van Overeem, Korte, Lieder, Pisas (Meulens 72).

SUBS NOT USED: Alisic, Te Loeke, Vet, Hamdaoui.

GOALS: Lieder 53.

BOOKINGS: Gosens 3, Haddad 68.

AZ: Rochet, Luckassen (Elm 85), Gouweleeuw, Wuytens, Poulsen, Gudelj, Haye, Ortiz, Hupperts, Berghuis (Mühren 71), Tankovic (Haps 64).

SUBS NOT USED: De Winter, Johansson, Hoedt, Rosheuvel.

GOALS: Hupperts 6, Tankovic 22, Berghuis 58.

BOOKINGS: Gudelj 53.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Steven Berghuis (AZ)

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 4: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 29, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

The Eredivisie on Saturday brings four games and Will Burns returns to provide you of his top four bets to make an profit this weekend.

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

SC CAMBUUR vs. ADO DEN HAAG (17:30 BST)

After a great win last weekend demolishing of FC Groningen, ADO Den Haag travel to Leeuwarden to face a Cambuur side that are undefeated in three games including an away win to Heracles last weekend. Will Burns thinks this game could be a low scoring stalemate.

Sixth play seventh in the Eredivisie, and I see this being a game that is tight as those positions are. ADO added Timothy Derjick to their defensive options this week from PSV to tighten up a defence that has only concede three in three games, now in the Eredivisie, that is a great ratio!

This fixture has seen some goals in that past with Cambuur have seen over 2.5 goals in their last four matches against ADO Den Haag in all competitions at Cambuur Stadion. Although, I see these two competing in a midfield battle that may end a 1-1 or even, dare I say it a 0-0.

Betfair offer the draw at 13/5 and I see this being a price too good to ignore.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

FC DORDRECHT vs. AZ ALKMAAR (18:45 BST)

AZ Alkmaar will look to bounce back from their defeat to Eredivisie newcomers Willem II (3-0) last weekend with a trip to another newly promoted side, FC Dordrecht. Will Burns thinks Marco van Basten may find it tough on Saturday.

Van Basten will be looking to change AZ’s fortunes away from home after failing to win nine of their last ten games on the road in the league. The introduction of Guus Hupperts from relegated Roda JC has not seen the success that many were predicting, however, after just three games who am I to judge?

Dordrecht have made a solid return to the Dutch top flight with a win, a defeat and a draw so far. Going one better than their opponents after AZ have been defeated by Ajax and the aforementioned Willem II, after a opening day win against the poor-looking Heracles.

Once again, Betfair value the draw at 13/5 and this is worth a decent stake to gain some profit.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (13/5 – Betfair)

EXCELSIOR vs. HERACLES (18:45 BST)

Excelsior’s first choice goalkeeper Jordy Decker is suspended for the visit of Heracles for his red card last weekend’s late defeat against Heerenveen. Debutant Alessandro Damen will replace him however, Will Burns does not think the new stopper will see much action as his side should overcome the boys from Almelo.

Heracles prop up the league with three defeats in three and are on a terrible running that continued at the end of the last campaign, totalling their seven losses in their last eight Eredivisie matches. Manager Jan de Jonge was booed off in last weekend’s home defeat to Cambuur and his job could be in jeopardy if they concede this game to newly promoted Excelsior.

The smaller of the two Eredivisie Rotterdam sides have performed above their station drawing against relegation contenders NAC Breda on the opening day and then defeating Go Ahead Eagles in a five-goal thriller the next week. Their last game was the 2-0 defeat to Heerenveen which they held strong until the 82nd minute dismissal of Deckers.

I predict Heracles’ dreary run to continue and Excelsior claim all three point which is available at 6/5 at Betfair.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Excelsior to win (6/5 – Betfair)

HEERENVEEN vs. FC UTRECHT (19:45 BST)

Dwight Lodeweges found his first win of the season in a ‘lucky win’ over Excelsior but with the talents of Daley Sinkgraven, Luciano Slagveer and Sam Larsson pulling the strings, Will Burns thinks Heerenveen could win again in Saturday’s late game.

Utrecht themselves have returned to winning ways, claiming all six points in their last two games (home to Willem II and away to Feyenoord). Last weekend in Rotterdam, could be seen as a ‘lucky win’ too with Feyenoord crumbling in the second-half to gift Utrecht the victory.

The sale of Jens Toornstra will not help matters for Rob Alflen’s side but signing Liverpool’s Kristoffer Peterson midweek may have calmed supporters nerves. Utrecht are capable of scoring goals however, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in the opening three matchdays and Heerenveen should find a way through here. Sinkgraven, Slagveer and Larsson all have sufficient talent to put Kai Heerings and Ramon Leeuwin under pressure and get past Robbin Ruiter in goal.

