FC Volendam failed to beat Roda JC tonight. It ended in a 1-1 draw in an extremely difficult game. Based on the game, the North Hollanders were not actually entitled to a point, but goalkeeper Filip Stankovic kept his team going several times.
FC Volendam led halfway through, but Wim Jonk’s team had a hard time with the Limburgers. The eel farmers had only 25 percent possession in the first act. This may have had to do with the 5-3-2 setup, in which Daryl van Mieghem was surprisingly missing. Filip Stankovic and Damon Mirani therefore had to act several times to prevent a goal against.
Despite the difficult game, Achraf Douiri managed to open the score after eight minutes. Robert Mühren wanted to lash out, but hit the ball wrong. Douiri suddenly got a chance and shot flawlessly in the bottom left corner: 0-1. The only other possibility for FC Volendam was a long shot from Mühren. From about 45 meters, the striker saw Roda goalkeeper Rody de Boer standing far in front of his goal. His bet went wide.
Waiting for a goal
Roda JC also had the best opportunities in the second half. Patrick Pflucke shot wide and Xian Emmers saw his effort saved from close range by Stankovic’s legs. The equalizer was inevitable and it showed. Dylan Vente headed in the 66th minute from a cross from the left of Richard Jensen.
FC Volendam got a little more grip on the match after that goal, but that did not lead to great opportunities. Due to the draw, the record series has grown from the leader to 23 games in a row without a defeat. The lead on number two FC Emmen is five points. The people of Drenthe have played one game less.
FC Volendam line-up: Stankovic; Mirani, Benamar, James (Eerdhuijzen/80); Douiri (Ben Sallam/46), Deul, Twigt, W. Ould-Chikh (Van Mieghem/46), B. Ould-Chikh (Antonucci/62); Muhren, Oristanio (Candle/62)