N.E.C. Nijmegen had to settle for a point at home against GO Ahead Eagles on Sunday afternoon. A lightning-fast opening goal from Perr Schuurs was cancelled out within ten minutes, resulting in a 1-1 final score.
Schuurs put N.E.C. Ahead in just the second minute. The defender headed home a cross from Tjaronn Chery. That early lead was short-lived, however. In the tenth minute, Stefán Ingi Sigurdarson found the equaliser for the visitors. Manager Dick Schreuder's side, who started in a 3-4-2-1 formation, searched for more goals thereafter but could not find a way through.
Line-up
N.E.C. Started with Polster in goal, behind a defence of Brás, Schuurs and Storm. Kers and Nejašmić formed the midfield pivot, flanked by Lebreton and Thomas. Up front, Chery and Tadić played behind striker Linssen. Schuurs had to be replaced by Bram Nuytinck at half-time. Later, Tahaui, Geiger and Monteiro also entered the fray.
The statistics illustrate a balanced contest. N.E.C. Had 46% possession to GO Ahead Eagles' 54%. The Nijmegen side took seventeen shots, with five on target. The Eagles managed fourteen attempts, six of which were on frame. Both goalkeepers made several important saves, with Polster stopping five. The visitors received two yellow cards, for Tengstedt and Baeten.
This draw follows a heavy 5-0 defeat to Juventus in midweek. N.E.C.'s recent form shows one win, two draws and two losses from their last five league matches. The team now faces a key away fixture against Ajax on October 10th. The full standings and upcoming fixtures schedule are available on the club site. The next chance for three points comes in just over two weeks in Amsterdam.
