The D3 of PSV entered the field with both fear and guts. They were very keen to win, because winning meant only one point behind this leader. The return match, one of the first games of the season, was a debacle. We were sent home with a "coat" of no less than 5-0. Hence those fears, not entirely unjustified. But the guts were also in the legs and heads of our boys. They were looking forward to it and in principle it was possible to win, because Roda JC had also lost some points in the league games. Moreover, the D3 has grown in position and team play since the beginning of the competition. The fighting spirit was also good, especially after the draw in the last two games.

Nevertheless, the first goal was scored in the fifth minute, a nice chance that went high into the net. Our boys straightened their backs and went full on the attack. This was the stamp PSV put on the game in the first half, as the picture showed an attacking PSV and some dangerous breakthroughs by Roda JC.

There were lots of chances. Luc (striker in place of the absent Roland) was repeatedly put in scoring position, but mostly met the excellent Roda goalie. In this he was served by both the outside players and the midfield, with Jordan and Steven standing out especially for their speed. The impetus for the equalizer was a brilliant move that began with a measured length pass from Cody's own half to Steven. Steven controlled the ball well and passed to Luc at the right moment. At first the goalkeeper blocked his effort and his rebound unfortunately went just wide. But the boys smelled their chance and the next perfectly taken corner by Jordan was headed in at the second post by James. That was another action out of the book.

But the defense remained alert. Lars excelled in his central role and also showed his technique by shooting away from behind the stanchions. Armando also showed his dynamism by first blocking a broken player and then heading away the following corner. PSV's flow was unstoppable, the second goal was in the air and was finally scored by Robin, who gratefully took advantage of Jordan's strong cross.

Just after halftime Roda JC responded with a free kick that Stan hit with his fingertips. PSV did not back down at first and continued the attacking efforts of the first half. Cody took a sharp free kick, from which the ball fell to Jordan. This passed quickly to Raffaël, who continued the atmosphere of the first half with a breaststroke and direct shot. Unfortunately the goalkeeper stood his ground. Yet there was a slight turnaround. Roda JC was passing more carefully than PSV, getting more in possession and more on the attack. Suddenly within five minutes it was 2-4 through a Stan's scramble after a corner and a free kick that was too high. Shortly afterwards the opponent got a deserved penalty after a handball and the deficit was almost impossible to make up. The boys were playing football against Roda JC and against themselves. The pattern of play was completely reversed. The sporadic PSV attacks were dangerous but no longer led to a goal. Finally, the team scored the sixth goal of the game; a brilliant goal into the crossbar. The final minutes seemed to bring the lads together and we saw another tightly taken free kick by Raf which was almost headed in by Cody. But to no avail, the referee blew the whistle, we shook our umbrellas dry and the boys left the field with their heads held high. A brilliant battle had been fought and won by Roda JC. On to the next match!

Ank Gakpo - van Bommel