Willem II struck head KKD | William II

Rhoda JC seized the initiative in this great race, taking the first corners and opportunities, but Willem II’s first chance was immediately won. Thijs Oosting tries it from distance and his effort beats goalkeeper Koen Bakker: 0-1.

Roda JC could have leveled the scores quickly, but Enrique Zaner got the ball wrong at his feet in front of Willem II goalkeeper Smits. The next scoring chance came again to Tilburg. Ringo Meerveld controlled the ball well with his thigh on the edge of the penalty area and then fired a shot over the crossbar.

Willem II coach Peter Mays left his team unchanged immediately after the break, but after fifteen minutes brought on super sub Jeremy Pokila for Gerry Hilderman. Can ‘Bogie’ strike again after scoring five times as a substitute in last three games?

In the second half, Willem II seemed to control the opposition better. And the Tricolors made more and more room to counter as the home side looked at full strength to equalise.

But Tilburg were too sloppy in possession to score a second free. On the other hand, Rhoda JC could not create big chances.

Time worked in Willem II’s favor, cheered on by the 800 fans who traveled with him. In the closing stages, Michael de Leeuw came to Osting. Amin Lachkar also came to Verret.

In added time, Saydoy Bangura headed over the bar in a promising position, so Willem II escaped a late equalizer to secure a crucial win.

William II: Smith; St. Jako, Bejonek, Schouten, Sigurkirsen; Doodeman, Bosch, Meerveld, Verreth (85. Lachkar); Hilderman (59. Bogila), Oosting (83. de Leeuw).