Kulenovic and Fofana earn Heracles friendly win over Telstar

Heracles Almelo beat Telstar 2-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the BUKO Stadion on Tuesday afternoon. Luka Kulenovic opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Fode Fofana completed the victory with an impressive individual goal.

Vincent Heilmann used the fixture to give playing time to squad members who had featured less during Heracles’ opening two league matches. Kulenovic led the attack after missing the first game through suspension, while Mimeirhel Benita returned following an injury that had kept him out of both fixtures. David Tomic was also given an opportunity to build his match rhythm.

Heracles created the better chances, although goalkeeper Timo Jansink was required to make a strong one-on-one save during the first half. Kulenovic, Thomas Bruns and Benita all threatened before the break. After half-time, Telstar goalkeeper Daan Reiziger denied Kulenovic, while Fofana found the side-netting following a move down the left.

The breakthrough arrived in the 71st minute, when Kulenovic converted a firmly struck penalty awarded for a foul on Bruns. Fofana added the second in the 84th minute, carrying the ball down the left, beating three opponents and finishing into the far corner. Heilmann told Heracles’ official website that it had been a “very valuable match”, highlighting the minutes gained by his players and an improved defensive performance.