Almere wins over Jong Utrecht just before time and still takes third period title

Almere City clinched a period title for the fourth time in the club’s history. Coach Alex Pastoor’s team had to win at home in a catch-up match against Jong FC Utrecht and did just that thanks to a goal by captain Damian van Bruggen, shortly before time: 1-0.

The match against Jong Utrecht on March 10 had been cancelled due to snowfall. Therefore, the third period title could not yet be awarded. NAC was only two points ahead of Almere, so a win would allow the Almere players to climb over the Breda team. So it happened. With the period title, Almere City also secured a spot in the playoffs for promotion/degradation.

The first quarter of an hour Monday night was clearly for the Almere players. Lance Duijvestijn was close to the opening goal after four minutes with a slider wide of the post. After twelve minutes, Anthony Limbombe, a former Belgian international, shot at the crossbar.

After that, Jong Utrecht was the dominant side until halftime, without creating huge chances. After the break, Almere was again the most dangerous team. The biggest chance came after 66 minutes. Pascu had a free header about six meters from the goal, but he grazed the ball.

As a result, it seemed for a long time that the league’s number three would get no further than 0-0, but captain Van Bruggen still worked the ball from a corner behind goalkeeper Thijmen Nijhuis (1-0).

The three points do not matter for the ranking. Almere remains third, but the gap to number two Heracles has been reduced to eleven points.

FC Dordrecht played, not yet climate neutral, at De Toekomst against Jong Ajax. The Schapenkoppen lost 4-1.

Jong PSV dealt with Roda JC in convincing fashion. Adil Ramzi’s team won 5-1. Jason van Duiven scored a hat trick.

Alexander Büttner scored the only goal in the match between De Graafschap and Jong AZ. The experienced defender used a penalty kick in the first half: 0-1.