Finally!!! Finally the time had come! The first league game was finally scheduled. After 4 practice matches, 1 Super Cup match and a cup match (which were all won), the regular competition started today. At De Herdgang the C1 welcomed JOVZ from Zeeland. Beforehand, the main question was what the line-up would be. PSV C1 was facing a wave of injuries. With a bit of juggling the staff managed to conjure up 11 players who reported to the kick-off at 1 p.m. sharp.

Opponent was JOVZ C1 from Zeeland of coach Dennis de Nooijer. Coincidentally, JOVZ was last year's opponent in the opening game. Back then, however, the game was played in Vlissingen and ended in the famous "glasses position". The first feat today was a shot by Robin Schoonbrood that went just wide in the 3rd minute. JOVZ offered good opposition and had a number of skilled players in the starting lineup. Because PSV gave away too much space, they were given all the room they needed to play football and they did that just fine. Slowly, however, PSV gained steam. After Gaetan Bosiers sent two Zeeland opponents into the Philips woods with a fabulous drag, his effort was insufficient. Moments later, PSV did score. Robin received the ball around the halfway line in the 18th minute and steamed towards the enemy goal. With a brilliant long-distance shot he outsmarted the JOVZ goalie: 1-0.

Not much later, James Fofana sent Robin into the depths, but this time his effort went wide. In the last minute, Cody Gakpo was close to scoring his 2nd Eindhoven goal. After right back Lars Dickens crossed the field, he played Yasin Aalillou. Cody took the ball on his chest but got too much out of balance to give the ball the right direction. Thus both teams went into halftime with a 1-0 score.

After halftime there was little to enjoy on the pitch. PSV could hardly make a fist, JOVZ could play the ball around but could not create any danger in front of Arne Lekens' goal. Only halfway through the 2nd half was it necessary to note something again. The substitute Amar Catiç rounded his direct opponent and passed the ball well at the 1st post. The incoming Cody Gakpo was just too short to tap the ball in. After the right back of JOVZ also missed an opportunity, JOVZ came close to an equalizer in the final minute. Fortunately the attack was called off for offside.

Deep into injury time, however, PSV scored again. Via Joop Daniels, the ball ended up with Cody, who easily scored the 2-0.

Three points. But it was difficult today. Compliments to JOVZ for their play. And if you want to look on the bright side: after the first round the C1 already have 2 more points than last year.....


Arne Lekens; Lars Dickens, James Fofana, Jordan Teze, Ruud van Breemen (69'Aboubacar Kone); Robin Schoonbrood, Gaetan Bosiers, Baggio Wallenburg (56' Joop Daniels); Leandro Fernandes, Cody Gakpo, Yasin Aalillou (52' Amar Catiç)

Yellow cards: 33' Jordan Teze (rough play) and 46' Ruud van Breemen (rough play)