Clinical Almere City punish De Graafschap in 4-1 away win

Almere City claimed a 4-1 away victory over De Graafschap after responding ruthlessly to sustained pressure from the hosts. Ferdy Druijf struck in each half, with Enzo Cornelisse and Olivier de Nijs adding late goals to give the final score a one-sided appearance.

De Graafschap grew into the game after goalkeeper Ties Wieggers denied Druijf at close range and Joran Hardeman was forced off injured early on. Julian Kania and his team-mates then created several openings, but Almere went ahead in the 28th minute when a cross was flicked into Druijf’s path and the forward finished from close range.

Kania brought De Graafschap level just before half-time, driving a low free-kick from the edge of the penalty area beyond the goalkeeper. The hosts continued to threaten after the interval through Nart Ahmeti-Grainca, Donny Warmerdam, Gabriele Finocchiaro and Gijs Bolk, while Wieggers also had to intervene at the other end.

Despite De Graafschap enjoying more possession and applying pressure, Almere regained the lead through Druijf in the second half. Cornelisse made it 3-1 in the 80th minute before De Nijs completed the scoring six minutes later. De Graafschap must now turn their attention to an away fixture against Heracles Almelo.