ADO Den Haag did not manage to continue the good run. When visiting VVV-Venlo, Darije Kalezic’s team narrowly lost: 2-1. The people of The Hague were 2-1 behind at halftime. Unfortunately, as has often been the case this season, they were unable to make a comeback in the second half.
On a snow-free field in the Covebo Stadium – De Koel, Darije Kalezic’s team played with six different names compared to the cup match against Excelsior Maassluis last week. Asante, Granli, Van Hintum, Esajas, Veerman and Ideho returned to the starting line-up.
The match was less than seven minutes into the game when referee Teuben put the ball on the spot after Ideho was taken to the ground by Berden in the penalty area. Veerman was allowed to try from eleven meters, but did not use his penalty. The next opportunity presented itself at the other end of the field when Kaastrup tested Marsman’s goal from a considerable distance. The crossbar offered salvation for ADO Den Haag. Both teams could open the score in just a few minutes, but failed to do so. The home team persevered; Once again it was Kaastrup who caused danger, this time Marsman managed to defuse the bet. ADO Den Haag was not yet in a good position in the match and the home team took advantage of this; Sierra scored low for VVV-Venlo: 1-0. However, they could not enjoy it for long, because less than three minutes later, Van der Sande, just like last week, brought ADO Den Haag back to the same level. From a custom cross from Asante, the shadow striker was able to work the ball against the ropes in a controlled manner: 1-1.
In the phase that followed, the pace slowed down slightly and neither team could really become dangerous. Only ten minutes before the half-time signal, ADO Den Haag showed itself again, after Van Mieghem managed to get the ball behind the last line. Ideho responded excellently to this, but was unable to pass goalkeeper De Boer. On the other hand, Ketting succeeded. The captain of the Limburgers headed VVV-Venlo ahead a few minutes before the tea break: 2-1. For a moment it seemed as if the visitors could level the score again when just before half time a free kick was given to the Hague team. Surmeli was close, but saw his shot, from about 20 meters, explode against the crossbar. Thus, ADO Den Haag again had 45 minutes to turn the tide.
The same 22 names returned to the field after the tea break. It was the home team that took the initiative in the second half. Ideho created some danger in the enemy penalty area with his actions and Surmeli was also able to try again. Unfortunately without success. The biggest chance so far in the second half came from Van der Sande. The emerging Asante once again laid the ball ready for the attacking midfielder. Van der Sande tried to surprise De Boer at the far post, but saw his header saved. In the meantime, VVV-Venlo handed out some pinpricks, but it was nothing more than that.
With two fresh players, Sellouki and Vigen, ADO Den Haag still had half an hour to overcome the narrow deficit. It was not easy for the Hague formation. They patiently continued to pass the ball around, waiting for that one moment to strike. VVV was waiting for a quick counter and it came. Sierra came face-to-face with Marsman, who made a fantastic save to prevent the home team from running ahead.
With just over ten minutes to spare, the new signing, Alex Schalk, was allowed to make his debut. The people of The Hague kept pushing and came close several times. Van der Sande shot just over and Veerman also fell a toe length short of making it 2-2. Everything was done when ADO Den Haag played one-on-one at the back in the last minutes and saw Van Wolfgang make his return. Once again Marsman had to intervene after Kosidis was allowed to decide the match. ADO Den Haag still had a few minutes to at least score a point, but without success. Valuable points were spilled during a visit to VVV-Venlo.
Characteristics
VVV-Venlo – ADO Den Haag 2-1 (2-1)
Score progression: 17. Sierra 1-0, 20. Van der Sande 1-1, 42. Chain 2-1
Referee: S. Teuben
Line-up VVV-Venlo: The farmer; Timber, Chain ©, R. Janssen, S. Janssen; Sedlacek, Klaasen (90+1. Kluskens), Sierra; Berden (65. Verheijen), Kosidis, Kaastrup (78. Doesburg)
Line-up ADO The Hague: Martian; Asante (78. Ché), Granli (61. Sellouki), Waem, Van Hintum (85. Van Wolfgang); Surmeli ©, Van der Sande, Esajas (61. Vigen); Van Mieghem, Veerman, Ideho (78. Schalk)