9:9
Today a practice match was scheduled for the entire E-selection. The opponent was O.J.C. from Rosmalen. It was not a normal practice match but 9 against 9. The playing field was also adjusted, as it was slightly larger than normal. We also played 3 halves of 20 minutes each. After a long, wet and cold winter, today there was a lovely spring sunshine and a very pleasant temperature for both players and spectators. The first chance was for the home club. From Davy's cross, Gregory came an inch short of heading the ball in. But at the other end it was also watch out for the fast breakouts of the visitors. In the 3rd minute, Pepijn, at the risk of his own limbs, managed to defuse such an outbreak. With a quick play he set Jay to work. With a nice corner he reached Yassin, who in turn gave Koen the opportunity to take a shot from distance. His effort went just wide of the goal. Halfway through the first half the guests got a corner. This was cleverly headed in by the striker (0-1). The home team did not let this put them off balance and "just" went on the attack again. This time it was the turn of Tijn who got the ball to Arne via Koen. Arne did not hesitate for a moment and with a well-judged slide pass he beat the goalkeeper (1-1). Even before the break the home team took the lead. An attack on the right by Gregory was headed into the goal by Joop (2-1).
Also after the first break, the first opportunity was for PSV. Joey tried from distance, but his shot did not hit the target. At the other end it was a goal. A long ball from behind reached the striker who coolly scored the 2-2. For a moment OJC seemed to take the lead again, but Kyan made a great save to keep the striker from scoring. Then it was the home team's turn again, especially Davy. First he put Joop in free in front of goal. His effort was turned away by the goalkeeper. Then Davy gave Joey the opportunity to take a shot from about 12 meters. This shot did not hit the target either. Also the attack on the left side of the field by Rico, Bryan and Benjamin with Davy as the end station, did not lead to a goal.
In the 3rd half, OJC's strength slowly but surely drained away and the home club took full advantage of the space that was offered. In the 43rd minute, Yassin slipped past his opponent on the left and delivered a tailored cross to Sem. With a quick foot movement he managed to shoot the ball into the ropes (3-2). The best action of the match was by Joop. He received the ball from Niels on the left side of the pitch and with an unparalleled acceleration he outplayed three opponents and then took a devastating shot into the crossbar (4-2). Halfway through the 3rd half, Joey was allowed to take another shot. This time his effort hit the bar. In the same minute Niels took a corner on the right side of the pitch. His corner kick turned dangerously in, but the goalkeeper barely saved. The rebound was also for Niels, but again the goalkeeper had a good save. Three minutes later the goal was scored. A precise cross from Joey (with the left!) landed on the head of Sem. He nodded the ball brilliantly into the cross (5-2). In the 56th minute, Yassin increased the margin to 4. After good preparatory work by Gregory, he managed to pass the goalkeeper for the 6th time. The final chord was for Koen. After a quick play from Kyan on Arne, it was Koen who scored from distance to make it 7-2. A fine result against a physically strong opponent.

Report with thanks to Kees Raaijmakers