The next hurdle to be taken in the race for the championship was De Valk from Valkenswaard. An opponent that is of course already known within PSV. Indeed, the E1 had opened the league against this opponent (7-0 win, ed.). A score the home club wanted to avoid at all costs today. From the kick-off it was clear with what intentions both teams wanted to play. PSV trapped the opponent in their own half from the first second. By keeping the field well wide, they prevented it from getting too crowded in De Valk's penalty area. It also immediately produced several chances. In the 2nd minute Joop got himself free, but his shot (whether behind the goal line or not) was denied by the goalkeeper. Less than a minute later, Benjamin and Jay set up a one-two on the right side of the pitch. Then in Tijn the 3rd man was found. However, his shot grazed the top of the crossbar. The 0-1 was inevitable and in the 5th minute the goal was scored. Once again it was Benjamin who with a brilliant move freed himself from three opponents and also had an eye for Gregory. Eye to eye with the goalkeeper he knew how to deal with this kind of opportunity (0-1). Even after this goal, the game situation did not change much from the flanks to the goal of De Valk, who kept looking for the counter. In the 9th minute Benjamin played himself free with an unparalleled effort, but again the goalkeeper cleared the ball off the crossbar. From the corner, De Valk had a quick counter attack. Fortunately Pepijn was able to keep his goal clean with a cat-like reaction. Halfway through the first half Tijn took a free kick. His vicious shot could not be controlled by the goalkeeper and Joop tapped the ball into the goal. The referee was the only one in the stadium who saw something irregular and disallowed the goal. It didn't faze PSV and for the umpteenth time Jay pushed for an action on the right side of the pitch. Again, the goalkeeper was well positioned at his effort. Just like the next shot by Tijn 2 minutes later. After more than 15 minutes Niels intercepted the ball on the left side of the field. Via Jay and Benjamin the ball ended up with Gregory. Unfortunately his shot did not hit the target either. Pepijn also had to come into action before half time. Once again he managed to turn away the striker's effort with his foot. In the last five minutes before half time Gregory (knee), Joop (after a pass from Niels), Benjamin (goalkeeper save) and Jay (cross) were unlucky that their efforts did not hit the target. After halftime the difference in strength was expressed in goals within 2 minutes. First it was Niels who found Gregory (0-2) and then it was Jay's turn. He cut clear and left the goalkeeper defenseless (0-3). Between the two goals the ironwork was hit for the 3rd time. First Koen fooled his direct opponent for the umpteenth time, from the back line he managed to find Niels, who saw Gregory standing. With his heel he tried to surprise the goalkeeper, unfortunately the post stood in the way. Also in the 2nd half Pepijn had to come into action. After a quick attack by De Valk, he again managed to intervene well. With a quick snapshot he managed to find Koen on the right side of the field. Via Tijn the ball came to Jay who shot the 0-4. Tirelessly they kept looking for the next goal. The chances were there again. Unfortunately Joop was unlucky with two hard headers and a nice individual action. The final chord was for Jay, with a flawless hat trick he lifted the score to 0-5. A fine score after a very well played match.

Report courtesy of Kees Raaijmakers