In a perfunctory statement, N.E.C. Nijmegen soundly defeated Excelsior 2-0 at Stadion de Goffert in the final contest of week two of the Eredivisie.

Coming off their opening week draw with Heerenveen, saved with Stefan Nijland’s late strike, NEC manager Alex Pastoor made a single change to his line-up with Leroy George entering for Nathaniël Will Excelsior manager John Lammers, whose side lost to Feyenoord in the opening week Rotterdam derby, maintained his starting eleven in search of a consistent front.

From the opening whistle, N.E.C. supporters pushed their side on and whilst dominating possession the final turn of the screw was missing with a series of missed opportunities. An early effort via Bram Nuytinck from Ryan Koolwijk’s corner drifted off course before Melvin Platje and skipper Ramon Zomer were unable to close quality chances. Shy of the half-hour Leroy George surged into the area before seeing his effort rasp off the woodwork as Excelsior managed somehow escape the half with the contest scoreless.

The hosts continued to show the greater attacking ingenuity after the break with Mr. Pastoor summoning nineteen year-old Navarone Foor in only his second appearance for Leroy George at the sixty-third minute and it was not long until the home fans were on their feet. Coming with twenty minutes remaining in regulation time Melvin Platje deftly chipped the ball over Excelsior goalkeeper Wesley de Ruiter. Seeing red, N.E.C. charged forward and nine minutes later, Melvin Platje with yet another tantalizing chip over the visiting goalkeeper. With the contest now effectively fait accompli N.E.C. was resolute in not allowing the visitors to advance and went on to claim the 2-0 victory.

Prepared by John Davies
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