Betfair offer a great 2/1 for a Heerenveen win but Utrecht to score and this is my final recommended bet of Saturday’s matches.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Heerenveen to win with both teams to score – (3/1 – Betfair)

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EREDIVISIE: Go Ahead Eagles 0-0 FC Dordrecht

August 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 23RD AUGUST 2014

GO AHEAD EAGLES 0 – 0 FC DORDRECHT

After a poor goal-less draw, Go Ahead Eagles are still without a win this season after three games as Eredivisie newcomers FC Dordrecht continued their great start with a good away point in Deventer reports Will Burns.

The Eagles as always in front of their home fans started resolutely especially with Lesley de Sa bombing down the right-wing. However, the hosts failed to create any decent opportunities.

As per usual, Deniz Türüç was lively throughout and stung Dordrecht keeper Filip Kurto’s hands on 20 minutes with a long range effort and despite both sides exchanging 26 efforts towards goal, this was only one of four on targets the whole game.

In the second half, Eagles tried to breach the Dordrecht defence with striker Alex Schalk unable to break Kurto’s net.

A great point for Dordrecht who now sit on four points from three games which sits them in them mid-table. Go Ahead have a poor one point in three matches sitting them just above Heracles who are in last place.

TEAMS

GO AHEAD: Cummins, Nieuwpoort, Vriends, Van der Linden, Schenk, Van Ooijen (Reimerink 69), Overgoor, Türüc, De Sa (Lewis 80), Kolder, Schalk.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Hart, Rijsdijk, De Bondt, Van der Meer, Ten Den.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: None.

DORDRECHT: Kurto, Fortes, Haddad, Troost-Ekong, Peersman, Gosens, Van Haaren, Van Overeem, Pisas (Meulens 59), Lieder (Ten Voorde 62), Korte.

SUBS NOT USED: Te Loeke, Alisic, Vet, Van Deelen, Hamdaoui.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Fortes 83.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Marvin Peersman (FC Dordrecht)

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 3: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

With just the three games on Saturday, Will Burns and Martijn Hilhorst reveal which bets provide the greatest way to make a profit.

SATURDAY 23RD AUGUST

WILLEM II vs. AZ ALKMAAR (17:30 BST)

The champions of previous season in the Jupiler League will face AZ this Saturday with the legendary Marco van Basten as coach. Willem II is 17th with no points after two games which is not surprising as they faced PSV (H) and FC Utrecht (A). However, now they finally can show how good they are says Martijn Hilhorst.

In the previous season, Willem II showed quite often that they were way too good for the Jupiler League. Dominating competitors with ease and eventually becoming the champions. Yes, they lost some great players and especially Ruud Boymans (27 goals) and lost two matches in a row, which is great for the odds we get here from Bet Victor.

AZ have gained three points after two matches. First matchday was a fairly easy 3-0 win at Heracles Almelo and previous week they were blasted away be Ajax in a home match (3-1). Head coach Van Basten was one the best players in Dutch football history, but as a manager he is not on the level you would expect. More than once was he accused of not being a good tactician.

For a small stake a Willem II win at 7/4 is way too high for the Eredivisie new boys on their own turf.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Willem II to win (7/4 – Bet Victor)

HEERENVEEN vs. EXCELSIOR (18:45 BST)

With new signings Martin Dalgaard and Sam Larsson ready to give Heerenveen a new look after the departures of Hakim Ziyech and Alfred Finnbogason, Will Burns thinks Larsson especially could hit the ground running for Dwight Lodeweges’ side.

New Swedish winger Larsson, 21 year old that signed from IFK Goteborg, arrived in Heerenveen with rave reviews and shocked Swedish journalists and fans alike that Goteborg could see their star player for so such a little amount at €1.4m was reported. With the departure of Ziyech to FC Twente last weekend, Lodeweges will need to find goals from another source as the midfielder was the scorer of both of the goals that Heerenveen have scored this season. Larsson can help with that problem, scoring and creating for others.

Tall and experienced Danish striker Dalgaard scored in a Heerenveen reserve game midweek and could push for his first starting place ahead of the uninspiring Mark Uth. After looking for value in this game, opting for a Heerenveen win with both teams to score gives us a great price of 17/10 at Bet Victor. With Excelsior well capable of scoring goals (three against Go Ahead last weekend) especially with the great threat of young tricky winger Jordan Botaka, this is the best bet in this one.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Heerenveen to win with Both Teams To Score (17/10 – Bet Victor)

GO AHEAD EAGLES vs. FC DORDRECHT (19:45 BST)

FC Dordrecht travel to Deventer in Saturday’s final game to face Go Ahead Eagles in a match that Will Burns thinks will end as a score draw.

Go Ahead Eagles have lost their last three home matches in Eredivisie and coach Foeke Booy knows that needs to change after losing their opening two games of the season. Against the Eredivisie new boys, this gives them a great chance to make amends, however Doredrecht have showed that they are certainly no pushovers defeating Heerenveen 2-1 on matchday one.

