The B2 lost the lead in the league on Saturday in dubious fashion. At the Herdgang stadium AZ came to visit, which, with 3 points behind and 1 match less played, smelled the chance to overtake PSV and leave them behind on the league table. While one would expect PSV to defend the lead like a lion protects its young, they played without conviction and inspiration.

Perhaps the fact that a number of players still had the trip to Qatar or international matches in their legs was a factor, but AZ took the win mainly on the basis of attitude. PSV came a step too late or a metre too short all over the pitch, where AZ was simply much more eager in the duels. Actually, the match could be summarized and characterized by a single moment in the first half, when the referee awarded AZ a penalty in the 33rd minute after a foul on Bram Zwanen. Where all PSV players stood apathetically watching Mike van de Meulenhof initially stop the penalty kick, some Alkmaar players were already anticipating the rebound and one of them easily tapped it in, 0-1. In the injury time of the first half, AZ increased their lead to 0-2 from a quick breakaway in which two players appeared free in front of Mike van de Meulenhof and left him defenseless in that 2-1 situation.

Although PSV recovered somewhat in the second half and were able to prevent the Alkmaar players from becoming dangerous, they were unable to create any major chances themselves. The 1-2 just after halftime came from a scrimmage in front of the Alkmaar goal, with the ball falling at the feet of Lennerd Daneels, who played another game after months of absence due to illness and crowned his comeback with a goal.

PSV did themselves a disservice with this disappointing match. Due to the defeat and the win by rival Feyenoord, the team dropped to 3rd place on the league table, while Ajax will not be in action until Sunday and will then take the lead if they win. Next week the B2 is off, on March 22 the next league match is scheduled at home against WillemII/RKC.

'33 0-1 (pen)
'40+ 0-2
'44 1-2 Lennerd Daneels


Mike van de Meulenhof; Bram Zwanen ('61 Baggio Wallenburg) - Tom Scheepers © - Maarten Peijnenburg - Roel van Linschoten; Jaëll Hattu - Robin Schoonbrood - Sam Lammers; Lennerd Daneels ('52 Elmo Hertogh) - Joey Konings - Karim Bannani.

On the bench not substituted: Lucas Derks; Amar Catic.