No less than three weeks ago, the D3 played its last game. After that the scheduled matches were cancelled each time due to bad weather conditions. On this Wednesday afternoon they could 'hit the field' again to take on De Graafschap U12. Especially that addition U12 is important, because height and stature at this age is very visible and sometimes has an effect. In this case, the teams were ultimately evenly matched. Here and there PSV cheated on shoulder thrusts or the striker was too quick for us, but especially the second part of the game our boys dominated the game. The three halves played ended 1-1, 2-0, 1-3, adding up to a final score of 4-4.
At the start of the match, match rhythm had its influence on PSV. On kickoff, the midfield missed a pass to which De Graafschap relentlessly anticipated. It passed the defense with ease and shot the 0-1 unassailable for Arne. Cold on the pitch in the cold rain and snow that was a bit of a shock. Fortunately, our attack reacted immediately and Roland, after a strong capture of the ball, shot at the post. The midfield and defenders also regained their strength and parried De Graafschap's breakthroughs, which were becoming increasingly scarce. James and Lars, both recovered from injury provided a strong defensive line, along with trainee player Emmanuel, who also showed a good game. Smooth attacking action by Roland and Cody put Robin in position, but his shot unfortunately went over. A few minutes later it did hit the mark. Roland scored tightly and sharply on a pass from Cody.
In the second half, PSV continued this line. Baggio, Lars and Armando hermetically sealed the final line. And then there was always Stan, who on one of De Graafschap's sporadic breakouts ran out strongly to the sixteen-meter line. The first PSV goal would not be long in coming and came midway through the second half from the boot of Cody who shot in tight after a strong rush. The second goal was an own goal on a neatly taken cross from Luc. Jordan sighed his beautiful corners, Raffaël was also sent in front of the goal several times, but a goal was out of the question.
With a 3-1 lead in their pockets, PSV started the third half too easily. The first attacking moves were not only dangerous, but also by De Graafschap. The defense had to step up, forcing even Husseyn and Roland to play defense. To no avail. While Stan managed to fend off the first attempt at goal, the second chance went narrowly wide, the third went in. Nevertheless, James, Baggio and Björn defended themselves well and ensured that the game quickly moved to the other side of the field. On Roland's first corner, James' shot went just wide via an opponent. But the dropped ball from Roland's second corner was beautifully taken by Baggio on the slipper in one go. A deserved 4-2. The game then immediately came back into De Graafschap's hands. PSV gave them too much space, despite coach Colin's sharp instruction to defend more on the man, and De Graafschap eagerly took advantage of that: 4-3. Then Husseyn managed to conquer the ball and sent Roland eye to eye with the goalkeeper with a nice through pass. Roland cleverly dragged out a penalty, but unfortunately missed from the eleven meters. Immediately afterwards, the game went back to Stan. Björn initially intercepted the goal with a perfectly taken slide, but De Graafschap managed to conquer the ball again and work the equalizer in. The last attempts to get the three points were thwarted by cold, snow and of course De Graafschap. Ruud tried to put Raf in position from midfield, but Doetinchem was in between and Steven was (rightfully) floored in his noble attempt.
With a tie and cold feet, supporters and players headed inside. This was a good warm-up for the next match; next Saturday against Feyenoord!

Ank Gakpo-van Bommel