FC Eindhoven suffered a defeat for the first time this calendar year. The last loss was on December 3 at Almere City, but on Friday evening De Graafschap was 1-2 too strong in the Jan Louwers Stadium.
There were barely thirty seconds on the clock when FC Eindhoven escaped a red card. Defender Vermeulen went into the game with his studs forward and hit opponent Fortes full on the thigh. Referee Van der Eijk thought it was perhaps a bit too early for harsh measures and stuck to yellow.
After more than half an hour of play, the home team fell behind. Neghli pushed the ball from close range behind goalkeeper Bertrams. The team from Eindhoven were then close to equalizing a few times, but it was De Graafschap who made the 0-2 just before half-time.
Matching goal
After the break, the Superboeren were even close to a third goal, but Van Heerthum aimed the ball at the crossbar from close by. Moments later, in the 63rd minute, it was on the other side. Van Son headed in after a cross near the far post. According to De Graafschap players, a foul was committed further in the penalty area, but the arbiter did not agree.
In the time that remained, the team of coach Penders pressed hard, but it did not yield a goal.