There is no desired experience of success, but FC Groningen is spared new cup drama in Rijnsburg

While FC Groningen was on its way by bus to the bulb region on Wednesday afternoon for the cup match against Rijnsburgse Boys, a banner was nailed to the wall next to the main entrance of the Euroborg. ‘The time of ego and cronyism is over. Supervisory Board resign’, it was written in no uncertain terms.

Dull misery

It was a response to the meeting canceled by the supporters’ association with the supervisory board (SB), which was to take place on Tuesday evening. The representation of the supporters of FC Groningen wanted to know from the supervisors what the plans are to pull the club out of the doldrums after two years of dull misery. The supporters’ association withdrew from the agreement and withdrew its confidence in the Supervisory Board, after chairman Erik Mulder made the additional requirement that director Wouter Gudde also had to be present at the meeting. At FC Groningen, this concerns the policy to be pursued. It was a bridge too far for the supporters.

In the midst of the growing storm at the struggling FC Groningen, coach Marcel Groninger tried to freshen the heads of his players for the cup job. Yes, Marcel Groninger. The assistant coach replaced head coach Dick Lukkien in Rijnsburg, who remained in Groningen for dental treatment with a severe infection at the root of his molar and a swollen cheek. For Groningen it was a silent dream come true. The current second trainer hoped to take control years ago after the departure of Ernest Faber, but in vain.

Van Veen back on the bench

During his debut as head coach for FC Groningen, Groninger, who, like his colleague Lukkien, kept striker Kevin van Veen on the bench, saw that the first pinpricks of the cup meeting came from the Rijnsburgse Boys side. Yet the first serious opportunity was for Liam van Gelderen, who had returned to the FC Groningen starting line-up. The right back shot high after a quick break.

In the first half hour things were evenly matched between the pros and the top amateurs. The home club even seemed to be on its way to the opening goal with Delano Asante breaking through. On behalf of FC Groningen, Marvin Peersman pulled the emergency brake. Referee Richard Martens, an experienced referee in professional football, could have drawn a red card, but to the anger of the Rijnsburgse Boys supporters, showed a mild yellow card. The free kick that followed 20 meters from Hidde Jurjus’ goal caused some danger, but FC Groningen kept it dry.

Valentine close by

In the last fifteen minutes of the first half, FC Groningen, as could be expected from the northerners, finally started to push a little harder. Rijnsburgse Boys was increasingly pushed back into their own half. It led to a few good opportunities for the Groningers to take the lead. Luciano Valente came closest on a pass from Wouter Prins, but did not score.

The supporters of Rijnsburgse Boys, already plagued by injuries, meanwhile complained that they saw two of their own players disappear into the dressing room at the hands of FC Groningen. It earned Wouter Prins and Thom van Bergen yellow cards, but it did not change much in the game.

Deeper in the swamp

FC Groningen also initially continued to struggle to create chances against the top amateurs in the second half. In fact, the first chances after the break were for Rijnsburgse Boys. Former professional footballer Furghill Zeldenrust could have pushed the northerners even deeper into the swamp, but Groningen goalkeeper Jurjus proved his worth.

In the counterattack, Luciano Valente tried with a shot, but the Rijnsburgers’ closing post saved with an outstretched leg. A short time later, Marvin Peersman freed FC Groningen from a leaden burden. The defender headed in a corner from Prins. It was a huge liberation, the relief was great on the field and on the bench of FC Groningen, especially when the northerners also survived the home club’s final offensive.

The worries are certainly not over yet, but while many professional football clubs lost to amateurs in the first cup round, the Groningers were spared another cup drama.