Van Zijl earns De Graafschap first home win against FC Den Bosch
A 22nd-minute finish proved decisive at De Vijverberg as the hosts protected a narrow lead to secure a 1-0 victory.
De Graafschap recorded their first home victory of the season by beating FC Den Bosch 1-0 at De Vijverberg. Bjorn van Zijl scored the only goal in the 22nd minute before the hosts resisted increasing pressure late in the match.
The home side made the brighter start and created several chances after the opening quarter-hour. Nolan Martens had an effort cleared before it crossed the line, Pepijn van de Merbel stopped another attempt and Julian Kania narrowly failed to connect with a cross.
The breakthrough followed when Fedde de Jong beat his opponent on the right and sent a low ball across goal. Van Zijl got ahead of his marker to finish into an open net. He soon threatened again on the counterattack but directed his next effort just beyond the far post.
De Graafschap continued to pursue a second goal after the interval, with Van Zijl unable to bring a bouncing ball under control following another quick break. Mark Diemers then returned to action for the club, while Joran Hardeman also made his comeback from injury later in the half.
FC Den Bosch pushed harder for an equaliser during the closing stages, forcing Ties Wieggers into an important close-range save in the 77th minute. Diemers missed an opportunity to settle the contest at the other end, but De Graafschap held on in front of 10,459 spectators to collect all three points.
Reported first by
- De Graafschap | De Graafschap knokt zich tegen FC Den Bosch naar…— De Graafschap Official
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