RKC has taken a giant step towards another year of Eredivisie. The Waalwijkers scored three times in the first half and deservedly won 3-1 against FC Groningen. The team of coach Joseph Oosting is five points apart from the bottom places with three games to go.
It was like Waalwijk’s carnival in the Mandemakers Stadium. There was every reason to, because RKC was leading 3-0 at halftime. That is something that actually rarely if ever happens. A wealth.
In the fight against relegation, the home match against FC Groningen was a crucial one. The win brought RKC closer to another year in the Eredivisie. If there was a loss, the situation would become very dire.
That realization also seemed to be present among the players. RKC played well and the 3-0 lead at halftime was not even undeserved. In special shirts for charity (Villa Pardoes) FC Groningen was taken by surprise.
Stokers important
The first goal was a gift from Groningen. Damil Dankerlui gave too short a pass back, which Finn Stokkers took full advantage of. The striker, who is not always sure of a starting spot, gave a calling card, because just under ten minutes later the attacker scored his second goal. Ahmed Touba gave a great ball from behind on the entire Groningen defence. Michiel Kramer was collegial and gave his fellow striker an unmissable opportunity. 2-0.
The party was not yet complete, because Richard van der Venne also joined in the festivities. He shot the 3-0 against the ropes with a beautiful lob. The last time RKC scored three times before halftime was in November 2013. Reason for a big party in the well-filled stands.
Enforcement close by
FC Groningen made three substitutions during halftime and returned to the match after an hour of play via Jörgen Strand Larsen. He scored on a pass from former RKC player Cyril Ngonge. But the victory for the Waalwijkers was no longer in danger. It remained 3-1 and so RKC takes three very important points.
With the win, enforcement is very close for RKC. With three games to go, Joseph Oosting’s team is five points clear of sixteenth place. It also has the best goal difference of all the bottom teams. It therefore seems that they can look forward to at least one more year of Eredivisie in Waalwijk. A great achievement.