'At least we can sleep in tomorrow morning,' Ariadne said cheerfully on Friday night. 'Ah fine,' I cried, 'I'm really ready for that. It was kind of early last week.' 'Steven has to be there at 9:30 and then I set the alarm at 7:15,' Ariadne added. Sigh, I had gotten a different idea about that nice sleep in anyway. Everything is relative.
Arriving at the Herdgang, the parents gradually trickled in. I must say, I have seen the ever-vigilant D1-parents group fitter. A tired look in their eyes, unshaven fathers and a coffee consumption that I think is twice as high as in previous years. So the first hour was the main topic of conversation: time of getting up and transportation to Eindhoven.
My conclusion was that the boys seemed to take it easier than the parents. And I recognized that in our home as well. When I asked Steven if he also thought it was a bit early to get up at 5:45, he shrugged, while my body protested flat out against this barbaric treatment for the past week. It is painful to admit but won't that have something to do with age?
Anyway, for the boys, it's spicy, too. New school, new schedule, training in the morning, a lot of homework and in between going to Korea. And they have now been promoted from talent in the talent plan to basic in the basic plan. All that's left is to turn pro through the pro plan....
After last week VVV/Helmond Sport D1, today VVV/Helmond Sport D2. Or better last week VVV D1, and today Helmond Sport D1 for the competition. A first match of a competition is always exciting. Unfortunately Amar and Armando could not play today due to injuries. And our Hungarian additions are not yet eligible to play in official matches. All-rounder Ruud starts today in Amar's place, at right forward. Luc at left back who is also a seasoned player, and Lars and Jordan in the center back.
Helmond Sport D1 looks fresh and eager with an enthusiastic leadership. Last week's 4-0 win over Den Bosch impressed.
From the start signal the ball possession is for PSV. HS must restrict themselves to holding back, but they do so with great commitment and continue to play extremely sporting football. HS regularly tries to counter quickly, but the D1 team puts a lot of pressure and quickly recovers the ball. If an HS player seems to slip through, our defenders are alert and prevent any danger.
HS manages to keep the score down for a long time. They fight for every meter and when a PSV player thinks he has a free shot opportunity, there is just another HS leg between them. If a PSV player does slip through, the excellent HS goalkeeper is there to prevent a goal. After more than fifteen minutes no goal, but the patience of the boys is admirable. The game remains well cared for and chances and chances keep presenting themselves.
Special mention today for James, who as right back steams up again and again, and regularly manages to get to the back line. We let all goal chances pass, that would be a long story, but fortunately after about 20 minutes it is hit. In midfield the ball is taken away and Justin manages to find Cody who can make it 1-0. The 2-0 came quickly and now it was Justin who managed to find a hole. This is also the halftime score. HS has given a lot and on the side we see heated, tired heads of HS D1.
In the second half, the score can be stepped up. It also starts well with James crowning another solo with a tailored pass, and the 3-0 by Cody. And pretty soon the 4-0 with now a dribble by Cody putting Roland free in front of the goal.
A bigger result was possible after that but the game now sinks a bit. HS could also get out more often and appeared a few times near Arne's goal, without really becoming dangerous by the way. So we end up with a 4-0 victory.
A positive aspect of today was the combination play: all goals were well played combinations where the last station only had to tap the ball into the empty goal. Build on this and increase the speed a little more; it is going to be a great season again!
Hans Bosma