The D3 had a double program this week. Last Monday the catch-up game against VVV D2 was played. VVV, the no. 2 in the current standings, still has a small chance at the championship but will have to win all their remaining matches (yesterday they beat leader Fortuna 6-4, giving VVV 2 points more, with 2 more matches played). Next Monday, VVV will play their last game against PSV. But this aside. The first half there is no difference in strength (apart from the physical difference) and it is PSV that takes control. With combination football some chances are created and it is Mo who completes a nice attack and shoots in the 1-0. After about twenty minutes VVV equalizes by scoring the 1-1. In the second half a stronger VVV dominates the game. PSV can't reach the forwards anymore so they don't really get dangerous anymore. When the offside trap is not closed, a VVV player gets free in front of Kyan and can score the 1-2. This is also the final score. In any case, we offered more resistance today than the previous two games in Venlo and played a good first half.
Saturday we traveled to Helmond for the penultimate or 27th league game of the season. Last time a draw (1-1) was played here unnecessarily. Also in this match, PSV took control of the game and tried to find the midfielder through the build-up from the back and to combine from there. In the first quarter of an hour this worked quite well and there were a few possibilities and even chances. The best chance was even cleared off the goal line. Against the odds, Helmond took the lead after fifteen minutes. A combination in the backline was intercepted, allowing their fast left-winger to enter the 16-meter area and shoot the ball in. Whether it was the heat, or something else the second part there is less movement so that the rearguard can no longer get rid of the ball properly and the good play of the first quarter of an hour falters. Since Helmond plays a kind of catenaccio with 9 players on their own half, there should be more movement and the space is on the sides. In the second half Helmond digs in even more and the games seems to end up being a copy of the previous game. Then too, PSV played the entire second half on Helmond's half, but goals were lacking then. Also this second half possibilities and chances abound. Joop with a nice ball acquisition, Remco a few nice rushes, Arne and Mo through dribbles and Greg with speed, commitment and drive. However the Helmond goalie stands in the way or a defender can just intervene or just no killer instinct. Yet it is Greg who shoots the equalizer 10 minutes before time and a victory seems in the air. Unfortunately it did not come so the match ended 1-1.

Report with thanks to Eric Zeegers