PSV takes points against leaders

In a match that, given the number of yellow cards handed out - six - wrongly suggests an ordinary kicking match, PSV managed to narrow the gap with leaders FC Utrecht in a direct confrontation on Saturday. PSV played a particularly fine second half in which more than a handful of good chances were created, but the team failed to hand FC Utrecht a bigger defeat.

PSV started well and managed to take the lead as early as the ninth minute. Right back Lars dived into the space left by Utrecht's defense and his cross reached Ilyas, who was completely free in the penalty area. He was able to take a touch and shot the ball into the far corner: 1-0. Although Utrecht took advantage of weak PSV defense a good ten minutes later, allowing the striker to get in front of Jules on his own and choose the corner, it was mainly the Eindhoven players who were dangerous in the first half. Mostly on the right flank, where right-winger Jasper was given all the space he needed to make his moves and was able to create a lot of sharp crosses. Milan and Ilyas, among others, almost managed to convert these into a new lead with a fine header, but the Utrecht goalkeeper prevented this with some fine reflexes.

The second half presented a similar picture with PSV dominating. Defensively the team easily held their own against Utrecht, which often used the long ball to find the striker, and in attack they continued to create chances. Whereas in the early stages of the second half it seemed as if the ball just wouldn't go in, Naïm saw a great free kick hit the post and Milan and Ilyas both failed to get an effective finish in front of the Utrecht goalkeeper, Milan was able to get the full win for the team in the 59th minute with a real striker's goal. Jasper played the ball to substitute Mo, who saw his effort hit the crossbar. Milan was quick to react and headed the rebounding ball into the far corner beyond the reach of the goalkeeper: 2-1. PSV did not get into trouble in the closing stages of the match. And although the score could and should have been much higher, this was an excellent and deserved victory for the team.

PSV O16 plays next Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at home against Dordrecht.

Setup:
Jules Janssen, Lars Putters, Milan Govaers, Jesse Giebels, Yaël Gil y Munios, Matteo Dams (49/Mo Nassoh), Dylan Hopman, Naïm Matoug, Jasper Huijzer, Milan van de Riet, Ilyas Bougafer (60/Iggy Houben).

Yellow card: Ilyas Bougafer, Dylan Hopman, Naïm Matoug, Iggy Houben.