Frenzied Excelsior sure of retention after big win at Fortuna

Excelsior is assured of playing in the premier league for at least another season. It won 3-0 at home against Fortuna Sittard and, thanks to Emmen’s loss, at home against Feyenoord, is sure of the fifteenth place.

After the final whistle, supporters of Excelsior came onto the field to celebrate the enforcement exuberantly. Coach Marinus Dijkhuizen’s team promoted to the premier league last year after a thriller in the final of the playoffs against ADO Den Haag.

The Kralingers conclude the league next week against FC Volendam, which also became certain of a second consecutive season in the top division on Sunday thanks to the defeat of FC Emmen.

Before halftime, there was little to enjoy at Woudestein. Excelsior came slightly more often than Fortuna in front of the enemy goal, but as is often the case this season, it did not find an end. At the other end, Tijjani Noslin did create some danger with his actions.

After the break, the Kralingers played with a bit more daring. After a tailored cross from Marouan Azarkan, Kik Pierie headed the home side to 1-0. The 2-0 fell following the same recipe: this time Couhaib Driouech headed in after a Kenzo Goudmijn cross.

In the closing stages, the roles were reversed and Goudmijn determined the final score at 3-0 with a sublime effort from Driouech.