The wonderful evening is over. On to the dark days before Christmas. Just past Nijmegen to try to take some more points at NEC. And the dark days have already begun here. Sad weather. Poor pitch. But a group of players who, after the euphoria of last Tuesday, want to show that they too are capable of getting a good result. Two fanatical supporters on the bench, Joey and Taoufiq.
NEC is one point above us and with a positive result we can climb a few places and then everyone will be happy.
The first half we were the better footballing team. Chances for Martijn, Dante (crossbar) and Martijn again are out of our reach before the break. We feel that it can be done. The staff is also convinced that we can do more. Let's do it after the break.
And so it goes. After ten minutes Dani took a shot at the goalkeeper who could only punch the ball away and Arnaut was there like a chicken (with Christmas approaching, perhaps like a turkey) to score the 0-1. The game then went back and forth for a long time. NEC did not get any chances, although Mike did have to intervene a couple of times, which he did as we are used to. So good.
With five minutes left to play the roles are reversed in the forefront and now it is Arnaut who reaches Dani who puts an end to all uncertainty. 0-2.
Only Arnaut still wants to show why he was drafted in and in injury time he suddenly takes a high ball on his shoe and over the tall NEC goalkeeper the ball flies into the far corner. 0-3.
Truly a magnificent goal. The points in the bus and fourth place in the league.
Now Tuesday's match against VVV and then it's winter break.
Men, it was great fun on the bench. Top performance. Mature play and still brilliant attacks.
A nice setup for after the winter break to start the championship round.
To those I won't see again, Merry Christmas and a good and healthy New Year.
Goodbye.
For the coach another point of attention after this game: rounds you don't run, you give.

van den Meulenhof, Scheepers (85th Abels), Kardes, Tanriver, Bannani, Rigo, Berden, Daneels, van der Moot, Hattu, Groeneveld.