RKC Waalwijk is far from having a safe harbor in sight. After a 1-1 draw against Sparta on Sunday evening in Rotterdam, coach Henk Fraser’s team remains stuck between hope and fear. The last number in the Eredivisie could not reduce the 6-point gap with its direct competitor for relegation. In the match where there was a chance for victory on both sides, RKC ultimately cherished that one point, which allowed it to catch up slightly with the number one before last, Almere City FC, which lost to Heracles Almelo.
Sparta, reinforced with midfielder Carel Eiting, who was hired from FC Twente, had already dealt some pinpricks when the Rotterdam defense was suddenly completely open. Richonell Margaret rushed forward on the right and gave Oskar Zawada a tap-in: 0-1.
Sparta’s response took until halfway through the first half. Camiel Neghli launched former RKC player Saïd Bakari, who first fooled an opponent and then poked the ball into the far corner: 1-1.
Margaret could have given the guests the lead again, but only half-hit the ball in a promising position, to the relief of Sparta goalkeeper Nick Olij, who had already had to take action a few times.
Hunting for three points
After the break, both teams continued to hunt for the desperately desired three points, especially with attempts from distance. Tobias Lauritsen could have helped Sparta get started, but the Norwegian gave the RKC defenders just enough time to intervene on his way to goalkeeper Jeroen Houwen.
Even a difficult and clever volley from Lauritsen did not break the spell: Houwen’s fists proved to be able to withstand the bullet. On the other hand, the crossbar saved Sparta from a header by Liam van Gelderen.