Youngsters FC Groningen make themselves heard against Young AZ and give a big victory a historic touch

The first time that FC Groningen played an away match against a promising team as a relegated side this season was on August 21 against Jong FC Utrecht, a 1-0 defeat. That was still in the ambiance of the beautiful Galgenwaard. On Monday evening, the northerners were really confronted with the dark side of playing football in the first division.

It had to happen on the artificial turf field of the cold, remote AZ training complex in Wijdewormer in front of a few hundred spectators, mostly fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers. It wasn’t exactly an inspiring environment for Dick Lukkien’s men, but there was plenty to fight for. In the run-up to the away match in North Holland, the Veendammer coach noticed the will among his players to continue the upward trend of recent weeks.

Flawed team

The northerners were allowed to keep that promise against a poor promise team from AZ, which had to give up three players to the under-19 team of the Alkmaarders. That team will play in the Youth League on Tuesday and that has a higher priority within AZ’s acclaimed training than the first division. For the talents it is mainly about learning and gaining experience, the results of the Young Team are not sacred.

FC Groningen benefited. As difficult as the Lukkien brigade normally finds scoring, it was just as easy in the opening phase against Jong AZ. The first opportunity was a hit for the northerners. It was Radinio Balker who started the attack with a long deep pass from the back. Thom van Bergen received the ball and managed to reach his buddy Jorg Schreuders in the penalty area. The 19-year-old midfielder, originally from Be Quick 1887, poked the ball home and scored his first goal in professional football. A nice reward for the strong development he has been experiencing lately.

Mexx Meerdink

It was a deserved lead for FC Groningen, which had everything under control in Alkmaar in the first half. Goalkeeper Hidde Jurjus was hardly tested. The only one who occasionally tried something on behalf of the North Hollanders was the blonde striker Mexx Meerdink. Indeed, the son of Martijn Meerdink who played 44 official matches for FC Groningen between 2007 and 2009.

It took more than half an hour before FC Groningen converted their dominance into a 0-2 score. While Thom van Bergen and Romano Postema in particular missed good opportunities, the goal, as is often the case this season, ultimately came from a corner kick. Marvin Peersman’s head was found from the corner flag. He brought the ball into the goalmouth, where Luciano Valente effectively got his foot against it.

FC Groningen pressed on

It was a poor reflection of the balance of power, but FC Groningen completely rectified that after the break. The second half was not even three minutes old when Luciano Valente had a huge opportunity face to face with the AZ keeper. The Groninger with Italian roots was unable to keep his composure and shot the ball high.

Yet FC Groningen pressed on a little later. AZ’s youngsters allowed themselves to be pushed back further and further by the Groningen team, who scored 0-3 thanks to excellent preparatory work by Marco Rente on the right flank. The German defender stepped up, brought the ball into the enemy penalty area where Romano Postema was ready to score his third of the season.

Historical touch

Two minutes later, Radinio Balker also made his mark again, just like last Friday against FC Eindhoven. Once again it was a corner kick that preceded the goal by the central defender, a powerful weapon for FC Groningen this season. Thom van Bergen also scored his goal just before the end. The talent from our own training gave the victory a historic touch. For the last away win with a difference of five goals, the clock had to be turned back decades. It will undoubtedly give Lukkien’s team confidence for the near future.