De Friezen power to another win

Heerenveen returned to the winning column with a 3-1 romp over Willem II at Abe Lenstra Stadion, bringing them even in points with Ajax and PSV. Trond Sollied completely out-matched the troubled side and the only question-mark from the match was the late goal for the visitors and a number of scoring chances that were not closed out properly.

De Friezen took the lead thirteen minutes after the start when Danijel Pranjić and Roy Beerens linked up on a corner, setting Paulo Henrique for a point blank nod in. Willem II was absolutely no threat following the goal and it was only some poor final touches and quality goalkeeping by Willem II 'keeper Maikel Aerts that kept Heerenveen off the score sheet for the next thirty minutes. However with four minutes left in the half Swedish international Viktor Elm well-placed cross was headed-in by Kristian Bak Nielsen. After the re-start the home side was looking for more goals but both Roy Beerens and the Viktor Elm could not fool Willem II's keeper. However with ten minutes remaining Roy Beerens found the mark after Kristian Bak Nielsen headed the ball to Viktor Elm, who then supplied the ball to the goal-scorer to bring the match to a 3-0 score. With seven minutes remaining and the match not in question Mohamed Messoudi ruined Brian Vandenbussche's otherwise perfect day and the match ended 3-1.

The turnaround of de Friezen since the break has been nothing short of stunning. The attacking style that forgot defending before the holidays is a memory now and in its place is an effective, well disciplined play showing great maturity. Next Friday's match against PSV will go a long way in deciding European competition.