NEC Nijmegen have reached the KNVB Cup semi finals after a slim 1-0 win over Utrecht on Wednesday night.
- By Michael Bell
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After only seven minutes NEC took the lead with Marnick Vermijl sliding the ball past Robbin Ruiter after being played through on the right by Soren Rieks.
NEC had a number of chances to extend their lead in the first half, but Rieks saw a lob saved by Ruiter, while Michael Higdon hit the crossbar with a header.
The home side continued to dominate after the break against a disappointing Utrecht side, but Ryan Koolwijk, Christoph Hemlein, and Kevin Conboy all wasted good chances.
A defensive error nearly gifted Utrecht an equaliser, but Bob Schepers couldn’t beat Kalle Johnsson when one on one with the keeper.
Rieks could have sealed the win late on, but was stopped by another good save from Ruiter, after the midfielder went on a great solo run.
They may be struggling in the Eredivisie, but NEC have shown a new lease in the cup, and will go into the semi finals full of confidence.
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