FOOTBALL – Hoogeveen has become champion of the Fourth Division A. Despite a 1-0 defeat at RKAVV, coach Nico Haak’s club won the title.
Fifteen minutes before the end of the game, the title was already won, because Purmersteijn had lost 2-1 to SJC. At that time it was still 0-0 in Leidschendam.
The game started fifteen minutes later than scheduled. One of the three supporters buses from Hoogeveen was delayed. Because SJC against Purmersteijn had started at 2 PM, both teams had an advantage, because the game in Noordwijk was important for both teams.
Hoogeveen needed one point in advance to become champion, while RKAVV, in the event of a defeat by Purmersteijn, was able to take over Hoogeveen’s replacement period title.
In a bad match, there was little to enjoy for the audience. The first ten minutes were nice. The home club immediately had a great chance through Zakaria Amrani, but Hoogeveen goalkeeper Stan Meekhof made a skilful save. On the other hand, Hoogeveners became dangerous a few times. But this did not lead to great opportunities, let alone goals. The 0-0 halftime score was also logical.
Even less happened in the second half. When SJC came to 2-0, Hoogeveen could no longer miss the title. In injury time Purmersteijn scored the 2-1, but could not prevent a defeat and so Hoogeveen could already celebrate with fifteen minutes to play.
There was also a party to celebrate for the home club when Tom Pleasure scored the liberating 1-0 just in time and RKAVV secured playoff football.
After the final whistle, the discharge came to everything Hoogeveen cares about. Trainer Nico Haak found it all difficult to comprehend. “Every year it always went wrong in the second half of the season. Now it works, in my last season. Unbelievable, I can hardly comprehend it”, Haak said afterwards with teary eyes.