PEC Zwolle and Heracles Almelo another step closer to promotion to premier league

Leaders PEC Zwolle and chasers Heracles Almelo made no mistake in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. The Zwolle players triumphed 2-0 against NAC Breda, while the Almeloans were the better side at TOP Oss: 1-5.

As a result, both clubs remain very likely for direct promotion to the Eredivisie, because number three Almere City, which was too strong in Amsterdam with 2-0 to Jong Ajax, is still far behind.

PEC did not get the gift against NAC Breda, which had no appetite for a beating like FC Den Bosch received last week (13-0). The first opportunity was even for Matthew Garbet, but goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar did not budge.

Dean Huiberts forgot to slide the ball in at the far post after more than a quarter of an hour on a pass from Haris Medunjanin. Shortly after the break he did score, after a wrong return ball from Sabir Agougil (1-0).

NAC Breda still tried, but PEC remained the better team. In the closing stages, substitute Lennart Thy put an end to Breda’s illusions (2-0).

Heracles Almelo made the difference in Oss after halftime. After the opening goal by substitute Riginio Cicilia, Nikolai Laursen headed in two goals (0-3).

Shortly after Kyvon Leidsman’s 1-3, Marko Vejinovic beautifully popped the fourth Heracles goal against the ropes. Laursen scored a hat trick (1-5) in injury time.

Under the watchful eye of Ajax coach John Heitinga and others, Almere City made no mistake against Jong Ajax. Jeredy Hilterman and Lance Duijvestijn (penalty) scored. Mika Godts (Jong Ajax) received his second yellow card shortly after halftime.