The football season finally got back in to action at the Kyocera stadion last Friday night after a long winter break. The good news for ADO at this time is that so far during the transfer window, none of ADO’s star players have been poached away. ADO have increased their squad by adding some new younger talent, one being born and bred Hagenaar and member of Liverpool F.C’s second team Jordy Brouwer.

ADO put out a strong team with the only missing star being Bulykin who had a place on the substitute bench. ADO immediately went on the attack looking as though they were starting this second half of the season the way they ended the first.

Twelve minutes in and ADO took the lead. A cross from Verhoek on the right wing was met by the head of Buijs who tried to get Vicento in on goal. Vicento could not get the ball under control and the ball bounced away from him. Luckily for ADO, the ball went back to Buijs, who struck a sweet shot into the back of the net. A great start for ADO, 1-0.

In the thirteenth minute ADO almost doubled their lead. Pique played the ball out to Verhoek, who whipped in a hard low cross in to the penalty. Immers was unmarked at the back post, yet his effort to reach the ball just failed in getting a good contact on the ball, his face twisted in disbelief as the ball grazed the upright.

The rest of the first half ragged by, no real action and Heerenveen seemed to have to effort in their play despite knowing an ADO win would take their hosts above them in the league standings.

The second half started much brighter, ADO the main protagonists piling forward at every opportunity. In the fifty-third minute, they got their reward. Some slick interchanges between Toornstra, Verhoek and Buijs saw the ball moving forward at pace. The ball eventually played out wide by Toornstra to the left hand side to Vicento who controlled the ball quickly before unleashing a left footed rocket of shot that left Stuhr Ellegaard in the Heerenveen goal totally helpless, 2-0.

Three minutes after going two goals down, Heerenveen made a desperate triple substitution in hope of turning the performance of the team around. The new players certainly made a difference and Heerenveen began to look more of a threat.

Heerenveen pulled a goal back in the seventy-sixth minute. ADO’s defence basically lost concentration, allowing Luciano Narsingh to basically waltz his way through the ADO defence, not one solid challenge made. A quick look up and a pass forward to find Bas Dost who slotted the ball home with an easy tap in, 2-1.

Straight from the restart the ball was played to Visser whose long ball into space saw a direct race between ADO’s Immers and Heerenveen’s Michael Breuer. Immers out muscled the defender and could have easily have gone down under the pressure, but instead Immers powered forward and as the keeper came out, Immers got his right foot shot away in to the back of the next: Great persistence and determination by Immers, 3-1.

Following on from the goal; ADO made a substitution, one which was greeted by the loudest cheer of the night. The introduction of Bulykin: the star of the season so far; who replaced the hard working Vicento.

At the final whistle the ADO players did their now customary winning celebrations with the supporters, both enjoying the win.

On the way home I spoke to a few ADO fans who truly believe that if they keep playing the way they are, there is a real chance of the team making it high enough up the league to qualify for the Europa League. That would be a magnificent feat if it were to be achieved. I for one agree, good time ahead for al those involved at ADO Den Haag.

ADO man of the match: Lex Immers, as well as scoring the third goal, Immers ran the entire Heerenveen team ragged; Chased lost causes, always putting the keeper and defenders under pressure. Great performance.

Attendance: 12,468

ADO’s next home game is on Saturday, 12 February with a kick off at 18.45 against VVV Venlo. Clubcard is not required so it is possible to buy tickets at the stadium ticket office if you take with you some form of legitimate photo ID.

On Sunday, 20 February, ADO welcome Feyenoord to the Kyocera stadion, kick off 12.30. For this game you WILL require to be a clubcard holder. You can find all the information you need on how to purchase a clubcard here.

Text and Photos by Neal McClimon
neal@thehagueonline.com
www.itpphotography.com

Images (from top):

1. Buijs scores ADO's first

2. Immers goes agonizingly close

3. Vicento smashes home ADO's second

4. Immers races in to score ADO's third

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