Hoogezand is fighting against relegation. A visit to Pelikaan S was lost again on Saturday afternoon (3-1). But with the returned Teun Hoekstra in the goal, the hope of enforcement has grown somewhat again.
Last season Hoogezand became champion of the first division. Promotion was not forthcoming, because the club had decided to switch to Saturday football early in the season. Goalkeeper Teun Hoekstra waved off after the title. He preferred to continue as a football player in the second team.
Hoogezand notices this season that the level of Saturday football is a bit higher than what the clubs put on the mat a day later. The title was never in sight, relegation was. The club must make every effort to be able to play in the first division next season.
Blunders
In the battle to avert relegation, Hoogezand ended up with an old acquaintance. Hoekstra, the brother of FC Groningen goalkeeper Jan, was begged to come back under the bar for the remainder of this season. Rick Jungman, who was the first goalkeeper at Hoogezand this season, shot a few times and after his blunders in the away match against Winsum, the goal was enough. The pleas to Hoekstra had an effect.; he reluctantly agreed to a temporary return under the crossbar.
He was on target for the second time against Pelikaan S on Saturday afternoon. The home team is involved in a fierce battle for the title, but the difference in strength on the field was minimal. Hoogezand was more threatening before the break, but it was Pelikaan S that scored. Kasper Oldenburger was easily put aside in a sprint duel with Jan Hooiveld, after which Fabian Stevens was able to slide in Hooiveld’s low cross at the far post.
After the break, Hoogezand continued to defend itself valiantly, but without realizing any opportunities. Halfway through the second half, Pelikaan S once again proved effective. Omar Kavak made his way to the goal, after which Hoekstra was surprised in the short corner. In the final phase, Hooiveld nodded in the 3-0. A minute later, Jimmy Anakotta shot the 3-1 in the far corner. Hoogezand kept fighting for a result, but a shot from Oldenburger and a failed heel ball from Heine Uuldriks missed the target.
Right winger
For Hoekstra, his second game of this season also ended in a loss. It is an unpleasant return under the bar for the time being. ,,I am not here for pleasure, but out of club love. Because I really don’t enjoy it. I give two hundred percent, because I think Hoogezand should play in the first division.”
Attempts by the club to entice Hoekstra to be the first goalkeeper for next season will be fruitless, Hoekstra promises. “I’m really enjoying myself in the second. I am right winger there and I already have 21 in this season. My goal was to score thirty goals. I think I can only play one more game this season, so that number is not going to work out now.”
Hoekstra was not dissatisfied with Hoogezand’s performance against Pelikaan S. ,,It was a great match. For me it took some getting used to. I should have had the second goal. Whether Hoogezand will make it, I don’t know. They have to make it, they have no other choice. Anyway, I’m doing my very best. But next season I will just play football again in the second.’
Pelican S-Hoogezand 3-1
Scoring progression : 39. Stevens 1-0, 75. Kavak 2-0, 84. Hayfield 3-0, 85. Jimmy Anakotta 3-1
Referee : Huizinga
Yellow card : Balvaneh (Pelican S)
Spectators : 50
Pelican S : Van der Lei; Albadawi, Wagenaar, Kuipers and Selasa (79. Harms); Balvaneh, Bellghroub, and Stevens (79. Quilting Anakotta); Rooster, Hooiveld and Kavak
Hoogezand : Hoekstra; Fluks, Oldenburger, Wollinga and Bulder; Hamming, Jimmy Anakotta and Bloeming; Van Zwol (80. Slagter), Uuldriks and Van Engel