In the battle for direct enforcement in the Eredivisie, every point is welcome at RKC Waalwijk. Especially if you play against a competitor from the right row on your own field. However, the Waalwijkers were unable to beat Fortuna Sittard on Saturday evening thanks to a world-class goal just before the end from striker Kaj Sierhuis: 0-1.
Under the bar at RKC Waalwijk was Etienne Vaessen, who was sent off against Feyenoord last week. However, the red card was dismissed, allowing the goalkeeper to participate. However, supporters had not forgotten the questionable card and showed a number of banners about the VAR in the first half.
Boring first half
The first half in Waalwijk was nothing to write home about. In cold Waalwijk, RKC striker David Min had the best chance, but his shot into the far corner was saved by goalkeeper Michael Verrips. Shortly before the half-time signal, Reuven Niemeijer came dangerously in front of the Limburg goal. The midfielder’s header went just wide.
Fortuna Sittard was dangerous before half time through Inigo Cordoba, to which Vaessen had an answer. The visitors arrived early in the second half. Striker Kaj Sierhuis was very close to scoring and shortly afterwards Rodrigo Guth headed against the post. RKC Waalwijk had difficulty with the increased pace and had to limit themselves to defending.
Stronger Fortune
Halfway through the second half, the home team opened the score against the odds. Right back Julian Lelieveld was completely free in the sixteen-meter area, but did not go for his own success. He could have done that better, because Chris Lokesa was offside when the cross was tapped in.
In the last twenty minutes it was very messy what both teams showed. The game seemed to be heading for 0-0, but Sierhuis thought differently. He gave his team three points with a fantastic long-range shot into the top corner. And that victory was justified based on the second half.
Playoffs
There are still eleven matches scheduled in the Eredivisie and there is certainly no question of relegation stress in Waalwijk. The gap with the bottom two teams Vitesse and FC Volendam is six points. However, sixteenth place is not the place where you want to end up, because playing play-offs against teams that would like to promote is often a tough task.