HHC Hardenberg pulled off the biggest stunt of the Dutch Cup by beating Heracles Almelo 2-0. Former Groningen footballer Matthias Jones (32), who has lived in Roden for years, scored the opening goal.
It was a real folk festival on Wednesday evening in Hardenberg. More than 4,000 spectators saw what they had been hoping for in their hearts, but had not dared to count on, happen: their team, which in recent weeks had struggled to score goals in the competition in the second division, or second division, a team that had never achieved a win. For five weeks in a row, he has reigned supreme over Heracles Almelo, the Premier League’s No. 8.
Six people from Groningen and Drenthe at HHC
Well, in Hardenberg, they were also very keen to pick up a win over their close neighbour – with both venues exactly 37 kilometers apart. The stocked De Boshoek Sports Park provides a great setting for the Cup. Pascal Diender’s team, which featured a large line-up of Drenthe and Groningers with attacking leader Rob van der Leij, full-backs Ashwin Manuhutu and Danny Bowes, and alongside Jones, midfielders Steen Stryker and Thomas Reinders took care of the rest. .
HHC didn’t seem impressed with Heracles for a moment. “We had a plan,” Jones says by phone late Wednesday evening, as he had just entered his home in Roden. “Controlled attacks, applying pressure at the right moments. Don’t just defend, play bravely. I think we executed this plan well.”
No bolognese, but early to Sellingen
Jones had escaped from the polonaise, which was being held at De Bouchouc until the late hours. “I have to go back to work early on Thursday morning,” laughed the former FC Groningen midfielder, who now works as a sports leader helping young people in trouble return to society.
Jones himself scored the first goal immediately after the half-hour mark. Head to the corner at the near post. “At the moment our assistant coach wants me at the far post to take corner kicks, but I had a feeling I should be at the first post,” Jones says. “With my height of 1m 75, I have a better chance there. Well, it showed.”
Jones grazed the ball and heard the huge noise from the stands that he scored. “I couldn’t see it for myself, but my teammates were all walking towards me. I thought, ‘Well, he’s got to be there.’
“The score 1-0 was the best case scenario.”
That 1-0 scoreline gave the crowd enough fuel to fully support the team for another hour, and of course gave Jones and his men wings. “Of course it’s great to play football. Maybe now they should have been one-on-one at the back, which would create more space for us. This was of course the best scenario.”
About halfway through the second half, HHC dealt Heracles the next blow. Jesper Drost, who also has a history with FC Groningen, headed in a low shot ahead of Rob van der Leij. There was some uncertainty as to who would take the ball, but Drost appeared to touch the ball with his shaved head.
Rob van der Lieg became man of the match
Van der Lieg from Elderwald was crowned Man of the Match. “Rob’s energy was very important,” Jones said. “He covered a lot of meters and kept pulling. But we were good as a team. Heracles didn’t really have a chance, did he? I think we can be very proud.”
Which club would like Jones to play in the next cup round? “I don’t care,” the Uruguayan said. “A big club is of course always nice. It would be great if we can continue like this for a few more rounds.”
