After the unnecessary defeat last week in the friendly against ADO Den Haag, today is the first match in the return round of the league. The opponent is Hardinxveld who were defeated 7-0 in the first match. As already mentioned, last week an unnecessary 2-1 defeat against The Hague where PSV played excellent especially in the 1st quarter, but as Peter pointed out, did not reward themselves with a wide lead. But with the level of the first quarter last week Hardinxveld should not be a problem today. The intentions are clear after only five minutes. In the early stages Hardinxveld tries to play forward, but after about five minutes the trench tactics are used. Everyone back in their own half and just holding back. The challenge is to score quickly. But that is often the problem with our boys. Hardinxveld holds its own and only after fifteen minutes the first opportunity can be reported. A shot by Greg goes over. Hardinxveld keeps trying to slow down the game and PSV does not really get into the game. Up to 25 meters of the opponent's goal the game was okay, but after that the combinations were too careless or got stuck too often. They play too much on one side and through the middle instead of shifting the game to the other side. This resulted in too few one-on-one situations that the boys could exploit. In the first half a good action by Mo who outplayed 2 opponents and shot over. A disappointing 1st half with only 2 chances which is too few against this opponent. In the second half the same picture. PSV trying to force the ball, Hardinxveld slowing down the game with the reserves. However, the pressure on the Hardinxveld goal is increased. Greg seemed to score, but his goal was rightly disallowed. A good chance from Remco, but his shot goes wide. A shot by Arne is tapped against the post by the goalkeeper. You get the feeling that this is not going to work today. Then 10 minutes before time another corner kick. Tijn headed in well and via the goalkeeper the ball went to Sem, who has a nose for these situations and tapped the ball into the net. So the goal still falls. PSV has no further problems and drags the 1-0 victory over the line. A match like the weather today and one that we should soon forget. We will say. Even bad matches have to be won.

Report with thanks to Eric Zeegers