Match of the day is this morning at the Herdgang. The no.1 PSV and the no.2 Willem II in the second division C will kick off at 10.45 am. Previous encounters resulted in a win, a defeat and a draw. Although PSV did prevail in these confrontations, there is always a counter lurking, considering the defeat last season in Amsterdam. As the last training session on Thursday did not go well, and Willem II put up a convincing 8-0 performance last week, the match seems to go either way. This is also confirmed in the first 5 minutes of the match. In the opening stages, Willem II takes the initiative and tries to create danger via their fast right-winger. The PSV defence does not give way and Kyan does not have to come into action. In the opening phase, PSV is still searching in the build-up and the midfielders are fiercely covered. After about five minutes, PSV seems to get out from under this pressure and starts to play football. The first chance is not long in coming. A nice cross from Arne to Joop who plays his man beautifully and crosses the ball to Greg who hits the bar from 5 meters. This attack seems to give PSV wings, because from that moment on Willem II is forced back on their own half and most of the duels are for the PSV players. After more than 10 minutes the second good opportunity for PSV presents itself. With a long ball Niels sends Greg into space. Greg passes it directly to Yasin, who in controlling the ball turns away from his opponent and shoots. However a fine save from the young Roorda prevents the 1-0 for PSV. PSV increases the pressure on the Willem II rearguard. After fifteen minutes Davy can send a cross to Greg, but he heads over. After fifteen minutes another three good chances. Two minutes later a nice action by Joop who slaloms past a couple of opponents until he bumps into Arne. Both decide not to shoot so Willem II can still clear. In the 25th minute an attack from behind. Kyan opens well on the right side so Rico can advance. Rico passes to Arne, who then passes to Yasin, who punches the Willem II goalkeeper. Things are going fast now. Now attack on the left with a cross that Yasin can head in. The ball hits the hand of a Willem II player standing on the goal line and the referee has no choice but to award a penalty kick. However, even this opportunity is not taken by PSV, as the ball is shot wide.
At halftime there are mixed feelings among the PSV supporters. The conclusion is that they play fine, but that the ball really has to go in to avoid falling behind by a possible counter. The second half was only a minute old when the first chance was created. Bryan found Mo, who combined with Yasin. Mo's shot ended up in the side-netting. After about four minutes Willem II had another chance. Kyan prevented the fast Willem II striker from getting the ball. At the other end there is another opportunity for PSV, but Joop's shot lands in the goalkeeper's hands. The fast Willem II striker seems to become a hand basket and through this player there is a counter threat. In the 12th minute the Willem II player is sent into the depth and can tap the ball past Kyan into the goal. A doom scenario seems to be developing. The better team and then the lid on the nose. PSV seems a bit upset and Willem II, supported by the lead, becomes a bit bolder. Also the PSV supporters seem to get worried, because next to me a phone call how long is left to play. This turns out to be 17 minutes left. It takes about five minutes of PSV searching. Until the ball lands at the feet of Benji. From about 25 meters, he sees that the goalkeeper is too far in front of his goal and brilliantly spoons the ball over the goalkeeper into the net. 1-1 with about 10 minutes left on the clock. This equalizer makes PSV feel supported again. A minute after the equalizer, there is Tijn at his best. Winning three consecutive duels, he advances and sends Yasin deep, who is intercepted by the goalkeeper. At the back it remains watchful, as the Willem II striker cuts himself free well on the sideline, but Kyan is able to intercept the ball. Five minutes before time, trainer Bastiaan decides to bring in the unpredictable Greg for the tired Yasin. And Greg lives up to his reputation. From about twenty meters he lashes out and the ball seems to go wide. So thought the Willem II goalkeeper too, but this one really seems to be in. PSV in the lead with about five minutes to go. Two minutes later, Greg can decide the game for good. Well sent away by Mo, his effort is parried 3 times. It remained exciting until the last two minutes. Benji sent a nice ball to Sem, who appreciated the pass and controlled the 3-1. Thus ends this attractive, exciting and in my opinion also fine match in a deserved 3-1 victory for PSV. What more could you want on such a sunny Saturday morning.

Report with thanks to Eric Zeegers