The Ajax Women played their last competition match against SC Heerenveen on February 14. Ashleigh Weerden, Danique Noordman and Tiny Hoekstra were then in the starting line-up. The trio was missing from the Amsterdam team’s match selection on Sunday. The Ajax players were replaced by Daliyah de Klonia, Nadine Noordam and Bente Jansen.
The home team had slight dominance in the opening phase in Enschede. However, this did not lead to an early lead. The best chance was for Caitlin Dijkstra, who saw her header hit the crossbar via goalkeeper Regina van Eijk.
Leuchter breaks the spell
The Ajax Women’s first big chance was scored moments later. With a splitting pass, Isa Kardinaal left teammate Leuchter alone in front of the keeper. It was then a piece of cake for the Ajax striker, with the score being 0-1 after 25 minutes of play.
Even before tea, Noordam doubled the lead for the Ajax Women. Leuchter’s header hit the crossbar and ended up at the feet of the Ajax midfielder, who could then easily score the 0-2.
In the second act, the Ajax Women further expanded their lead. Jansen and Lily Yohannes made way for Lotte Keukelaar and Van de Velde after more than an hour of play. The latter shot the 0-3 against the ropes fifteen minutes before the end on a signal from Keukelaar.
This was also the final score after more than ninety minutes of play in Enschede. Thanks to the big victory, the Ajax Women narrow the gap with leader FC Twente to six points. Bakker’s team will visit FC Utrecht in exactly a week, while the Tukkers will host number three PSV.
FC Twente – Ajax Women 0-3 (0-2)
25. Candlestick 0-1
38. Noordam 0-2
73. Van de Velde 0-3
Ajax Women: Van Eijk; Cardinal, De Sanders (74. I. Hoekstra), Spitse, De Klonia; Van Gool (85. Sabajo), Yohannes (63. Van de Velde), Noordam; Grant, Leuchter (85. Tolhoek), Jansen (63. Keukelaar)