Striking 1: In the current premier league standings, it is striking that teams from the northern provinces are doing extremely well. At the start of PSV's Under 15 match, PEC Zwolle, Cambuur, Heerenveen and Groningen were all in the top 6.
Striking 2: in the standings after 2 rounds at the Under 15 competition, there was not a single team from the far North. Not surprising, because this competition is (still) divided into a 'Southern' and 'Northern' league. But it was striking that the three teams that had not lost a single point were all from Noord-Brabant: Nac Breda, PSV and Willem II were the only ones to have the full 6 points after the first 2 games.
That's why it was so nice that this weekend PSV and Willem II met at De Herdgang.
The first chances of the match were for PSV. But Sekou Sidibe could not put enough power into shots several times to make it difficult for the Tilburg goalkeeper, or shot straight at the keeper. Davy van den Berg also had a free shot from the edge of the box, but his shot went well over.
Thus, PSV clearly had the upper hand in the first quarter of an hour. It dominated the game and if Willem II had the ball once, it was usually of short duration.
After these first 15 minutes, the game poached a bit from PSV. The ball pace was too slow to surprise Willem II. In addition, the game became sloppy and often the wrong choices were made. Nevertheless, the team did get some chances. For example, Yasin Aalillou headed onto the roof of the goal after a corner by Davy.
After half an hour the game turned on its head. Willem II showed themselves for the first time seriously in front of Kyan van Dorp's goal. But twice he plucked a cross out of the air before a Tilburger could become dangerous.
PSV had been warned. But instead of being woken up, a kind of fear seemed to have crept into the team. Willem II apparently sensed that, and began to play more freely. And thus was close to the opening goal just before halftime when a player cunningly tried to surprise Kyan with a ball behind his stanchion. But fortunately the PSV goalie was alert.
Thus, the opening phase was completely for PSV, but on the other hand it could be glad that Willem II was sloppy in the closing stages.
In the second half, the game remained unsettled on the Eindhoven side. It did not get into the right rhythm. In addition, the strong collective, which the team relies on to a large extent, was nowhere to be found today. A messy game unfolded. A game in which the guests had the best opportunities. And finally in the 47th minute they got what they deserved when a cross from close range was tapped in.
PSV tried to go on the offensive in the closing stages. But apart from a good chance for Abou Kone, header at the far post after a good free kick by Joep Hakkens, they got no further.
Therefore the under 15 lost today for the first time this competition. An unnecessary defeat probably if the level of the first quarter could be maintained. But "if" doesn't count. Certainly not in top sport. Next week our opponent awaits Sparta.
Kyan van Dorp; Shurandy Sambo, Tijn Daverveld (c), Abou Kone, Benjamin Kailie (61' Bryan van Hove); Evert Linthorst, Joop Daniels (36' Joep Hakkens), Davy van den Berg (45' Vince Colpaert); Sekou Sidibe, Sem van de Broek (45' Arne Bens), Yasin Aalillou.
Yellow card: Benjamin Kailie