FC Volendam’s relegation had been in the air for some time, but only became final after the defeat against Ajax. Partly due to the victory earlier in the afternoon of RKC Waalwijk at Heracles Almelo, Michael Dingsdag’s formation – he replaced the sick Regillio Simons as coach – had to play at least a draw in order not to be officially relegated.
That was too big a task against Ajax, the Amsterdammers were too good for that even in a low gear. Although it must be said that the home team also had some bad luck, such as in the opening phase when Damon Mirani was set down by Ajax goalkeeper Gerónimom Rulli. Referee Bos was called to the screen by the VAR, but found offside rather than a penalty.
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Darius Johnson was also unfortunate, shortly after half-time, when he responded attentively to George Cox’s deep pass. The wing attacker spooned the ball over the outcoming Rulli, but the post blocked a goal.
It was at a time when Ajax had already taken the lead and had the match under control. After an attack via Devyne Rensch and Chuba Akpom, Kenneth Taylor was free to shoot the ball.
In the second half, the team from Amsterdam further increased the score through goals from Chuba Akpom, Brian Brobbey and Taylor again. Substitute Beniassa Benamar scored ten minutes before the end, but that did not change the verdict: relegation.
FC Volendam-Ajax 1-4. 25. Taylor 0-1, 59. Akpom 0-2, 70. Brobbey 0-3, 77. Taylor 0-4, 80. Benamar 1-4.
FC Volendam: Backhaus; Platt, Mirani (76. Benamar), Flint, Cox; Twigt, Le Roux (81. Mau-Asam), De Haan (66. Nazih); Booth, Vivaldo (66. Buur), Johnson (76. Douiri).
Ajax: Rulli; Resch, Kaplan, Sutalo, Hato; Henderson (81. Vos), Talyor, Mannsverk (71. Van den Boomen); Akpom (88. Rijkhoff), Brobbey (81. Fitz-Jim), Godts (71. Berghuis).
