Willem II has won the second period title in the Kitchen Champion Division. The team won 4-1 against Helmond Sport. NAC, the direct competitor for the period title, lost 3-1 to ADO Den Haag. The win means the Tilburg team remains the leader with four points ahead of Roda JC.
With the period title in their pocket, Willem II is assured of participation in the play-offs for promotion to the Eredivisie. The first two places in the final rankings provide a direct ticket to the highest level. Willem II is on course for this, because it has eight points more than number three, ADO Den Haag.
The Tilburg team could have won the period title a week ago, during the penultimate round of the second period, but the club drew with ADO Den Haag.
Things were also difficult against Helmond Sport in the first half. Ringo Meerveld opened the score for Willem II. He passed two opponents and shot the ball past goalkeeper Wouter van der Steen. Helmond Sport made it 1-1 just before half-time with a goal from top scorer Martijn Kaars.
In the second half, the Tilburg team led to 4-1, partly due to a penalty used by Jeredy Hilterman. Jeremy Bokila determined the final score with his eighth goal as a substitute.
“We’re going for the championship.”
The fans have every confidence in it. Next year they may play again against clubs such as Feyenoord and PSV. “The period title is nice, but we are going for the championship. With this trainer it just looks good,” says 9-year-old Abel from Tilburg.
Sadness at NAC
NAC Breda also had a chance to win the period title with a win. However, coach Jean-Paul van Gastel’s team suffered a major defeat in The Hague. NAC took the lead through Roy Kuijpers. Henk Veerman equalized with a subtle shot and Daryl van Mieghem then scored twice beautifully.
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