FC Utrecht – PEC Zwolle was a match with two faces. There was little to nothing to do in the first half. FC Utrecht couldn’t get it going, and PEC Zwolle slowly engaged in actions. Victor Jensen was not having his day and Boussaid was wandering across the field again.
The fireworks prior to the match had a paralyzing effect on both teams. Fortunately, the hundreds of Mark van der Maarel fans in section U brought some cheer with their songs. They were mainly students. The fans of PEC Zwolle also noticed this and were soon asked about the banga list of the Utrecht Student Corps. The atmosphere remained pleasant.
At halftime we expressed our concerns. Performing so poorly in the first half did not bode well for the second half. But we had not counted on Ron Jans. No fewer than three new forces at the start of the second half. The most notable was Mark van der Maarel. But also Lidberg. He has not had a happy period at FC Utrecht so far. During the warm-up I understood Jans’ choice. Lammers is too isolated and adding another striker created more space.
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Lidberg
Mark van der Maarel proved his worth. Cross from the right and Lammers with the 1 – 0. That Mark, he was buried by the players. The 20,000 chanted his name. A few minutes later, Toornstra made it 2 – 0 with a cannonball. FC Utrecht swept PEC Zwolle off the mat. De Galgenwaard experienced it like a dream. Half an hour before time the score suddenly becomes 2 – 1. Oops. But then, Lidberg with the 3 – 1 and 4 – 1. Twice from the left, there were the spaces. Great for that boy. Hopefully he will now throw away all hesitation and, together with Lammers, find the net more often. A few minutes before the end the 5 – 1 by Blake. Also a nice introduction for him. De Galgenwaard imagined itself in a European atmosphere.
Home game
The second half offers perspective for next Sunday when FC Utrecht visits Heerenveen. The Lammers/Lidberg duo could well be Columbus’s egg. And we have to go for a result. We are in 8th place. That could be enough for a play-off ticket. But the higher we end up, the better. If I’m right, you’re playing a home game. Then the problem in Amsterdam is immediately solved. As it now appears, Ajax will not be able to play its home match in its own stadium. The Toppers then celebrate their party. So swerve. Olympic Stadium? Then I can fill it in for the FC Utrecht supporters. I’ll just report it, then it’s up to FC Utrecht to get up on time for the fans.
Ron Jans’ intervention at halftime has brought about a change. Would it? Based on the second half, FC Utrecht can beat almost anyone. Six games left in the competition. Then hopefully the play-off. Ultimately a good end to a mediocre season. I heard the fans singing about Lithuania again!
