HHC Hardenberg pulled off the biggest stunt in the KNVB cup tournament by beating Heracles Almelo 2-0. Former FC Groningen footballer Matías Jones (32), who has lived in Roden for years, scored the opening goal.
It was a true popular festival on Wednesday evening in Hardenberg. More than 4,000 spectators saw what they had hoped for in their hearts, but had not dared to count on, happen: their team, which in recent weeks has had difficulty scoring goals in the competition in the Betnation Division, or the Second Division, the team that has already did not win for five weeks in a row, won sovereignly against Heracles Almelo, number 8 in the Premier League.
Six people from Groningen and Drenthe at HHC
Well, in Hardenberg they were also very keen on a victory against their near-neighbour – both stadiums are exactly 37 kilometers apart. An overflowing De Boshoek sports park provided a wonderful cup atmosphere. The team of trainer Pascal Diender, in which a large contingent of Drenthe and Groningers participated with attack leader Rob van der Leij, backs Ashwin Manuhutu and Danny Bouws, and in addition to Jones, midfielders Steyn Strijker and Thomas Reinders, took care of the rest.
Not for a moment did HHC seem impressed by Heracles. “We had a plan,” Jones says by telephone late Wednesday evening, when he has just entered his house in Roden. “Controlled attacks, applying pressure at the right moments. Not just defend, but play with courage. I think we executed that plan well.”
No polonaise, but early to Sellingen
Jones had escaped from the polonaise that was held at De Boshoek until the late hours. “I have to go back to work early on Thursday morning,” laughed the former FC Groningen midfielder, who now works as a sports leader to help young people with problems return to society.
Jones himself scored the first goal just after the half hour. He headed in a corner at the near post. “Nowadays our assistant coach wants me at the far post for corner kicks, but I had the feeling that I should be at the first post,” says Jones. “With my height of 1 meter 75, I have a better chance there. Well, it showed.”
Jones grazed the ball and heard from the enormous noise from the stands that he had scored. “I couldn’t see it myself, but my teammates were all coming towards me. I thought, well, it must be in there.”
‘That 1-0 was the best scenario’
That 1-0 gave the crowd enough fuel to fully support the team for another hour and, of course, give Jones and his men wings. “Of course it’s great to play football. They now had to, probably would, stand one on one at the back, which would create more space for us. This was of course the best scenario,” the Uruguayan beamed.
Almost halfway through the second half, HHC dealt the next blow to Heracles. Jesper Drost, who also has a history with FC Groningen, headed in a low effort just before Rob van der Leij. There was some uncertainty about the maker, but Drost appeared to have touched the ball with his shaved head.
Rob van der Leij became man-of-the-match
Van der Leij, from Eelderwolde, was crowned man of the match. “Rob’s energy was very important,” Jones said. “He made a lot of meters and just kept dragging. But we were just good as a team. Heracles didn’t really have a chance, right? I think we can be very proud.”
Which club would like Jones in the next cup round? “I don’t care,” said the Uruguayan. “A big club is of course always nice. It will be great if we can keep this up for a few more rounds.”