Telstar returns to the Eredivisie next season after 47 years. The club from Velsen won the return leg of the play-off final 1-3 against Willem II on Sunday, ensuring a sensational promotion.
Earlier in the play-offs, Telstar had already eliminated ADO Den Haag and FC Den Bosch, after which the number seven of the regular Keuken Kampioen Divisie season completed the stunt against Willem II. After 2-2 last Thursday at the 711 Stadium, Telstar had the best chances in Tilburg and won.
Due to the victory, Telstar, which has the second smallest budget in professional football (only TOP Oss has less to spend), will play at the highest level again for the first time since the relegation in 1978.
Telstar lightning fast to a 0-2 lead
Just before the match in Tilburg, Telstar coach Anthony Correia said that Telstar had brought a tornado from IJmuiden. That turned out not to be so bad. Telstar did not storm at the beginning, but due to two good attacks, Correia’s team was already leading 0-2 after twelve minutes.
In the sixth minute, Tyrone Owusu laid the ball ready for Mees Kaandorp, who calmly shot in. Six minutes later, Kaandorp crossed for Youssef El Kachati, who took it well and finished.
So there were quickly huge problems for Willem II. “Football, football”, shouted the angry home crowd. But thanks to a lucky goal from Rob Nizet, the supporters quickly got behind the home team again. The free kick from the Willem II left back disappeared into the goal via the wall (2-1).
It could have been equalized quickly afterwards. Telstar escaped from a scrimmage and Ringo Meerveld missed another big chance. The shot from the Willem II player ended up on the crossbar via the leg of Telstar defender Mitch Apau.
Lambert saves on effort Noslin
In the second half, Willem II had to keep coming in the hunt for an equalizer, but the best chances were for Telstar. It was thanks to Boris Lambert that the 3-1 was prevented just after half time. The defender threw himself in front of an effort by Telstar player Tyrese Noslin and blocked the ball.
A little later, Willem II goalkeeper Thomas Didillon-Hödl prevented El Kachati from scoring with a good save, but in the 58th minute it was finally time for the visitors. At a corner, Devon Koswal headed through and Kaandorp scored his second (also with his head) (3-1).
With a margin of two, it could hardly go wrong for Telstar. The belief was gone at Willem II, which created virtually nothing more. In the final phase, substitute Kyan Vaesen hit the crossbar and that was it. Telstar convincingly stood firm and even received applause from part of the Willem II fans afterwards for the sensational promotion.