In the first semi-final of the play-offs for the national title, Hovocubo was not surprised by FC Marlène. In Heerhugowaard, the reigning champion won 5-2. In the other semi-final, Amsterdam Lebo did provide a surprise by beating FC Eindhoven 3-1. The returns are next weekend.
Tonight it was the fifth time this season that Hovocubo and FC Marlène crossed swords. On one occasion, the Heerhugowaarders drew the longest straw. In the cup, the team from Hoorn won on penalties and in the championship group, Hovo was the victor on both occasions.
In the first half, the home team was initially the better team, but Soufian Charraoui gave the guests the lead. Faisal Mellah’s 0-2 followed in the second part of the first half, followed almost immediately by the 0-3 (Kevin van London own goal). Mo Darri made sure that the teams went to the changing rooms with a 1-3 halftime score.
In the second half, the Heerhugowaarders tried to fight their way back into the game, but Hovocubo did not flinch. FC Marlène had no luck when Stefan Dol hit the aluminum, but the same was true for Charraoui. After Charraoui’s 1-4, FC Marlène coach Jeroen de Groot bet on an overnumber situation in the last seven minutes by exchanging keeper Barry de Wit for an extra field player. Ilias Bouzit gratefully took advantage by shooting the ball into the empty goal, but moments later it was hit on the other side: Martin van Eeuwijk put the 2-5 final score on the scoreboard in sports hall De Waardergolf.
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You will see a summary of FC Marlène – Hovocubo on our site tomorrow.
Lebo surprised
In Amsterdam, Lebo caused a surprise by winning the other semi-final against FC Eindhoven. It was 3-1 in sports hall Calvin for Lebo, who finished fourth in the championship group. The Brabanters finished in second place and gained thirteen points more.
Friday is the second round in the best-of-three series. If necessary, the decisive third game will follow next Sunday. In both cases, the highest finished teams, so Hovocubo and FC Eindhoven, have the home advantage.