After the winter break, the first game of the league is scheduled again today. Last Monday, the age-mates of Willem II were beaten 3-0. Today the opponent is MVV and thus another year older. MVV's team consists of a mix of physically strong boys who are a head taller, but also a few smaller ones who have the height of our boys. MVV is the current No. 2 ranked team, but in my opinion the strongest opponent in the first 2 rounds of the league. The previous two games resulted in a 4-0 and 5-2 defeat. This regarding the statistics beforehand. Now the match. MVV tries to put pressure on our rearguard from the beginning. As this is also where their most skilful and physically strongest players walk around, we had to be careful because these players also had some speed, so an inattention or careless pass could immediately cause danger. This had also become apparent in previous games. It is therefore important to reach the midfielders as quickly as possible so that the opponent can be kept off target. If PSV can get out from under the pressure, opportunities arise, but they are not played well enough at the moment. Halfway through the first half, MVV gained possession of the ball in the PSV half and the MVV striker was able to spoon in a nice cross. PSV is not discouraged and goes in search of the equalizer. Sem and Arne were just a leg too short on corners and Joop just failed to get a shot off in the enemy penalty area. PSV again got away when the referee disallowed a PSV goal due to offside. Just before halftime, PSV falls behind 2-0 when a free kick is shot into the goal. Apparently this is not allowed in this league and this discussion was also held in Kerkrade, but this time the goal is approved, making it 0-2. This is also the score at halftime. Would today be the end of the unbeaten status from November 6, 2010? After a long rest the second half can begin. MVV can be kept a little further from the goal and so the second half seems balanced. MVV gets a chance, but the ball goes wide. PSV also gets two opportunities from the left side, but the goalkeeper can turn Arne's effort into a corner. Thus, the match seems to "bleed to death," but it is Gregory who brings PSV back into the game 10 minutes before time. This brings new enthusiasm (for the Belgians enthusiasm) to the boys, because now they smell opportunities and start to put MVV under pressure. Thus there are a few small opportunities. About 5 minutes before time Greg is sent on another adventure and from the left he cuts inside and with a probably keepable shot he signs for the equalizer. Is there more to come? Perhaps. 3 minutes left on the clock and maybe the 10th corner kick for PSV this match. The ball reaches Greg who touches it in Gregorian fashion and via an opponent the ball ends up in the goal. The last two minutes were played out with great skill, resulting in a 3-2 victory. The unbeaten status continues. Next week we go to frontrunner Fortuna. Here too there are possibilities, given the last match. After a difficult league start and
getting used to the big field it seems that the boys no longer have to fear an opponent in this competition.

Eric Zeegers