1/2 Torches among the supporters of Willem II (photo: Leon Voskamp).
They played together in the Eredivisie last year, but on Friday evening RKC Waalwijk and Willem II met each other in the Kitchen Champion Division. The Tilburg team won 2-3 and therefore remain in the sub-top.
Especially in Waalwijk, the derby against Willem II is the match of the year. The Mandemakers Stadium was packed on Friday evening at 6:30 PM, instead of the usual time of 8:00 PM, although public interest is good this season anyway. The Waalwijk supporters showed up with a huge banner, and a lot of noise was made by the Tilburg fans in the crowded away section.
There was little sign of a derby on the field. The initial phase of the match was a bit tentative and only Denilho Cleonise was threatening on behalf of the home team. Goalkeeper Thomas Didillon-Hödl made the save in the short corner.
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Devin Haen’s opening goal after 27 minutes was of great beauty and did not match the image of the minutes before. The Willem II striker received the ball at his feet after a corner, took the ball and shot in cleverly.
RKC Waalwijk reacted quickly and had a great chance to equalize through Tim van der Leij. The attacker’s shot flew high over the goal. Willem II was then close to 0-2, but a shot from Uriël van Aalst was knocked out of the corner by goalkeeper Mark Spenkelink. RKC Waalwijk then escaped when a hard shot by defender Alessandro Ciranni from about 30 meters ended up on the post. In the final phase of the first half, RKC Waalwijk pressed, but the halftime score remained 0-1.
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The second half started spectacularly. First, Willem II supporters lit many torches, which will undoubtedly result in a fine for the club. A few minutes later they scored when Thomas Verheijdt headed in a cross from the right flank: 0-2.
After the second Tilburg goal, it was the home team that took the initiative and went in search of the 1-2. Van der Leij was unlucky when his header was tapped against the crossbar by the goalkeeper. The Waalwijkers continued to attack, but were not able to make it really difficult for their Tilburg neighbor.
Haen’s 0-3 in the 78th minute from a corner seemed to be the decision. Yet two minutes later it became a bit exciting with substitute Jesper Uneken’s goal. In extra time Jordi Altena even made it 2-3, but the referee immediately blew the whistle.
Willem II is fourth due to the win, although there are several teams that can pass in the rankings tonight. RKC Waalwijk is in the middle of the table due to the defeat.
