FC Groningen and Heracles dumped out in KNVB Cup upsets
FC Emmen won 2-0 in Groningen while amateur side De Treffers eliminated Heracles Almelo on a dramatic first-round night.
FC Groningen suffered a first-round KNVB Cup exit on Thursday as Jack Cooper-Love scored twice in FC Emmen’s 2-0 away victory. The forward struck before half-time and added his second in the 55th minute, leaving Groningen unable to recover.
Dick Lukkien introduced Hans Hateboer and Marco Rente at the interval, but the changes failed to turn the tie around. Groningen produced what NU.nl described as an uninspired display, and the final whistle was greeted by jeers from the home support. Their elimination means the club will not feature in the second-round draw.
Heracles Almelo were also knocked out after losing 1-0 away to amateur side De Treffers. Sebastiaan van Bakel scored the decisive goal for the Groesbeek club, coached by former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen. Heracles, identified by NU.nl as the leaders of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, made numerous changes to their line-up before suffering the upset.
Elsewhere, Hoek beat Sparta Nijkerk 4-2, GVVV defeated Noordwijk 3-0 and RKAV Volendam won 3-0 against Rohda Raalte. AFC needed extra time to overcome ACV Assen 2-1 in heavy mist, while Purmersteijn advanced with a 2-0 extra-time victory over Gemert. The second-round draw is scheduled for Friday during ESPN’s De Voetbalkantine, beginning at 17:00.
Reported first by
This English write-up is our own summary of the reporting above. Full details remain with the original publishers — please read them at the source.