N’Djoli strikes late as Heracles survive VVV comeback in seven-goal opener

Heracles Almelo opened their Eerste Divisie campaign with a remarkable 4-3 victory at VVV-Venlo, recovering after a late collapse had wiped out a commanding three-goal advantage. Jean-Paul N’Djoli settled the contest with a long-range winner after VVV had drawn level in the 86th minute.

The visitors went ahead seven minutes before half-time when Tristan van Gilst converted a penalty awarded for Gabin Blancquart’s foul on Chafik Abbas. Heracles doubled their advantage before the interval, with right-back David Vicente Robles finishing a cross from fellow full-back Manny Rodriguez.

N’Djoli made it 3-0 in the 70th minute, completing a counterattack involving Thomas Bruns and Van Gilst. VVV then launched an unlikely recovery: Dean Zandbergen scored twice after defensive lapses before debutant Devy Hendrix levelled at 3-3. N’Djoli nevertheless responded with his second goal, firing from distance to restore the visitors’ lead.

The win was tempered by another injury concern for Jeff Reine-Adélaïde. Making his first official appearance in almost a year following a serious knee injury, the Frenchman went off after 20 minutes with a hamstring problem. Heracles coach Vincent Heilmann said the midfielder had been the best player on the pitch while involved and added, in comments published by the club, that he hoped the injury was not serious. Heilmann also praised his side’s collective response after conceding the equaliser, while acknowledging that Heracles had created enough chances to put the match beyond VVV much earlier.