No winner at Kampong-Den Bosch

Kampong showed themselves to be extremely efficient in a fascinating battle by playing very sparingly with the few chances, like a top team can. In the entire first half, the home team only really threatened Den Bosch goalkeeper Laurette Abelen (the replacement for the injured Josine Koning) on one occasion, but that resulted in an immediate goal.

Iris de Kemp reacted attentively to a through ball from behind and crossed sharply from the right corner. Guusje Moes initially pounced on Abelen, after which Kyra Fortuin eagerly exploited the rebound: 1-0. A very welcome goal for the home team, and one with statistical value as well. It was Kampong's first goal in the playoffs since 22 May 2005. The Utrechters had failed to find the net or the plank in their five previous play-off duels.

Still, Kampong, who gradually threw off more and more diffidence as the first half progressed, did not manage to go into the break with a lead. From the first penalty corner of the game - which was handled by Den Bosch defender Danique van der Veerdonk - Frédérique Matla hit the ball hard and clean: 1-1. It was the second real dangerous moment from the Boschians, who had failed to score the opening goal in the first quarter through Maartje Krekelaar.

Halfway through the third quarter, Kampong's attacking drive seemed to be rewarded with a penalty stroke, after the ball landed on a Bosch foot during a Sofie Stomps penalty corner. However, the video referee ruled otherwise: in the hustle and bustle in front of Abelen's goal, a rebound shot with the convex side was also seen by Stomps.

In the final quarter, both teams were fanatically chasing the 2-1. Den Bosch were first to claim it, from a penalty corner by Frédérique Matla, floated by Maartje Krekelaar. However, Kampong goalkeeper Babette Backers saved skilfully on the goalscorer's old-fashioned forehand strike. A few minutes later, Kampong was allowed to touch down from head of the circle. Luna Fokke opted to play a variation on forward Guusje Moes, who flicked the ball past in a free position. The crowd at the Klapperboom wanted to cheer, but could only let out a massive sigh of disappointment.

Both teams thus walked off the pitch with a 1-1 and that result will do Kampong especially well.