Tag Archives: Willem II

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 PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 1 – MARTIJN’S BETTING TIPS

August 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 2014

PEC ZWOLLE – FC UTRECHT (19:00 BST)

The Eredivisie will start this Friday with current cup winner PEC Zwolle versus FC Utrecht. Both teams are known for spectacular matches. And so our betting tip for this match includes a ‘over’ bet.

PEC Zwolle played this Sunday versus Ajax for the Johan Cruijff Schaal and they deservedly won this match. They will most likely play with the same 11 players as latter match. ‘De Blauwvingers’ are known for playing with style and grace which led them to many victories such as the brilliant cup final versus Ajax in the previous season (5-1).

It is hard to predict which team will win Friday night, but FC Utrecht will not play hide and seek. They will attack heavily if you believe them: ‘We rather win with 4-3 then with 1-0’, said technical director Co Adriaanse. And the manager himself Alflen said this: ‘My philosophy is to gain the ball quickly as possible so the opponent will not stand a chance to build their attack’. They have strengthened their squad with pure quality in the name of Barazite, Kali and Boymans (27 goals in the Jupiler League previous season) and so on.

Both coaches have an offensive mind-set while their defence is not the best. I expect a game with at least three goals.

BEST BET: Over 2.5 Goals (7/10 – BetVictor)

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2014

NAC BREDA – EXCELSIOR (18:45 BST)

NAC Breda is a team which have had trouble to avoid relegation is the last couple of seasons, but if analyze their qualities with other teams this season there is a big difference with clubs such as Willem II, FC Dordrecht and Excelsior.

Latter had the topscorer of the second division in their squad previous season (Veldwijk). They have lost him to English Championship team Nottingham Forrest. And with this transfer they lost 30 (!) goals. It is fair to say that they earned promotion because of him. In this pre-season they faced Roda JC (which relegated in 2013-14) and Excelsior where absolutely blasted away with a 4-1 defeat.

If you compare this squad with the other 17 teams in the Eredivisie doubtless they have by far the worst squad quality-wise. I expect that they will relegate with a ridiculous number of goals conceded.

You could talk ages about this game, but my expectation is fairly easy. Excelsior is not on the level required for the Eredivisie.

BEST BET: Both teams to score: NO (13/10 – BetVictor)

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2014

WILLEM II – PSV (15:45 BST)

Matchday one will finish with this game which has two teams originated in Brabant. Because of the poor performance versus St. Pölten the odds has risen for PSV which is a good thing. The difference quality-wise among Willem II and PSV is enormous. So -1 PSV is a brilliant bet to place.

Willem II only has five defenders in their squad. With the possibility of a sixth in the name of Frank van der Struijk. To sketch the situation in Tilburg, they are the one and only club in the Eredivisie who still have no sponsor for their shirt. The financial situation is dramatic and their squad is far from complete which Jurgen Streppel admitted: ‘People expect us to finish above Excelsior and FC Dordrecht, based on what? We still do not have a central striker and only five defenders. It will be a matter of surviving because we lack quality and quantity’.

PSV have had a terrible match versus St. Pölten, but with the note that the Austrian second division team played in a defensive 5-3-2 formation and had no intention to leave their penalty box. They missed Wijnaldum, Depay and Arias and they most likely will not be playing versus Willem II, but PSV has many players with the ability to score and them will prove this versus promoted side Willem II.

Because of the match versus St. Pölten you could see the odd grow for PSV, but such a poor match will not happen to Eindhoven twice in a row. I expect an easy win for Cocu and his players.

BEST BET: -1 PSV (103/100 – BetVictor)

A £10 TREBLE PAYS £79.37 AT BETVICTOR

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EREDIVISIE PREVIEW, FEATURE

WILLEM II SEASON PREVIEW

August 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

WillemII

Eerste Divisie champions last season, Willem II return to the top flight but Will Burns thinks the Tilburg side face an uphill battle to retrieve their Eredivisie status.

