On the bleak Saturday morning, the last match of the first round of play is scheduled. The opponent is the D2 of Helmond Sport. A cold wind blows across the Herdgang, but hopefully the boys' play can warm us up a bit. However the first 5 minutes we also get a cold shower on us. Helmond's first best attack immediately yields a goal. Less than two minutes later the ball is already in our net for the 2nd time. A cross was headed in at the 2nd post by a Helmond player. In this phase Helmond always has a free man and PSV is searching in midfield and in the backline to see who has who. After this was put right, PSV got into the game better and started to combine. Where the opponents often try to reach the goal with fewer steps, PSV tries to build up their attacks from the back, which brings risks when the ball is lost, because they have to switch quickly. Once this succeeds, the most beautiful attacks are put on the mat. Around the 10th minute the engine starts to run hot when Davy hits the post after receiving the ball in a scrimmage. Five minutes later it was Koen who sent Arne into the deep who, with an opponent at his back, had to shoot too quickly for the goalkeeper to save. In the 25th minute a nice attack from behind. Via Jay and Niels the ball came to Arne who sent Mo free in front of the goalkeeper with a beautiful cross. At first the goalkeeper was in the way, but then Joop was there to make it 2-1. A minute later a rush by Arne but his shot is caught by the goalkeeper. The equalizer "hangs" in the air. Just before half time, a cross from Mo was worked over by Greg. Then the referee whistled for half-time, which we went into with a small deficit, although this offers some perspective for the second half.
The second half was only a few minutes old when a ball sailed harmlessly into the cross. Unfortunately for us on the wrong side. PSV is not intimidated by this because a minute later the connection is there again when Davy sets Arne free and he finishes 3-2. PSV is looking for the equalizer, but will have to watch out for the Helmond attack. After 10 minutes in the second half, Helmond played a long ball from behind, putting one of their attackers in front of Edson. The Helmond man finishes in a controlled manner to make it 4-2. The next 10 minutes Helmond runs out to a flattered 8-2 lead before PSV can do something back. A nice pass from Mo puts Benji in front of the goalkeeper. The keeper was able to save at first, but the rebound was without chance. Just before the end Arne scores the 8-4 after a cross from Yassin.

Report with thanks to Eric Zeegers