NOS Football••Amended
PEC Zwolle, the leader in the first division, won 4-1 at home against Young AZ. Number two Heracles Almelo lost 3-1 at VVV and saw its backlog grow to ten points.
The AZ talents scared PEC via Mexx Meerdink, who first fired straight at Jasper Schendelaar and moments later into the side net. PEC was extremely efficient through Apostolos Vellios (subtle lob) and Younes Taha (twice). After the break, Dean Huiberts headed in the 4-0, after which Meerdink scored his well-deserved goal (4-1).
Heracles is surprised
Schoofs brought Heracles 0-1 in Venlo from a quick breakout. But the strong VVV turned the score around after the break with a shot from Nick Venema, a shot from the turn from Kees de Boer and a beauty from Mitchell van Rooijen (3-1).
Heracles is now ten points behind PEC. Number three in the ranking is Almere City, which won 1-0 on a visit to FC Eindhoven thanks to a goal from Pascu.
NAC too strong for De Graafschap
NAC and De Graafschap were both active in the cup tournament midweek. The team from Breda lost to sc Heerenveen, De Graafschap continued to convert after a victory over De Treffers. A welcome boost, because De Graafschap only won once in the league in 2023.
Before the match there was a nice tribute for Ralf Seuntjens, former player of NAC and De Graafschap, who was recently told that he is free of lymphoma. Supporters of both teams welcomed him with fireworks at the entrance of the stadium.
The match was won by NAC. Shortly before the break, Odysseus Velanas opened the score for the home team from the penalty spot. In the 55th minute, Ezechiel Banzuzi made the final score 2-0.
At De Graafschap, Richard Roelofsen stood along the line as a trainer. He takes the honors where now coach Adrie Poldervaart is out due to a rare muscle disease.
