FOOTBALL – ACV suffered another defeat in the Second Division deep in Zeeland. When they visited HSV Hoek, the people of Assen lost 2-1, although according to trainer Paul Matthijs there could have been more.
“They really started better and sharper, Hoek has a good team with a lot of power and physicality,” Matthijs concluded afterwards. “We had problems with that, especially in the first half.”
Hoek, which eliminated FC Eindhoven in the KNVB Cup last week, makes it 1-0 when Robbie van Hauter shoots in through ACV goalkeeper Max Wolfs. “After that, fortunately we started the match a little better, with some small opportunities,” Matthijs looks back.
Just before half time, ACV leveled thanks to a beautiful goal by Lentini Caciano, who hit the ball very hard. “Before that, our goalkeeper took a 100 percent chance from Hoek,” says Matthijs.
The 1-1 score ensures an open second half. ACV gets an excellent chance to score 1-2 through Kian Slor, but Hoek goalkeeper Finn Murre made a wonderful save. A little later the ball is in the other side, when Elijah Mansaray unfortunately turns Kevin Hebbelinck’s cross behind his own goalkeeper: 2-1.
“Then you play all or nothing,” says Matthijs. Through Boy Spijkerman and Luca Broers, the people of Assen still have good chances to score an equalizer, but in the end ACV has to recognize its superiority in the Zeelanders.
“Disappointment prevails,” Matthijs looks back. “If you score 1-2 here, it will be more difficult for them and we will have more confidence. Then it will be extra sad that you will concede such a goal again.”
The coach is also hopeful, because ACV has proven that it can compete with the better clubs in the Second Division. “Hopefully more players will return soon,” he says, referring to the well-stocked infirmary.
ACV now faces a return journey of more than four hours on the bus. A trip that they already made once, when just under a month ago the match in Hoek was stopped after twenty minutes of play due to thunder.
Next week ACV will play at home against De Treffers. They, just like Hoek, performed in the KNVB Cup last week by winning 3-1 against MVV Maastricht.