The prime example of a ‘Yo-Yo club’, the boys from Tilburg broke a 24-year long Eredivisie stay in 2010/11 when they finished 18th to be sent down to Eerste Divisie. However, the bounced right back up the next season, only to be relegated again in 2012/13. Under Jurgen Streppel, they have regained their top flight status, however, I feel with his lack of familiarity at the top level and the failure to bring any experienced Eredivisie players they could be down again this campaign.

Unable to secure a permanent deal for last year’s 26-goal striker Ruud Boymans was a major disappointment. Although, Israeli international striker Ben Sahar, a former Chelsea youth arrives on a free from Hertha Berlin to fill the void. Talented Greek goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou has grew tired warming the bench at Feyenoord and joins a season-long loan as does AZ defender Jonas Heymans. Ajax loanee Fabian Sporkslede wraps up the new arrivals from Streppel without any great old heads to lead the team.

One thing Willem II will use to their advantage will be the counter attack. The speed of Moroccan playmaker Ali Messaouad and 20-year-old lightning quick winger Terrell Ondaan will terrify defences. Unfortunately, without any great shakes in defence and not enough talent throughout the squad, I fear for Willem II and a return to lower division awaits.

TRANSFERS INS AND OUTS

IN: Ben Sahar (Hertha Berlin), Fabian Sporkslede (Ajax), Jonas Heymans (AZ Alkmaar), Kostas Lamprou (Willem II).

OUT: Kees van Buuren (Sparta Rotterdam), Mats van Huijgevoort (FC Den Bosch), Mitch van der Ven (FC Eindhoven), Norair Mamedov (Almere City), Ruud Boymans (FC Utrecht).

MANAGER – JURGEN STREPPEL

Leading Willem II to the Eerste Divisie title in only his second job was a great feat by Streppel. A former manager and player at Helmond Sport, at only 45, his inexperience may cost him this job by May.

KEY PLAYER – TERELL ONDAAN

Formerly on the books at Ajax, Ondaan electricified the Eerste Divisie last season which caught the attention of Adrie Koster, the coach of Jong Oranje, who called up the 20-year-old winger for his international debut. Ondaan has great pace and is technically gifted which could work his way into the thoughts of one of the big boys of the Eredivisie by the season’s end.

PREDICTION – 18TH

BET VICTOR EREDIVISIE TITLE ODDS: 500/1

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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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EERSTE DIVISIE, EERSTE DIVISIE REPORT

Midweek Eerste Divisie: Willem II steal victory to top league

April 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

DE GRAAFSCHAP 1 – 2 WILLEM II

A Jorge Andrade penalty in the last kick of the game gave Willem II the 2-1 win over De Graafschap to take the Tilburg side top of the Eerste Divisie. Jurgen Streppel’s side now hold pole position for promotion to the Eredivisie, two points clear of second-placed FC Dordrecht with four games to go.

The visitors got off to the perfect start when top scorer Ruud Boymans fired the ball underneath the crossbar from a great Terell Ondaan move from the right wing to put Willem II in front after just four minutes played.

The league leaders held the game into hostage and deterred any De Graafschap attack until twenty minutes of time remaining. The Super Farmers equalised through midfielder Robin Pröpper and when the hosts looked to have stopped Willem II’s title charge, the visitors were awarded a penalty in injury time.

Boymans got bundled over in the area and referee Pol van Boekel pointed to the spot, three minutes into stoppage time. After Jorge Andrade sent Theo Zwarthoed the wrong way, Van Boekel blew for full-time and Willem II had stole all three points to head top of the pile.

TEAMS

DE GRAAFSCHAP: Zwarthoed, Van de Pavert, Lazic (Cavlan 82), Massop, Will, Pröpper, Breinburg, Vermijl, Linssen, Echcharaf (Darri 70), Kabasele.

SUBS NOT USED: Evers, Eltink, Menting, Heusinkveld, Maertzdorf.

GOALS: Pröpper 72.

BOOKINGS: Lazic 36.

