The Report

Final number eight. There are no easy opponents in this series, so neither are N.E.C./FC Oss.

Let's get to work, then. And after five minutes, weak defending in the backcourt caused N.E.C. to take a 1-0 lead. We straightened our backs and went in search of the equalizer. And those opportunities did come. Only the finishing is not 100%. The bar also got in the way at times and instead of perhaps a 1-3 halftime score, it is still just 1-0. That has to change in the second half.

After about ten minutes we were dangerous again in front of the N.E.C. goal and it was Justin who brilliantly outplayed the defense and also managed to outmaneuver the goalkeeper to score the well-deserved 1-1. We picked up the pace and after just over an hour of play Maxime went forward, crossed the center line, played to the right, opted for the left and..... the ball hit the net like a grenade behind the hopeless N.E.C. goalkeeper. The deserved 1-2 lead. The chances for more are there but the goal is not really sharp and the goalkeeper and post and crossbar also stand in the way. It should be mentioned that the home team also had a few dangerous breaks and also hit the aluminum. After 95 minutes the referee whistles for the end and the three points are in the bus.

So after the week in Italy in which we had a lesson in international rules in football and for several players the internationals, whether fruitful or not, today it was back to the weekly fare. All with an eye on the final and ultimate goal. Next week the trip goes to Amsterdam. So there we will have to show again that we cannot be trifled with this season.

Lineup: Van de Meulenhof, teze, Soulas, Obispo (46th Theunissen), Tanriver, Sadilek, Daneels, Fernandes, Konings (81st Catic), Lonwijk ( 74th Hattu) and Gakpo.