Home and away: Heracles Almelo at Go Ahead Eagles

Words: Han Balk (Go Ahead Eagles), Marc Maurits (Heracles Almelo)

Images: Han Balk (Go Ahead Eagles), Marc Maurits (Heracles Almelo)

Han and Marc regularly attend matches together.

This time, they put friendship to one side for 90 minutes to watch the Overijsselse derby between Go Ahead Eagles and Heracles Almelo.

Go Ahead fan Han was in his familiar seat in De Adelaarshorst while Marc followed the mandatory travel restrictions to the away end.

Having a pre-match beer together is impossible unless they throw it over the Lexan barrier, which comes with its own risks.

Here is their written and visual account of an untypically typical derby match in the Netherlands.

**[Marc]** A few hours before departure, I meet other passionate Heracles supporters in our stadium. The atmosphere is great, the beer tastes good, and it’s lively at the BBQ. This is the second of three derbies in four weeks.

We won against PEC Zwolle last week, today is the challenging away match in Deventer, about 40 minutes by bus. As the cherry on top, our big rival FC Twente is coming to Almelo. But first, Eagles, who are usually a tough opponent for us.

Due to our good start in the league, our expectations are high. Around 6:00 PM, 400 of us depart in eight buses on the A1 highway to Deventer. There is no other way to get to the match, no travel on the train for away days like in England. To gain access to the match you have to buy a combined coach and match ticket (combi).

In the past, going to Deventer by train would mean running the gauntlet from the station, through the market with one motorcycle police accompaniment. Whether the combi restrictions are better or worse is open to debate, much like if modern football is better overall.

©Marc Maurits/ Terrace Edition. Heracles Almelo on the move.

**[Han]** It’s surprisingly quiet as we walk into the most famous football street in the Netherlands a little before 7:00 PM. The kickoff for Go Ahead Eagles – Heracles Almelo is in just over an hour, and only a handful of supporters are in Vetkampstraat.

Even the local ticket tout is absent. Perhaps he’s on vacation due to the profits, as the home matches have been sold out this season so far.

Behind the stands, I meet my brother for a beer. I see a few guys from the good old days. Boys, now men over 50, with whom I stood on the B-Side long ago. Go Ahead has had a long series of unbeaten matches in De Adelaarshorst, and real match tension seems to be lacking a bit. The expectation is that we’ll easily defeat Heracles. But I’m not entirely at ease; it’s still Kowet, we’re not a world-class team. Although at home, we do play some good football at times.

©Han Balk/ Terrace Edition. Go Ahead Eagles supporters.

**[Marc]** The away section was sold out in no time; all 400 tickets were gone in half an hour during the pre-sale, and the section slowly fills up. The away section in Deventer isn’t great; extra safety measures limit the view. I can barely see the goal to my left.

When both teams walk out, the section turns black and white.

©Marc Maurits/ Terrace Edition. Heracles Almelo at Go Ahead Eagles.

**[Han]** I head to my seat on time; there’s a farewell ceremony for two players who left this summer before the match. Usually, three-quarters of our team leaves at the end of the season, but this is a different Go Ahead.

Almost the entire squad stayed, and that’s evident, especially at the beginning of the season. After 16 minutes, I’ve already jumped up twice, and Go Ahead comfortably leads 2-0.

“Ten, ten, ten!” echoes in the stadium. But not much happens in the first half, except in the away section, where Heracles supporters continue as if they're in the lead.

**[Marc]** The match goes dramatically; we’re already 2-0 down after 16 minutes. No reason not to support your team, though. The away section makes itself heard.

**[Han]** At half-time, I try to text Marc, but my network connection is very poor. Never mind. After the break, Go Ahead sits back too much again, and Heracles unsuccessfully tries to make a comeback.

Substitute Sylla Sow, just on the field, scores the third goal, sealing the match. Captain Kuipers scores the fourth goal for the statistics. “Hake, Hake, we’re becoming champions”; they chant. Our coach (René Hake) is now popular, and a sense of humour is not lost on us. It’s good times for Go Ahead supporters.

**[Marc]** Despite the loss, we head back to Almelo, looking forward to facing the hated FC Twente in 14 days. We’re excited.

Even though we didn’t win the game, we will be there to follow our team anywhere.