WILLEM II: Swinkels, Peters, D. Wuytens, Heymans, Cornelisse, Haemhouts (Ippel 88), Messaoud, S. Wuytens (Heerkens 83), Ondaan (Vicento 28), Boymans, Andrade.

SUBS NOT USED: Meul, Jallo, Vossebelt, Matheiu.

GOALS: Boymans 5, Andrade 90+3P.

BOOKINGS: Heymans 62.

STANDINGS

League table courtesy of WhoScored.com

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EERSTE DIVISIE, EERSTE DIVISIE REPORT

Week 34 Eerste Divisie Report: Willem II in pole position

April 7, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Willem II are now the favourites to earn the automatic promotion spot to the Eredivisie after overcoming league leaders FC Dordrecht 3-1 on Friday night. The Tilburg side stay in second but are now just one point adrift from the top spot with a game in hand over their rivals.

Willem’s top scorer Ruud Boymans, on loan from AZ Alkmaar, lead his side to the all-important victory scoring a double including the opener after just three minutes. Brazilian forward Bruno Andrade got the second just after the half-hour mark to send the hosts in two goals to the good. As Dordrecht pressed for goals to try and get back into the game, Boymans hit his second on 68 minutes to cement all three points. The visitors got a last minute consolation goal through Paul Gladon but Dordrecht will be hoping that De Graafschap can do them a favour on Wednesday, when Willem II travel to Doetinchem in their game in hand.

The biggest win of the weekend was Excelsior 8-0 drubbing of Telstar in game which saw the Rotterdam side five goals up at half-time. Eerste Divisie top scorer Lars Veldwijk took his tally to 25 goals in 33 games with a hat-trick as fellow striker Kevin Vermeulen notched a brace. Scoring was complete by Moroccan midfielder Adil Auassar, Ricky Kruys and Lars Hutten netting the other three goals.

Third-placed VVV Venlo maintain their playoff position with a 2-1 home victory over FC Emmen, thanks to goals from Oguzhan Tuerk and Prince Rajcomar after Ronald Bergkamp had grabbed a equaliser for the away side.

RESULTS

Friday 4th April

WILLEM II 3 – 1 FC DORDRECHT

VVV VENLO 2 – 1 FC EMMEN

FC OSS 0 – 3 ALMERE CITY

TELSTAR 0 – 8 EXCELSIOR

HELMOND SPORT 0 – 1 FC VOLENDAM

Saturday 5th April

MVV 3 – 0 ACHILLES ‘29

SPARTA ROTTERDAM 2 – 3 FORTUNA SITTARD

Sunday 6th April

JONG TWENTE 2 – 1 DE GRAAFSCHAP

Monday 7th April

JONG PSV 1 – 2 DEN BOSCH

JONG AJAX 1 – 4 FC EINDHOVEN

STANDINGS

League table courtesy of WhoScored.com

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EERSTE DIVISIE, EERSTE DIVISIE REPORT

Week 32 Eerste Divisie Report: Four-point lead for Dordrecht

March 23, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

With only seven games taking place due to a large amount of police presence issued to work this week’s Nuclear Security Summit 2014 in Den Haag, only two of the top five played with both coming out on top.

Second-placed Willem II were not in action this past Friday evening which allowed FC Dordrecht to stretch their lead to four points on Friday night with a 3-1 victory over Jong Twente. Youri Leon put the league leaders ahead after 20 minutes but soon after the half-time break, Kristopher Vida equalised for the Twente reserve side. Two goals in the last six minutes courtesy of Paul Gladon and Genaro Snijders clinched the victory.

VVV-Venlo comfortably sit in third four points ahead of Excelsior in fourth with a hard-fought 3-2 win over FC Oss. Venlo took a first-half lead through a Leon de Kogel penalty, which was the strikers 11th goal of the campaign. After Jorzolino Falkenstein equalised just before the hour mark, VVV stepped it up a gear and regained the lead nine minutes later with Oguzhan Turk grabbing the goal. Dyon Gijzen looked to cement the points six minutes before time, but Johnatan Opuku Agyemang notched in the 90th minute to give Venlo an unnerved few minutes before the full-time whistle.