Dordrecht were defeated by the in-form PEC Zwolle last weekend and should give the Eagles a cracking test. With the Eagles already notching four goals in the last two games (both 3-2 defeats) look for goals in this one. Looking at the value in this one, the Draw is a fantastic 3/1 and this game could see two sides battling and exchanging plenty of goals.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

EREDIVISIE: FC Dordrecht 1-2 PEC Zwolle

August 16, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST 2014

FC DORDRECHT 1 – 2 PEC ZWOLLE

A second-half stoppage time Mustafa Saymak winner gave ten-man PEC Zwolle a great 2-1 triumph away to FC Dordrecht this evening ahead of their first ever European clash against Sparta Prague this Thursday reports Will Burns.

Zwolle started the brighter of the two sides with Stef Nijland, again starting in a lone striker role going close on two occasions early on. However, it was an uneventful first half that saw few opportunities created and those that were, saw some poor finishing and neither keeper had a shot to save until five minutes from the break.

After a good interception from Ben Rienstra, the midfielder spotted young New Zealand winger Ryan Thomas breaking after on the left. Rienstra fed the 19-year-old the ball and Thomas finished by sliding the ball underneath the onrushing Filip Kurto.

The goalscorer went over on his ankle soon after the break and was subsequently subbed off for loan signing Tomas Necid from CSKA Moscow. The imposing 6ft 3 striker joined on Wednesday and looked lively with some good touches and great movement for a big guy.

The Czech forward nearly got himself a goal minutes after coming on, after the energetic Jody Lukoki crossed from the right, but Necid failed to connect with his header and the ball sprayed wide of the goal.

Zwolle’s victory looked in jeopardy with just ten minutes remaining when young referee Jochem Kamphuis produced his first ever red card for Bart van Hintum for a double booking. The second yellow was for a shirt pull on Rihairo Meulens.

Just moments later, the scores were level. Hero of last weekend’s win over Heerenveen, Joris van Overeem floated a ball into the area from the right and after some terrible defending by Zwolle the ball fell awardkly for Mart Lieder. The striker just made contact with his spot that fooled Diederik Boer in goal but his effort bounced off the foot of the far post. Giovanni Korte was on hand to punish the Zwolle defence to poke home the equaliser.

However, Ron Jans’ men would have the last laugh with the winning goal with the last kick of the game deep into stoppage time. From Boer’s goal kick, Nedic pressured the Dordrecht defence and carried the ball forward after the defender missed the headed clearance. Emerging into the area, Necid spotted Mustafa Saymak arriving on the edge of the box. The Czech laid the ball into the Saymak’s path who finished superbly for the win.

Zwolle with their third win in all three games of the season so far, their second in the league, nowprepare for Thursday’s Europa League match against Sparta Prague at the IJsseldelta Stadion.

TEAMS

DORDRECHT: Kurto, Fortes, Haddad, Troost-Ekong, Peersman, Ojo, Gosens, Lieder, Korte, Van Overeem, Pisas (Meulens 73).

SUBS NOT USED: Te Loeke, Alisic, Ten Voorde, Vet, Van Deelen, Van Haaren.

GOALS: Korte 81.

BOOKINGS: Troost-Ekong 19, Ojo 55, Meulens 90.

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Van der Werff (Lam 64), Broerse, Van Hintum, Saymak, Rienstra, Drost, Lukoki, Nijland (Pereira 81), Thomas (Necid 56).

SUBS NOT USED: De Jong, Ioannidis, Dekker, Moro.

GOALS: Thomas 40, Saymak 90+3.

BOOKINGS: Van Hintum 70.

SENT OFF: Van Hintum 80.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Mustafa Saymak (PEC Zwolle)

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EREDIVISIE WEEK 2: Saturday’s Preview & Betting Tips

August 15, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Saturday brings four more games in the Eredivisie Week 2. Will Burns provides his betting tips with Bet Victor providing the prices.

SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST

PSV vs. NAC BREDA (17:30 BST)

Karim Rekik is back in Eindhoven and although PSV have missed out on signing Belgian midfielder Stefan Defour, they have a squad packed full of talent to make a charge for the Eredivisie title. This week, relegation contenders NAC Breda arrive in Eindhoven to try and halt Philip Cocu’s men, Will Burns seems to think De Boeren will not have much trouble on Saturday night.

PSV’s are Ajax main challengers and the signing of Rekik is a welcome addition in the defence. In more good news for Cocu, morale was boosted by skipper Georginio Wijnaldum penning an extension to his contract until 2018. Club officials are hoping the most-wanted winger Memphis Depay follows suit.

Historically, the odds way in the favour of PSV against NAC at the Philips Stadion. The Eindhoven side have been winning at both half time and full time in six of their last eight home matches against Breda in all competitions. In recent times, to stack the odds against Nebojša Gudelj’s side further, NAC have failed to find all three points in their last 12 league games, and with only two wins away all last season, leaving Eindhoven with anything looks highly unlikely.

