Telstar held up bravely against leader PEC Zwolle tonight, but still went down 2-0. The goals were scored by Thomas van den Belt. As a result, the playoffs are getting further and further out of sight for the White Lions.
Telstar did not start the game sharply, because within two minutes it came off well. Younes Taha got to the near post in front of his direct opponent and shot just wide. It was Thomas van den Belt, who put PEC ahead. After a foul by Mitch Apau, Van den Belt took a beautiful free kick: 1-0. A period followed without great opportunities, before Telstar suddenly became dangerous.
Christos Giousis was completely free in the box and shot full at goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar (former Telstar). In the counter-punch, the people of Velsen again got away well. On a pass from Lennart Thy, Davy van den Berg faced Ronald Koeman Jr and failed. Haris Medunjanin shot a volley just wide in stoppage time, while Anwar Bensabouh headed into the hands of Schendelaar.
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Just like in the first half, Telstar’s start after the break was weak. This time Thy hit the post. The people of Zwolle remained the most dangerous via Van den Belt (just next to) and Mendunjanin (rescue Koeman). It was Van den Belt who eventually doubled PEC’s margin. The midfielder headed a free kick behind Koeman: 2-0. The post then kept Telstar going again after a shot from Mendunjanin. Shortly before, DJ Buffonge had made his debut with the White Lions.
Substitute Gervane Kastaneer had another huge chance to close the game. His effort was just turned by Koeman. That kept it 2-0, which was also the final score. Due to the defeat, Telstar remains eleventh, but has virtually seven points less than number eight NAC Breda.
Setup Telstar: Koeman; Kruiver (Van den Heerik/78), Aktas, Apau, Oude Kotte, Turfkruier; Najah, Bensabouh (Plet/62), Overtoom; Min (Seedorf/78), Giousis (Buffonge/62)