Jong PSV missed the opportunity to leapfrog into fifth when they fell 3-1 away to Volendam. The division’s top scorer Robert Mühren notched twice to take his tally to 23 in 27 games with a Ludcinio Marengo goal in injury time to seal the win. PSV’s young central defender Menno Koch scored a second-half penalty which proved to be nothing but a consolation.

Ronald Bergkamp scored the only goal of the game in FC Emmen’s win over FC Eindhoven as the highly-rated Abdelmalek El Hasnaout notched Jong Ajax’s only goal in their 1-0 away win to Fortuna Sittard.

Helmond Sport and Telstar cancelled each other in a 1-1 draw with an early Serhat Koç goal giving the hosts the leas but a late Toine van Huizen leveller meant the points were shared.

Down at the bottom, Achilles ’29 gained a point at home to Sparta Rotterdam but they still sit rock bottom on just 22 points.

RESULTS

Friday 21st March

FC EMMEN 1 – 0 FC EINDHOVEN

FC VOLENDAM 3 – 1 JONG PSV

FC DORDRECHT 3 – 1 JONG TWENTE

ACHILLES ’29 1 -1 SPARTA ROTTERDAM

VVV VENLO 3 – 2 FC OSS

FORTUNA SITTARD 0 – 1 JONG AJAX

HELMOND SPORT 1 – 1 TELSTAR

STANDINGS

League table courtesy of WhoScored.com

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EERSTE DIVISIE, EERSTE DIVISIE REPORT

Week 31 Eerste Divisie Report: Dordrecht return top as Oss win 8-0

March 17, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

On Friday evening the most unlikely result of the Eerste Divisie season so far was witnessed as 19th place FC Oss handed 15th place FC Emmen an unbelievable EIGHT-nil pasting writes Will Burns.

The relegation threatened FC Oss have been improving in recent weeks but no-one expected a score like the one we saw on Friday evening. Dennis Janssen opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour before Jonathan Opuku and Lorenzo Pique added to the tally before half-time. Janssen added his second, while Marko Maletic netted early in the second half. Ryan Sansai and Guyon Phillips added to the rout before Maletic grabbed his brace to send Emmen home with their tails between their legs.

FC Dordrecht grabbed top spot after a great 2-0 away win against title rivals VVV Venlo on Friday night. Paul Gladon gave the visitors the lead in the first half before Giovanni Korte added a second in second half stoppage time. VVV’s chances of getting back in the game were hampered by defender Jeffrey Altheer receiving a red card midway through the second half. Venlo are now third, seven points away from Willem II in second.

Promotion hopefuls Willem II sit in second after Jong PSV hit two late goals to pinch a 2-2 draw on Monday night. Ruud Boymans scored his 20th of the season and Terell Ondaan add a second to fire the Tilburg side ahead but PSV full-back Joshua Brenet grabbed on what was thought to be an 85th minute consolation for the home side. The PSV reserve side did not give up and in the final kick of the game Alex Schalk scored the equaliser to send Willem II back to Tilburg with just the point.

Excelsior missed the chance to go in third falling at home by the single goal to MVV Maastricht. Twenty-one-year-old Belgian midfielder Marco Ospitalieri notched the only goal of the game.

De Graafschap moved up to fifth with a 2-0 win away to Telstar thanks to the young strikeforce of Nathan Kabasele and Vincent Vermeij notching the all important goals.

Jong Ajax came from behind to defeat Achilles ’29 in a great 2-1 win on Saturday. The part-timers went ahead through Thijs Hendriks on 54 minutes before Serbian winger Dejan Meleg equalised just after the hour mark. Highly-rated Danish playmaker Lucas Andersen got the winner with twenty minutes of time remaining.

In other games, Helmond Sport were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Fortuna Sittard as Sparta Rotterdam fell to a 1-0 defeat while entertaining Almere City a day later. On Sunday, FC Volendam lost 2-0 to Den Bosch while Jong Twente defeated FC Eindhoven 1-0 on Monday evening.

