After the midweek victory over Lierse SK's peers, another international encounter is scheduled today against Al. Aachen. The last few weeks have shown that we are able to offer more resistance to our opponents than in the first round. After last week's draw against Eindhoven we were already cautiously hoping for our first victory, given that we could have done more in the first match despite losing 3-1. Apparently the boys realized this, because from the first whistle the opposition was pinned down in their own half. Good combination play kept the ball well inside the ranks, but no real chance was created because the right through ball was not found or because the Aachen defenders were just a little bit faster or exploited their physical superiority. But chasing the ball costs strength and the chances are bound to come. After 10 minutes a shot by Davy hit the bar. Moments later Arne crossed from the left. The ball fell to Benji, but the Aachen goalkeeper made an ultimate reflex save. So there are opportunities for PSV in the first half. After about twenty minutes, Edson has to deal with the first ball. Good play in the first half, but no goals, making the score 0-0 at halftime. Also in the second half, PSV is on top and it is important to keep the ball flowing and try to stay out of the duels, as the opponent is mainly physical. The first chance in the second half is for PSV and it is Mo who slips in but eye to eye with the goalkeeper he slides the ball past the wrong side of the post. After 10 minutes or so, PSV takes a deserved lead. Greg, just back in the lines, had 20 minutes to rest and sprinted out of the Aachen backline, rounded the goalkeeper and shot in with his left 1-0. Even then Greg is unstoppable, as he can only be caught on his own half by his fellow players. Halfway through the second, the midfield becomes too crowded so more duels take place here. After losing the ball on the PSV side, an Aachen attacker is sent deep, but Kyan is able to save. The ball fell to another player who shot in, but fortunately Sem defused the rebound on the goal line. It remains to be careful. Moments later Mo is able to calm PSV down, but finds the goalkeeper in his way. So the game is not yet decided and Aachen gets a corner kick. Since there are players almost 2 heads taller than ours, this means danger. The corner kick causes a scrimmage in which Bryan saves on the goal line. PSV went in search of a second goal. This comes 5 minutes before time when Gregory again can head in the 2-0 and the game is in the pocket. A minute before time, Greg also puts the icing on the cake when he delivers a copy of his first goal after a pass from Davy. The first league victory is a fact and the joy afterwards is great. Next week again to Limburg. But then again, it is always difficult to win there.

Report with thanks to Eric Zeegers