FC Volendam picked up their first victory of the Eredivisie season on Friday night, beating Utrecht 1-0 at the Kras Stadion. The task of winning was made much easier for the hosts as Utrecht’s Nick Viergever was shown red just four minutes into the clash. The former PSV defender went in with a studs-up challenge to receive his seventh red card in the Eredivisie, which is a joint-record in the competition.
Unsurprisingly, Volendam went on to dominate the game in all areas, racking up more possession, shots on goal and corners. After just under an hour of football was played, the deadlock was finally broken. Veteran striker Robert Mühren converted from close range to give Volendam the lead and the victory.
The goal wouldn’t have been possible without the work of Garang Kuol, who picked up his second goal contribution since joining Volendam on loan from Newcastle United in the summer. The 19-year-old Australian international whipped a superb ball into the box for Robert Mühren to strike home. Garang Kuol is certainly a player to keep an eye on this season.
Prior to the match, Volendam were 17th in the table and Utrecht were 18th. The win moves Volendam up to 16th and Utrecht remain rock bottom of the Eredivisie. A dreadful start to life for the new Utrecht boss Ron Jans, who has lost three of his first four games in charge of the club. Next up, they play Ajax at home. Certainly a tough task, but it’s definitely doable with the poor form that Ajax currently find themselves stuck in.