RESULTS

Friday 14th March

EXCELSIOR 0 – 1 MVV MAASTRICHT

VVV VENLO 0 – 2 FC DORDRECHT

FC OSS 8 – 0 FC EMMEN

TELSTAR 0 – 2 DE GRAAFSCHAP

HELMOND SPORT 1 – 1 FORTUNA SITTARD

Saturday 15th March

SPARTA ROTTERDAM 0 – 1 ALMERE CITY

JONG AJAX 2 – 1 ACHILLES ’29

Sunday 16th March

FC VOLENDAM 0 – 2 FC DEN BOSCH

Monday 17th March

JONG PSV 2 – 2 WILLEM II

JONG TWENTE 1 – 0 FC EINDHOVEN

STANDINGS

League table courtesy of WhoScored.com

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EERSTE DIVISIE

EERSTE DIVISIE REPORT: Week 16

November 13, 2013 Will Burns Leave a comment

Week 16 – 8th-11th November 2013

Dordrecht take three points again, FC Oss closing in on Achilles

Another round played in the Dutch Jupiler League and it was a round in which Sparta hoped to go past Dordrecht in the table. Sparta hosted the league leaders on Saturday knowing that they were yet to be beaten at home, but it all went wrong for Sparta in the first half as Dordrecht managed to lead 0-3 at the break thanks to goals by Gladon, Meulens and Danso. Sparta did pull back to 2-3 in the second half and even got the opportunity to level the game, but Bilate failed from short distance.

FC Eindhoven benefited from Sparta’s loss by easily beating Achilles ’29 at the Jan Louwers Stadion. Three Eindhoven goals before half time meant they could sit back and relax after the break, in which Achilles scored a consolation goal to make it 3-1.

The day before these two matches, FC Den Bosch went back to winning ways. After two trashings against Dordrecht and Sparta, they beat Helmond Sport 3-1 at home with goals from Van Den Broek and Quekel in the last twenty minutes. Willem II humiliated Almere City by putting five behind Van Duin. The win keeps them in fourth place, seven points behind Dordrecht. Meanwhile, bottom of the table side Oss got a draw against in-form Excelsior to keep the pressure on Achilles and Almere City. The first half was most exciting as all four goals were scored before the break.

Jong Twente and Jong PSV both grabbed wins in their fixtures. Twente had an easy game against Telstar (3-0), while Jong PSV continued their run by beating mid-table rivals MVV Maastricht 3-2 in an interesting match. Jong PSV now find themselves fiercely involved in the period title battle with 16 points from the last 7 games.

Their run contrasts sharply with that of rivals Jong Ajax, who lost their seventh game in a row, this time in a 1-2 defeat at home to De Graafschap. Although the Ajax reserves did grab a lead through former De Graafschap man Sam Hendriks, De Graafschap eventually got the win. First, De Graafschap were lucky as Ajax were denied a free kick, followed up by a quick counter attack that Anco Jansen finished off. Then, in the second half, Martina got sent off for allegedly bringing down Vincken in the box, although Vincken himself indicated he was not sure if it was a foul. Parzyszek scored the following penalty kick to score the final goal of the game, 1-2.

FULL RESULTS

Friday 8th November 2013

FC Den Bosch 3-1 Helmond Sport

FC Oss 2-2 Excelsior Rotterdam

Fortuna Sittard 2-0 FC Emmen

Jong FC Twente 3-0 Telstar

Willem II 5-0 Almere City

Saturday 9th November

Sparta Rotterdam 2-3 FC Dordrecht

FC Eindhoven 3-1 Achilles ‘29

Sunday 10th November

FC Volendam 1-1 VVV Venlo

Monday 11th November

Jong Ajax 1-2 De Graafschap

Jong PSV 3-2 MVV Maastricht

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EERSTE DIVISIE

EERSTE DIVISIE REPORT: Week 15

November 8, 2013 Will Burns Leave a comment

WEEK 15

FC Oss take three points, Eindhoven win key match

FC Oss will no doubt be delighted with this weekend as they finally managed to get their third win of the season by winning 1-2 De Geusselt in Maastricht. FC Den Bosch had another match to forget as the league leaders FC Dordrecht beat them 5-0. After the 7-1 loss last weekend, Den Bosch now find themselves in 17th place with just three points from their last six games.

