Three points! That was the result after a tough night of football for NEC against PEC Zwolle. With an extra man on the pitch in the last half hour, Rober González was ultimately the celebrated man. The Spaniard tapped the ball into the net from close range three minutes before the end.
The match got off to a slow start in a rainy Goffert stadium. In fact, NEC had yet to create any serious chances after 45 minutes of play. Only Koki Ogawa made himself heard in injury time in the first half, when he shot slightly hastily wide in a promising position.
On the bar
PEC Zwolle, on the other hand, was very dangerous in the first half. First, through a great individual action by Odysseus Velanas. However, his cross went past everyone. A little later, his cross did reach a teammate, but Davy van den Berg was unlucky in finishing: his shot exploded on the crossbar.
After a nice farewell from Bart van Rooij, NEC came out of the dressing room a bit more aggressive. When Thierry Lutonda had to leave the pitch after three quarters of the match with his second yellow card from referee Sander van der Eijk, the sold-out Goffert stadium turned on once more. The newly substituted Sontje Hansen did the same and lacked some luck in his finishing.
Late goal
But the most attacking impulses came from left back Thomas Ouwejan. It was therefore no coincidence that the most recent reinforcement gave the assist for the opening goal on his debut in the Goffert stadium. Ouwejan passed the ball tightly and via Koki Ogawa and goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar the ball came on a silver platter for Rober González. The Spaniard took advantage of this golden opportunity and shot NEC to the first victory of the new season.
With that, NEC is off the hateful zero. Next week, the last match of the first period of Eredivisie football follows: then NEC visits Fortuna Sittard. Kick-off is Saturday in Limburg at 18:45.
Score progression
64. Thierry Lutonda plays card
87. Rober Gonzalez 1-0
NEC line-up: Roefs; Pereira (67. Ouwejan), Márquez, Nuytinck, Verdonk; Hoedemakers (58. Hansen), Healthy, Proper; Robert, Koki, Önal (81. Darelas)
Man of the Match: Rober
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