Volendam knocks off Emmen in closing stages and remains unbeaten at home in 2023

A curious own goal, an equalizer from a wrongly given corner kick and two late goals after defensive blunders. These were the main ingredients of the relegation cracker between FC Volendam and FC Emmen: 3-1.

The narrow victory means FC Volendam retains its unbeaten status in home matches in 2023. Earlier, Vitesse, FC Groningen and RKC Waalwijk were beaten, while AZ was held to a draw.

But more importantly, Volendam takes further distance from Emmen on the league table. The difference between the numbers fourteen and sixteen of the premier league rises to five points.

Volendam started the game strongly and got a good chance early on through Henk Veerman, who had a starting place for the first time in a month and a half. But after ten minutes Emmen took over the initiative.

That led to a string of small and big chances. Mark Diemers was closest to a goal, but his ball intended as a cross ended up on the post.

Within 12 seconds of halftime, it did hit the mark. Volendam defender Xavier Mbuyamba and goalkeeper Filip Stankovic reacted apathetically to a long ball. Ole Romeny was given an opportunity. The Emmen striker headed at the post, but via Stankovic the ball still crossed the goal line: 0-1.

Once behind, Volendam took control again. Through right back Oskar Buur the home team was soon close to an equalizer, but his effort was headed off the line by Mike te Wierik.

From an unfairly awarded corner (Volendam attacker Walid Ould-Chikh ran the ball over the back line himself), Volendam did equalize moments later. Benaissa Benamar jumped highest and headed in Daryl van Mieghem’s corner kick.

After that, Volendam remained the better team based on effort. But on the counter, Emmen had a good chance for victory. Richairo Zivkovic’s shot was too weak to pass goalkeeper Stankovic.

In the 88th minute, the decision fell at the other end. Emmen defender Julius Dirksen went wrong on a long ball and Bilal Ould-Chikh took advantage: 2-1. The 3-1 in injury time was almost a copy: Emmen defender Keziah Veendorp blundered at a high ball and Van Mieghem gratefully took the gift.

Watch the reactions of Bilal Ould-Chikh and trainer Wim Jonk (FC Volendam) and Keziah Veendorp (FC Emmen):