Almere City managed to grab a point against Fortuna Sittard, moving past Achilles ’29, who lost against Volendam on Saturday, and again on Tuesday against Sparta Rotterdam. Sparta had also won their match on Saturday (away to Emmen), which means Sparta are now only 1 point away from first place and firmly on top in the second period table.

FC Eindhoven had an amazing match as they visited De Graafschap. With Willem II surprisingly losing 3-1 to Telstar on Friday, the game at De Vijverberg in Doetinchem meant a battle for third place. An excellent performance by the boys from Eindhoven meant they took the three points back home.

Helmond Sport once again proved they don’t give up easily as they beat Jong Ajax 3-2 after going 0-2 down. Hoesen scored an amazing lob ball for Jong Ajax but it turned out to be not enough for the Amsterdammers. Rivals Jong PSV extended their great run of form with a surprising 0-2 win over recently relegated VVV Venlo, while Excelsior managed to grab all points against Jong FC Twente. Talented FC Twente attacker Youness Mokhtar overslept and missed the match, which ended 3-0.

Friday 1st November 2013

FC Dordrecht 5-0 FC Den Bosch

MVV Maastricht 1-2 FC Oss

Almere City 1-1 Fortuna Sittard

Telstar 3-1 Willem II

Saturday 2nd November

FC Emmen 0-1 Sparta Rotterdam

De Graafschap 1-3 FC Eindhoven

Achilles ’29 0-2 FC Volendam

Sunday 3rd November

VVV Venlo 0-2 Jong PSV

Excelsior Rotterdam 3-0 Jong FC Twente

Monday 4th November

Helmond Sport 3-2 Jong Ajax

Tuesday 5th November

Sparta Rotterdam 1-0 Achilles ‘29

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Click on Joost’s name above to follow him on Twitter and also visit his blog at FM Holland.

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EERSTE DIVISIE

EERSTE DIVISIE REPORT: Week 14

October 31, 2013 Will Burns Leave a comment

WEEK 14

Dordrecht strengthen lead, Sparta trash Den Bosch

It was a great weekend for FC Dordrecht as they saw FC Eindhoven and Willem II both spill points on Friday, and beating Jong Ajax 0-4 themselves tonight. FC Eindhoven lost 1-3 at home to Excelsior, while Willem II drew goalless against MVV.

The most impressive result came on Saturday, when Sparta Rotterdam put seven behind FC Den Bosch at “Het Kasteel”. The win saw Sparta move up to second place in the league.

De Graafschap also moved past Eindhoven and Willem II in the league, after beating Volendam 0-1 late in the game.

At the bottom of the league, FC Oss almost managed to pull off a stunt against Helmond Sport, but two quick goals from Brouwers and Elbers respectively meant Helmond took home the three points with a 2-3 win.

Jong PSV managed to pick up a win again, beating Telstar 3-1. They are now the highest “Jong” team in the league, with a 14th place.

FULL RESULTS

Friday 25th October

Willem II 0-0 MVV Maastricht

FC Emmen 2-1 Almere City

FC Eindhoven 1-3 Excelsior Rotterdam

FC Oss 2-3 Helmond Sport

Saturday 26th October

Sparta Rotterdam 7-1 FC Den Bosch

Fortuna Sittard 2-1 Achilles ‘29

Sunday 27th October

FC Volendam 0-1 De Graafschap

Monday 28th October

Jong Ajax 0-4 FC Dordrecht

Jong PSV 3-1 Telstar

Jong FC Twente 1-1 VVV Venlo

STANDINGS

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