Today the friendly match against De Graafschap B1 was on the program. A good indicator to play against a B1 of a BVO. Especially as a warm-up towards the upcoming tournaments. And a warm-up was a good thing today!
First, it was a lovely, warm spring day and since we were playing on artificial turf, the field also brought extra warmth with it. Sometimes to literally burn your feet....
After an exploratory initial phase, PSV took control. Through good combination play, De Graafschap was pinned down in their own half. The Achterhoekers sporadically came close to PSV goalkeeper Zeus de la Paz. On the other hand, the "Superboeren" regularly had to use their physical strength to stop PSV. Moussa Sanoh in particular was a much sought-after victim. After only a few minutes bv, a Graafschap defender had to pull the emergency brake when Moussa went off alone on goal. In a league game this would have been a red card, but now the referee left it at a free kick. It was kicked wide by Clint Leemans. After Moussa missed two opportunities, PSV took a deserved lead in the 33rd minute. A free kick from the left flank was deliciously cut in by Vinnie Vermeer and 'thrown in front of the pot' where the incoming Rai Vloet easily headed the ball hard in: 1-0. Just before half-time, Moussa failed to put the 2-0 on the board. After a strong move he played himself free, outmaneuvered the goalkeeper but forgot to shoot the ball high into the goal. The goalkeeper saved the ball on the ground.
After the break a number of substitutions were made, but the game did not get any less. PSV remained the better team and quickly found the net. The goal was almost a copy of the first and again Rai was able to put his signature on the goal. The fine assist this time was from Andreas Hoelgebaum Perreira. Also in the 2nd half Moussa was often only to be stopped by a foul. Sometimes they even hung on his arms with 3 men to stop this attacking tank! So on the bench Moussa was immediately renamed 'walking coat rack'....:)
Unlike the 1st half, De Graafschap did come threatening in front of the PSV goal a few times after the break. But Jesse Bertrams was well on his guard and thus managed to neutralize the Doetichem danger. Halfway through the 2nd half a clever attack rolled over the left via Sander Heesakkers and Michaël Maria. Sander's cross was good and Passeka Kargbo also got well in front of his defender, but did not get the ball full on his boot. This allowed the goalkeeper to make a save. This save was a little easier than a few minutes earlier when he whipped a free kick from Clint out of the right cross. The last quarter of an hour no real big chances were created anymore so PSV B2 won with a 2-0 victory. A fine victory through good play. Given the number of chances the result could (and maybe should) have been higher.