Fortuna has made a welcome win in the home game against SC Heerenveen. Two goals from Zian Flemming ensured a 2-0 win.
For the first time since early November, there were spectators in the stadium again. Against Heerenveen there were more than 4200 and the Sittards motto was ‘take points’!
Debut
At Fortuna, Dimitrios Siovas made his debut in the reinforced defence, alongside his compatriot Andreas Samaris and completed by Martin Angha. This gave backs Mickaël Tirpan and George Cox room to make offensive actions. That had an immediate effect in a strong initial phase with a shot from Cox, a header from Flemming and a best chance for Mickael Tirpan.
Head Start
In the 14th minute, the offensive actions led to Sittard’s lead: Tirpan gave the lead and Zian Flemming opened the score, 1-0. An attractive duel developed at a high pace with opportunities for the Frisian guests. A shot from far on the post by Heerenveen debutant Thom Haye just before Flemming’s opening goal. Heerenveen was dangerous later on through Anthony Musaba (twin brother of Fortunees Richie) but goalkeeper Yanick van Osch kept the ‘0’. Van Osch returned to the team because Michael Verrips was not part of the selection due to corona.
Messy
The second half started with messy football. Sloppy play and a lot of ball loss marked the first minutes after the break. The guests had the better of the game, Fortuna bet on the counter.
After an hour, Ole Tobiasen – De Deen played football for MVV and is the current interim coach of Heerenveen after the dismissal of trainer Johny Jansen – his first substitution. Sjors Ultee also made a change to give his team new impulses: Charlison Benschop made his debut at Fortuna at the expense of Tesfaldet Tekie. There were still about 20 minutes to play. Benschop’s first shot on goal resulted in a corner. Zian Flemming scored the 2-0 from that corner.
Final phase
Newcomer Siovas ran out and was replaced by Nigel Lonwijk. Heerenveen tried via a header from Al Hajj (naas) and a shot by substitute Armin Sarr, which was boxed away by Van Osch. Fortuna held their ground in the extra seven minutes.
Fortuna continues with confidence a series of matches in which points have to be taken, next week the away game at Groningen is on the program. This is followed by Sparta, Cambuur, PEC and Willem II.