With Stijn Schaars and Jetro Willems still not fit, expect Cocu to stick with the majority of the same team that defeated ten-man Willem II 3-1 last Sunday. Rekik may replace Jorrit Hendrix in defence alongside Jeffrey Bruma. Although, the performance was the greatest in the Koning Willem II Stadion, PSV will be out to impress in front of their own fans in the first home game of the season. Expect a convincing win for De Boeren and with the returning partnership of Bruma and Rekik, a clean sheet too. PSV to win to nil is valued at 23/20 at Bet Victor and that is our recommended bet in this one.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PSV to win to nil (23/20 – Bet Victor)

FC DORDRECHT vs. PEC ZWOLLE (18:45 BST)

FC Dordrecht host PEC Zwolle and the Eredivisie newcomers will look up to Ron Jans’ side as a prime example of a promoted side who can make a success of staying up and progressing. Will Burns predicts Zwolle easily overcoming Dordrecht in an entertaining goal-fest.

With attacking midfielder Stef Nijland playing on his own upfront the last two weeks, Ron Jans added a bit of quality in attack this week with Czech international striker Tomáš Necid joining on a loan deal from CSKA Moscow. Once proclaimed a young prodigy by the experts in his homeland, Necid has struggled in Moscow and was farmed out to PAOK and Slavia Prague the past two seasons. Jans will look to last week’s star man Jody Lukoki to supply the balls for the massive 6ft 3inch hitman if he decides to play the Czech up front.

Dordrecht pulled off the shock result of last weekend, turning over Heerenveen on their own patch, so coach Ernie Brandts should employ the same eleven. Though Rick ten Voorde, Rihairo Meulens and Mohamed Hamdaoui will be itching to get on the pitch and may push for a starting place.

I cannot see anything else but a PEC Zwolle win. A team in form after defeating Ajax and FC Utrecht in recent weeks, I see a resounding triumph for Jans’ men with plenty of goals on show. Bet Victor offer 13/8 for the PEC Zwolle victory but I see PEC Zwolle -1 in the Handicap market at a massive 4/1 at our best value bet.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PEC Zwolle -1 (4/1 – Bet Victor)

FC TWENTE vs. ADO DEN HAAG (18:45 BST)

An unimpressive Twente grabbed a late point last week against Cambuur, but they will have to perform much better against Henk Fraser’s ADO who suffered a late goal themselves last weekend in the 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord.

Playing the majority of the game with ten-men, ADO were incredibly unfortunate not to salvage a point against Feyenoord on Sunday. The game was a testament of all the hard work Henk Fraser has achieved with the team and ADO will head to Enschede looking to get the season back on track.

Twente could be too strong for ADO in this one and could become a real contender this year with the signing of Kamohelo Mokotjo last Friday for a snip at €1.5m. Mokotjo will be pushing for a start in this one and the South African combining with Kasper Kusk, Kyle Ebecilio and Youness Mokhtar is a mouth-watering prospect for striker Luc Castaignos, who should be eating up the chances created.

It was a valiant performance from ADO last weekend, however I see Twente far too strong for Fraser men on Saturday night. A Twente win gives you a short 2/5 at Bet Victor, however for them to win and keep a clean sheet in the process is a healthy 6/4.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Twente to win to nil (6/4 – Bet Victor)

VITESSE vs. SC CAMBUUR (19:45 BST)

Cambuur grabbed a great point at home to Twente last weekend, however this weekend they travel to Arnhem for a tough test against Vitesse. Will Burns thinks Cambuur will be overpowered by the Vitesse attack.

Finishing must improve from the home side after missing chance after chance in the first-half away to Ajax last weekend. Anyone watching would have thought how Vitesse had not scored three or four before the half-time whistle. This weekend, that must change and if Peter Bosz’s side can create the same amount of opportunities, they should be home and dry against Cambuur in Saturday’s late game.

The home side will have to watch out for Albert Rusnak, star of the show in Cambuur’s 1-1 draw with Twente. The young Slovak on loan from Manchester City stole the headlines with a great performance last weekend, topped off with a wonderful free-kick goal. Unfortunately for Cambuur, Rusnak was the only real threat and I cannot see Vitesse conceding many in this one.

For a Vitesse victory, Bet Victor offer 4/7 although for true value for Vitesse to win by two goals (-1) is at 11/8 which gives us some decent money back.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

Vitesse -1 (11/8 – Bet Victor)

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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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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: SATURDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Week one in the Eredivisie continues with four cracking games on Saturday, Will Burns is back with some recommended bets, good luck.

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST

HEERENVEEN vs. FC DORDRECHT (17:30 BST)

FC Dordrecht return to the Eredivisie after 19 years, their last top-flight visit to Saturday’s opponents Heerenveen ended in a 1-1 draw, a result which the league newcomers would welcome in the opening week of fixtures.

Leading Dordrecht into the new campaign is Ernie Brandts, who competed in the 1978 World Cup final for Holland. The 58-year-old is a winner and likes to play attacking football, however this make work against him if he heads into the Abe Lenstra Stadion with that game plan. Heerenveen coach Dwight Lodeweges has a fast attack at his disposal, with the speed of Daley Sinkgraven, Hakim Ziyech and Luciano Slagveer sitting behind new striker Martin Dalgaard, this may be too much for Brandts’ men.

