Things are not going well in the competition, but Hoogeveen did qualify for the tournament for the ‘big’, national KNVB cup on Wednesday evening. Division mate Staphorst was defeated 3-0.
After the defeats against SC Genemuiden (1-2), Hercules (5-0), Kampong (0-3) and Harkemase Boys (4-0) in the third division, the hope of surviving the second qualifying round of the cup tournament was not very big in the Hoogeveen camp. Of course, that one draw against HSC’21 (2-2) ten days ago gave some hope.
Hold on to Staphorst’s bad start
And what’s more, Staphorst’s start in the third division certainly didn’t last. The Staphorst team won only once and also lost four games. Trainer Stef Lamberink could hold on to that.
He did that too, but Hoogeveen’s new coach was not at all surprised by the result afterwards. “I knew we could do this,” said Lamberink, while his shoulders were practically beaten blue by passing Hoogeveen directors and sponsors. “We have a good team and I didn’t really want to make a plan in advance to stop Staphorst, I wanted to start from our own qualities: strong on the ball and strong offensively if we can play a lot between the lines. I think that plan was well executed. With our central defensive duo Louis Vijfhuizen and Alex Blekkink as absolute standouts. Those two have done a lot of work, also in a constructive sense. I am very proud.”
Shortly before half time the 2-0
The match soon turned in Hoogeveen’s direction. Noah Schuurman made it 1-0 for the home team after an excellent through ball from just outside the penalty area. The 2-0 came from the foot of Emil Bijlsma. The midfielder, who was fit again after a long period of injury, took a deflected corner, turned inside and scored well: 2-0. That was shortly before halftime.
At the beginning of the second half it was all hands on deck for Lamberink’s team, when Staphorst tried to force the tying goal with an offensive. But that didn’t happen thanks to sharp defensive work. Halfway through the second half, Justin Benjamins ended the match with his first and Hoogeveen’s third goal. After a quick counter and a one-two with Sil Kuurman, the Staphorst keeper saved Kuurman’s shot, but Benjamins was able to tap in the rebound: 3-0.
And now? ‘Heracles of Emmen!’
Which (professional) club Lamberink would prefer in the first round of the cup tournament? “Well, one from the region,” said the trainer from Vroomshoop, laughing. “Heracles would of course be beautiful,” I say as Twent. But also FC Emmen or FC Groningen. Let them come!”