Roda JC has done itself a very disservice by losing 1-0 in the away match against FC Den Bosch.
The second defeat in a row means that the Kerkrades are shooting themselves in the foot with a view to the ranking.
Stripe
The Kerkrades struggled, especially in the second half, with themselves and can no longer reach third place. The play-offs will start for the club from Kerkrade on Tuesday 10 May. Place five is still the highest attainable, also because the direct competitors did take points. Trainer Jurgen Streppel indicated in advance that the position in the ranking and also the fourth period was not the most important and it was mainly about maintaining good form. But the unexpected defeat in Brabant is a blow through the bill for the team, which played entertaining football all season.
possession
In the first half there was still a predominance, but that only resulted in two real chances: Bryan Limbombe failed to pass goalkeeper Van der Steen twice. In between, a shot by Xian Emmers was blocked, but the first company did not yield more than that.
Amendments
Without the suspended Richard Jensen, replaced by Daryl Werker, Streppel also chose Pelé van Anholt as right back and Niek Vossebelt returned to the starting lineup. The midfielder suffered a serious injury in January, had already received minutes as a substitute in recent weeks, but now took the opportunity to make extra playing time so that he can become even fitter. For Van Anholt, the game lasted only 20 minutes. He slipped and had to leave the field with an apparently tough calf injury. Stefano Marzo was his logical replacement.
Duo
Even after the break, the full section saw the same game, but too often it was just not from Kerkraad’s perspective. That is why Streppel brought the technically skilled duo of Benjamin Bouchouari and Davy van den Berg. Both players actively participate in Ramadan and are brought selectively. By bringing in the two youngsters, Roda hoped to push the home club even further back. It eventually resulted in one serious chance: defender Guus Joppen headed a free kick from Patrick Pflücke over the Bossche goal. But it was no longer as dominant as in the beginning of the match. And so there was the negative surprise four minutes before time with Ahannach’s goal.
support
And so Roda travels away from Brabant with a cathartic feeling, because it is an expensive and, above all, unnecessary defeat. Next week Roda JC will close the regular season with a home game against Telstar. Then there is still a tough assignment to make an ultimate attempt at place five and that in turn provides a home advantage in the first play-off round. And to do so in style and to entertain the audience, as has often been the case in recent weeks. Also with a view to the support of those fans in the postseason.