Six-foot two-inch Danish striker Dalgaard has the complicated task of filling the boots of Heerenveen’s all time top scorer Alfred Finnbogason who after two successful years left De Superfriezen to join La Liga side Real Sociedad in the summer. Dalgaard has the credentials with great scoring record of his own, notching 50 times in 75 appearances for Danish Superligaen side Viborg FF over the last two campaigns. Although, he will be tussling with Mark Uth for a starting spot on Saturday, with Uth returning from a season on-loan to Heracles.

Heerenveen are heavy favourites in this game and rightly so. I feel the hosts will be too much for the Eredivisie new boys but Bet Victor’s price of 1/2 is very short to get any value. I recommend looking at Heerenveen -1 which means the home side need to win by two clear goals to land the bet.

BEST BET: Heerenveen -1 (11/10 – Bet Victor)

NAC BREDA vs. EXCELSIOR (18:45 BST)

In a potential relegation match-up already on day one of the Eredivisie, NAC Breda play host to another newcomer Excelsior.

Breda just scraped through the relegation battle last year as Serbian coach Nebojsa Gudelj failed to find a win in NAC’s last 11 matches of the season. Excelsior finished third in Eerste Divisie last year and their squad does not look as strong as did, mainly after the loss of 30-goal striker Lars Veldwijk to Nottingham Forest.

NAC do seem to have a real talent on their hands with Kingsley Boateng. The 20-year-old Ghanaian winger is being tipped to be one of the stars of the Eredivisie this season, and we might see a glimpse of that on Saturday against one of the only underdog opponents that Breda may face this season. Signed on a free from AC Milan, Boateng has already made waves with the NAC fans scoring four goals in three pre-season outings.

I feel this will be a low scoring affair with NAC maybe coming out 1-0 winners (available at 17/2 with Bet Victor) but once again, with it being the opening day and game neither will see they can afford to lose, our best bet and safest is in the Both Teams To Score market. Selecting No gives you a decent price of 11/10 and I recommend this in case Excelsior shut out NAC.

BEST BET: Both Teams to Score – NO (11/10 – Bet Victor)

SC CAMBUUR vs. FC TWENTE (18:45 BST)

FC Twente travel to Cambuur with new signing Kamohelo Mokotjo in tow but without two stars from last year, Quincy Promes and Dušan Tadić, who were sold on in the summer. Cambuur themselves have gone under major chance over the last few months with coach Henk de Jong boasting 11 new bodies in his squad.

Losing Promes and Tadić could hit Twente hard but coach Alfred Schreuder has replaced well bringing in Mokotjo from PEC Zwolle and importing highly-rated Dane Kasper Kusk from Aalborg. Both will give attacking support to lone striker Luc Castaignos. Hopes are high this year and they will look to get off to a good start with a win away in Leeuwarden. Youness Mokhtar, former team-mate of Mokotjo at Zwolle, which also be on hand to support but Felipe Gutiérrez and Shadrach Eghan are ruled out with injuries.

Cambuur may have brought in eleven new faces however, they do not look as sturdy as last term. Defender Ramon Leeuwin left for Utrecht and impressive loanees Elvis Manu (Feyenoord), Jody Lukoki (Ajax, but now signed for Zwolle) and Marcel Ritzmaier (PSV) have not returned. Replacements include young loanees midfielder Albert Rusnak from Manchester City and Delan Meleg from Ajax.

Twente should blow Cambuur away but the Cambuurstadion is a raucous arena that can get to the opposition. I see a narrow win for Twente but not without some scares. Twente to win with Both Teams To Score is a massive 12/5 at Bet Victor.

BEST BET: Twente to win with Both Teams To Score (12/5 – Bet Victor)

HERACLES vs. AZ ALKMAAR (19:45 BST)

Marco van Basten has returned to Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar after leaving Heerenveen at the end of the season as he takes the Cheese Farmers to Almelo to face Heracles.

AZ have slight changes from last season’s team that finished 8th last year in the league. They will miss striker Roy Beerens after he moved to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, as well as scoring five times last year he also managed five assists. The club are hoping that his loss will be covered by the arrival of the dynamic Guus Hupperts from relegated Roda JC. The golden-haired youngster scored nine goals from right-wing and if he can replicate that form at AZ then he should help propel them higher this season.

Heracles’ success will feature heavily with the performances of Bryan Linssen. A very direct, pacy and technically gifted wide midfielder, Linssen was the Almelo side’s top scorer last season with 11 goals. Now that Mark Uth has returned to parent club Heerenveen, Linssen will have to develop a quick understanding with the likes of new signing Mark-Jan Fledderus from Roda for Heracles to get off to a good start.

Unfortunately for Henk de Jong’s men I see AZ being too strong as they always seem to Heracles’ number. AZ are undefeated in nine of their last ten matches against Heracles in all competitions and I see that run continuing in Saturday’s late game. AZ to win is 17/10 at Bet Victor and the price is very tempting to have a punt on it.

