Jmart Keeps His Cool in Attempt to Stay Clear of Relegation Tussle

By: Ignacio Dorito

Amsterdam knew when they kicked off that a defeat would drop them into 11th place, one position off the bottom of the table. Perhaps that was in the back of their minds as they sat back and protected their net through the first half - they conceded most of the possession however neither team managed to make their mark on their opponent's goal - indeed in the first 45 minutes, Norden took the only shot.

Having sedated the entire stadium with his deeply defensive 4-5-1 - even playing Will O'Neill as a no. 10 rather than a true striker - Amsterdam captain Jack David opted to bring his team out of its shell, as they moved into a 4-3-3 reminiscent of league leaders Vienna. Meanwhile, Andrew Tate retained his trust in fellow attackers Bosnic and Harden.

The change in approach certainly brought the game to life, with both teams mounting attacks in the opening minutes of the second half, but David would be frustrated as his team was first to concede, to one of the easiest tap-ins seen this season, thanks to Rose Piper (playing out of position in defence) letting goalscorer Kenan Bosnic out of her cold, clammy grasp.

David, fuelled with rage at his rumoured love-interest, immediately let go of his inhibitions and sent another player up to join a now 4-strong attack. They would now enjoy much more possession and plenty of threats on goal, but it wasn't until the 80th minute when a long through ball would bypass the Norden defence and assist Charlie Pawley's first goal in orange. Only 6 minutes later, Norden would brilliantly orchestrate a carbon copy of that goal as Tyrese Harden returned control to the visitors, and all hope seemed lost for the Tulips. Somehow, in an even more attacking setup, Amsterdam kicked off for the 3rd time, surely resigned to defeat, however Norden wouldn't touch the ball as they smoothly bypassed Anon for the second time and Pawley slotted home his second of the game.

An amazing fightback from Amsterdam, which suggests they have the character to avoid relegation.