FC Volendam maintained their perfect home record this season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over VVV Venlo on Saturday. Erwin van de Looi's side raced into an early lead and then held off a determined comeback from the visitors.
The home team started explosively. Henk Veerman opened the scoring in the fifth minute, and Younes El Meftahi doubled the advantage just two minutes later from a Reuven Niemeijer assist. VVV Venlo pulled one back through Eanna Clancy in the 16th minute, but Niemeijer restored the two-goal cushion before halftime, scoring in the 38th minute after being set up by El Meftahi.
VVV Venlo, who dominated possession with 59% and racked up thirty shots, applied heavy pressure after the break. They finally found a second goal in the 81st minute through substitute Gino Schmidt. FC Volendam, who required seven saves from goalkeeper Eloy van de Looi, managed to see out the final minutes. "FC Volendam holds on and wins 3-2," said manager Erwin van de Looi afterwards. "That's another home win for the team."
Younes El Meftahi was the standout performer for the hosts. "The winger was involved in all of FC Volendam's goals," he said. He provided an assist and scored before being substituted for Kayden Wolff in the 67th minute.
Line-up
Van de Looi opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Van de Looi in goal. The defence featured Jurjus, Bukala, Blondeau and Amevor. The midfield trio was Kleijn, Huisman and Niemeijer, supporting forwards Plat, Doodeman and Veerman, with El Meftahi on the wing. Late substitutes included Serigne Deme and Jair Haakmat.
The win leaves FC Volendam in 13th place in the Eerste Divisie after seven matches, with nine points. Top scorer Henk Veerman took his season tally to eight goals. Next up is an away fixture against second-placed Almere City FC. The full standings and fixtures schedule are available on our site.