BEST BET: AZ to win (17/10 – Bet Victor)

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1: FRIDAY PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

The waiting is over and the Eredivisie returns tonight as Ron Jans’ PEC Zwolle host FC Utrecht, hot off the heels of their Johan Cruijff Schaal win over Ajax on Sunday. Will Burns says backing Zwolle to claim victory is how to get the new season underway with a winner.

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST

PEC ZWOLLE vs. FC UTRECHT (19:00 BST)

The Eredivisie returns tonight as Ron Jans’ PEC Zwolle host FC Utrecht, hot off the heels of their Johan Cruijff Schaal win over Ajax on Sunday and Will Burns says that backing Zwolle to claim victory is the way to start the new season with a winner.

PEC ZWOLLE

PEC Zwolle head into this opening day full of confidence after claiming their second trophy in 105 days. The Blauwvingers defeated Ajax by the solitary Stef Nijland goal last Sunday at the Amsterdam ArenA. Head coach Ron Jans suffered a blow to his season preparations earlier this morning losing arguably his best player last term, Kamohelo Mokotjo to FC Twente for a meagre €1.5m fee. However, it’s not all doom and gloom as earlier in the week, speedy winger Jody Lukoki arrived on a three-year deal from Amsterdam, the 21-year-old spent last season at Cambuur and should be a great addition to Jans’ selection. The winger should get a start on the right this evening with 19-year-old New Zealander Ryan Thomas on the left. On Sunday, Zwolle lined up with Nijland alone up front, however, Jans has added two Greek strikers to his ranks, Dimitrios Ferfelis (TuS Koblenz) and Nikos Ioannidis (Olympiakos) to help in front of goal, but may start on the bench this evening. Losing defensive rock Darryl Lachman to Twente earlier in the summer was disappointing, although the central defensive pairing Trent Sainsbury and Joost Broerse held well against Ajax on Sunday and should retain their place. In midfield, the defensive Ben Rienstra has arrived from Heracles this window and should protect the back four.

FC UTRECHT

It is a new season and a new manager for Utrecht after a disappointing campaign last year. After working his way up the ranks at the club, Rob Alflen replaced Jan Wouters in May following Utrecht’s horrific campaign which almost saw them involved in the relegation battle towards the end of the season. Looking to rebuild the team, Alflen brings a fresh approach and could hand lots of debuts to new signings tonight. A striker well known to watchers of the Eredivisie, Danny Verbeek arrived on loan from Belgian Pro League side Standard Liège after spending the last two years loaned out to NAC Breda. 24-year-old Dutchman and former Arsenal youth Nacer Barazite joined from Monaco and could line up in midfield. New defensive duo could start Christian Kum (Heerenveen) and Ramon Leeuwin (Cambuur) and Anouar Kali could make a return in the red shirt after a year at Roda. Alflen however, will be missing up to five first-teamers as midfielders Édouard Duplan and Willem Jansen, goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter, centre-forward Ruud Boymans and left-back Michael Zullo all miss out with injuries.

MATCH ODDS

After last weekend’s exploits, PEC Zwolle head into the game as favourites with evens being offered at Bet Victor and due to amount of talent that Utrecht is missing, I recommend this to be a great bet. With it being the opening game, it could be a cautious affair and a narrow Zwolle win could be the outcome, the scoreline of 2-1 to Zwolle at 8/1 looks very tempting. Ron Jans’ tactics may be more productive going forward than defensively this season and his side, as always will be an entertaining one to watch. If Zwolle do attack then Utrecht could do some damage on the counter with Jens Toornstra being the main threat scoring 19 goals in his total 48 appearances for the club from midfield. Toornstra is a menace from set-pieces also and is valued at 23/10 for anytime goalscorer. We all know how the goals can flow in the Eredivisie and both teams to score is an interesting but short price of 8/13, nevertheless, if combine that with a PEC Zwolle win and you can nail a great price of 5/2.

RECCOMMENDED BETS

PEC Zwolle to win with Both Teams to Score – 5/2

Jens Toornstra to score anytime – 23/10

SAFE BET

PEC Zwolle to win – Evens

All odds are with Bet Victor, click here to join and claim up to £25 in free bets for all new customers.

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

EREDIVISIE 2014/15 SEASON GUIDE

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Total Dutch Football previews all 18 teams ahead of the new Eredivisie season beginning this Friday night. Click on a club’s badge below to view their extensive preview and how our team think they will fare in the upcoming 2014/15 season.

The Eredivisie is back and for viewers based in the United Kingdom, it is an exciting time. As of this season, Sky Sports have signed a four-year deal to show the Dutch top flight, so we will the breeding ground for some many playing and coaching talent right in front of our eyes. Lots of changes as per usual in the Eredivisie, as is every year when the vast amount of talent the season before, have moved onto bigger clubs across Europe. It is very apt that the league does get named ‘The Stepping Stone’ division as many stars like Luis Suarez, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robin van Persie honed their skills in Holland before moving on to the big time. In recent times, we have saw Jan Vertonghen, Christian Eriksen and Siem de Jong all leave the Amsterdam Arena for the dizzy heights of the Premier League.

