Heracles stays ahead of PEC on goal difference; first division denouement next week

Heracles Almelo goes into the final round of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie as the leader. The Almeloërs won Friday night as did rival PEC Zwolle and are still on top based on goal difference.

Visiting NAC Breda, the leaders won 3-0, while PEC was too strong for Roda JC Kerkrade 3-1 in front of their own crowd.

After 37 rounds of play, Heracles and PEC Zwolle both have 82 points. The leader’s goal difference of 59 is just a bit higher than PEC’s (55).

The exciting title battle will be decided next week. Heracles then gets a visit from Jong Ajax, while PEC ends the league with an away game against Helmond Sport.

Heracles showed very little for a long time in Breda, but did take the lead after just under an hour of play. Emil Hansson scored on a pass from Anas Ouahim, who kept the overview after a nice dribble.

A delightful free kick (after NAC goalkeeper Roy Kortsmit rashly stepped out and was red carded for it) by Marko Vejinovic decided the game, and just after that Lasse Wehmeyer jacked up the goal difference some more.

Afterwards the Heracles players celebrated the victory – and the possible title – extensively with the travelling supporters.

PEC surrendered the lead with a defeat against Jong PSV on Monday and thus had to hope that Heracles would make a slip or score a lot themselves.

A penalty kick scored by Lennart Thy midway through the first half gave PEC the lead, and shortly after halftime Haris Medunjanin fired in the 2-0.

Lennard Hartjes’ counter goal not only made the match more exciting, it also provided another minus point for the goal difference. Apostolos Vellios’ goal just before time was therefore very welcome for PEC.

After that goal, the match in Zwolle had to be stopped because cups of beer landed on the pitch by cheering supporters.

VVV-Venlo secured the sixth and final playoff ticket. It won 2-1 at home against De Graafschap thanks to a goal by Daan Huisman in extra time.