Leader FC Volendam has done very good business in the first division. They narrowly beat MVV 1-0, equaling a club record from 1970. The eel farmers are now unbeaten for 21 games in a row. In addition, competitors Excelsior and ADO Den Haag went down tonight.
FC Volendam lacked the sick Franco Antonucci. He was replaced by Bilal Ould-Chikh, who was therefore for the first time in the base together with his brother Walid Ould-Chikh.
Back and forth
Walid Ould-Chikh was at the origin of the first possibility. He served left winger Daryl van Mieghem, after which the ball ended up at Robert Mühren. The striker encountered MVV goalkeeper Romain Matthys. Despite FC Volendam’s dominance, the home team also had opportunities. Mart Remans shot just wide and Filip Stankovic made a few good saves.
After the break, trainer Wim Jonk’s team came out of the dressing room weak. Tim Zeegers seemed to quickly put FC Volendam behind, but captain Damon Mirani headed the ball off the line. Moments later, Stankovic had to come into action again to defuse MVV’s chances.
Liberating goal
Competitors Excelsior and ADO Den Haag were already well behind at that time, giving FC Volendam an excellent opportunity to distance themselves. Just under twenty minutes before the end, Walid Ould-Chikh finally broke the spell. He got the ball somewhat fortunately at his feet and fired the ball with the left into the bottom right corner.
The spell was broken, but Boy Deul missed a big chance to make it 0-2. He shot just wide after a strong play. MVV then went on to play all-or-nothing and got a few more chances to equalize. Stankovic, however, proved impassable.
Situation
Due to the loss of Excelsior (3-0 against Jong PSV) and ADO Den Haag (5-0 against Roda JC), the lead of list captain FC Volendam is now nine points. The North Hollanders have played one more game. FC Emmen, which plays tomorrow, can come to four points from Volendam with two victories.
FC Volendam line-up: Stankovic; Kasius, Mirani, Benamar, Eerdhuijzen (Flint/75); Deul, W. Ould-Chikh (Ben Sallam/75), Oristanio (A. Plat/58); B. Ould-Chikh (El Kadiri/75), Mühren, Van Mieghem (Candle/66)