Could Ajax win an unprecedented fifth title in a row or could we see a new winner of the Eredivisie?

Well what are you watching for?

Click on a club badge below and find out who we think will be holding aloft the Eredivisie shield in May.

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FEATURE, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

A long season awaits for these five Eredivisie goalkeepers

August 2, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

I expect it to be a busy season for many goalkeepers in the Eredivisie, but no other number ones will feel the pressure quite like the following keepers mentioned in this piece. I can only imagine that the 2014/15 campaign will be remembered for either all the right or wrong reasons for these five men writes Kalkeren Kieran.

JELLE TEN ROUWELAAR (NAC Breda)

It is never easy being a keeper in these times but being captain of the club along with the responsibility of holding the goal really brings it into a different level of pressure. In which NAC Breda’s first choice stopper this season will be once again the 33 year-old Jelle ten Rouwelaar.

Already appearing a remarkable 236 times for the club, Ten Rouwelaar has spent virtually all of his livelihood in the Netherlands, appearing for Austria Wien for one year out of his fifteen-year long career.

At the age of 33, there is no doubt that he will be depending on all of his experience this season to lead the side. His main objective will be to keep them out of any trouble and another season to look forward to in the top flight, however it will not be easy for this Dutch-born star, as the side conceded 54 goals last season finishing with a -11 goal difference. Considering 11 of the 54 were scored in the last ten minutes of the game, means that concentration will be key for the side staying out of trouble during the 2014/15 campaign.

LEONARD NIENHUIS (SC Cambuur)

SC Cambuur will be relying on 24-year-old Nienhuis to keep the goals out this season. Although he is currently recovering from a serious injury sustained from late last season, his return is unknown. I am sure all the supporters of Cambuur will be hoping that he recovers in time for the first week of the season, as the team face an impressive FC Twente side at home in Leeuwarden.

I am sure if the Cambuur stand any chance of taking something out of the opening weekend they will need Nienhuis to be in tip-top shape. Mainly due to the fact, that the first choice stopper is recovering from injury, Cambuur have three keepers in their squad for this coming season, including Harm Zeinstra and Jurjan Wouda.

After winning the Eerste Divisie with the club in the 2011/12 season, Nienhuis knows what it is like to taste success. However, as everyone knows not all clubs are capable of continued success, and this upcoming campaign. I cannot imagine Cambuur’s expectations are higher than a play-off place into the Europa league qualifying round and this season could be a real battle for the club, to prove that they are worthy of a spot in the Eredivisie for the 2015/16 season.

Last season Cambuur’s opponents scored first 17 times out of a possible 34 matches, although the team only conceded a -10 goal difference, unlike other teams such as FC Utrecht or Go Ahead Eagles.

FILIP KURTO (FC Dordrecht)

Born on Olsztyn, Poland, Kurto could be the first name on the FC Dordrecht team sheet, as the side attempt to avoid the drop zone this season and resist exiting the Eredivisie in their first year back.

The 23-year-old may be remembered for his embarrassing own-goal last year during the 3-3 draw against FC Utrecht while keeping goal for Roda JC. He was released by the club and in July 2014, he signed a contract for the newly promoted FC Dordrecht.

I believe this will be a massive chance for the Pole to prove himself in the Dutch top flight and also to demonstrate to his old side that he should not have been let go so easily. Kurto is no stranger to Eredivisie football after appearing 65 times for Roda JC in the last two campaigns. As a relatively young keeper, I would love to see this number one at Dordrecht having the season of his life. I have high hopes for this club in general this coming season, however they will have to build from the back and no better way to do it than to start off with a keeper that has a safe pair of hands.

JORDY DECKERS (Excelsior)

Deckers will be preparing for a busy season ahead as his club Excelsior Rotterdam in their fight to try to avoid the drop zone like so many other clubs this season.

The 6ft 3 inches goalkeeper has appeared 54 times prior for Excelsior. He was a large part of the Rotterdam side’s promotion success last year as Deckers went on to play 38 Eerste Divisie matches and appeared in the four play-off matches.

The Dutchman will be out to do his best this upcoming season and there is no doubt, that the pressure will be on. Hopefully he can return from his summer break with a smoking hot pair of gloves to keep this club in the league. Success could be discovered by the club by competing in the KNVB Beker and doing respectablely well. This would be a great positive for the club, which I believe can only go into this season with realistic views and not get too eager.

All eyes in the Woudestein will be on Deckers this coming season, as his inexperienced defence will come under immense strain from the attacking forces of several of the top sides.

KOSTAS LAMPROU (Willem II)

Beginning his loan spell at Willem II for this campaign, Lamprou will be hoping he can show his parent club Feyenoord that he is worthy of a place in their starting eleven.

Born in Athens, Lamprou could be in the spotlight every weekend as his side attempt to fight for their lives in the Eredivisie. In 2012, he received the call from Greece national side, due to his consistency. However, his lack of height has continued to hinder his goalkeeping career, as he has received criticism from past stars of the game for only being 5ft 10. Which is a tad small for a regular keeper of this day and age, but this should not be too much of a factor for Lamprou this season.

Either way, the Greek keeper will have his work cut out for him this season and keeping a well mannered defence will be his main priority.

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EREDIVISIE, FEATURE

Who are the Eredivisie new boys?

July 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

WILLEM II

The North Brabant side of Willem II Tilburg, are a well known team in the Netherlands mainly for their appearances in the promotion/relegation play-offs as they to and fro from the Eredivisie to the Eerste Divisie each year.

Despite never winning the Eredivisie, Willem II have had the guilty pleasure of having Jaap Stam, Marc Overmars and Sami Hyypia star for their side, with the latter making 100 appearances for the club.

Willem II were automatically promoted with 79 points last term finishing ahead of FC Dordrecht. They will be relying on their defensive captain Jordens Peters to keep them out of the relegation spot this season. The club will be managed by Jurgen Streppel, who has managed the club since 2011 and the boss is well known for his antics on the side line as he asks his players for nothing less than 101% on the pitch. The clubs colours have been adapted from the national flag, red, white and blue. The stadium, Koning Willem II holds over 14,000 people and getting bums on seats should not be a problem for the club this season.

The club has decided to loan in many players such as Goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou from Feyenoord, Thomas van Milert (NAC Breda) and brought in former Chelsea striker Ben Sahar from Hertha Berlin on a two year deal. That is just to name a few, as the club are preparing to increase the squad size considering it could be a long season ahead for the newly promoted side attempting to resist the drop zone.

There is no doubt in my mind that this group of players will fight until the very end to stay up and with the type of coach like Streppel he will expect the very best from his players on and off the pitch. I am sure that Streppel will try to build a fortress at home and with such a strongly supported team the opposition will not enjoy coming to Tilburg. Although, I believe picking up points on the road will be a challenge for this side and collecting points against mid-table sides will decide whether they will stay up or not. Many Dutch fans will agree, it is too hard to call this one.

FC DORDRECHT

The side from Dordrecht were founded 130 years ago and they play their matches in the GN Bouw Stadium. The club is known as the ‘Sheep Heads’ or in Dutch ‘SchapenKoppen’.

The team will be managed by the former Dutch international Ernie Brandts who earned 28 caps for the national team and scored five times, also played in the great 1978 World Cup team. The last time he managed in the Dutch top flight was with NAC Breda from 2006-2008.

Brandts brought great success to the side finishing third in the Eredivisie and making it to the semi-finals of the KNVB Beker. That season was NAC’s greatest season in the clubs history. His skills and well mannered defence should be enough to keep Dordrecht up this season.

Finishing second, Dordrecht ended the season six points behind the Tilburg side after earning 73 points over the season including 21 wins out of a possible 38. The team scored 83 times (the most goals scored by a team that season in the Eerste Divisie.) The team qualified through the Eredivisie play-offs, beating VVV-Venlo 5-2 on aggregate, Dordrecht then went on to beat Sparta Rotterdam on aggregate 5-3 in the third round and secured promotion to the Eredivisie. The last time the club has been in the top flight was in 1994, when they finished bottom of the league with only 20 points. That season was one to forget after finishing with a minus 27 goal difference, although that year, they were called ‘Dordrecht ’90’.

I boldly believe that Dordrecht will be able to avoid relegation this season and for several reasons. The team have proven that they can score goals and having such an experienced manager will also be a big advantage to younger players. Although the gap between both divisions is rather immense, I still think that Dordrecht will be able to hold their nerve and survive the season.

EXCELSIOR ROTTERDAM

The smaller team of the two Eredivisie sides from Rotterdam, Excelsior also reached the top flight through the promotion/relegation play-offs. Excelsior have returned after two seasons in the Eerste Divisie by overcoming FC Den Bosch 5-2 on aggregate they then went on to win a 4-2 battle over Erwin Koeman’s RKC Waalwijk.

Excelsior play their matches in the Woudestein stadium, which will be the smallest stadium in the league, only being able to hold a little over 3,500 fans. Their matches will also be played on an artificial turf which should give them an advantage over their opposition when they play their home matches.

The side will be managed by Marinus Dijkhuizen and it is his first professional managerial job and with little experience I cannot see the club staying up this season. The club acts as a satellite club of Feyenoord, and the Eredivisie giants give Excelsior a payment and loan youth players. So far this transfer window, there has been little or no movement at the club.

I believe that the club will need to bring new players into the squad including a forward that will be a treat to the top defences in the league. If not I think they will struggle to stay in the top flight, unless they take their few chances on goal and defend bravely. If not then sadly I cannot see the side remaining in the Eredivisie.

A lack of experience in the side will also be a factor while they battle relegation but hopefully this team will be able to prove all the experts wrong and survive the season.

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