Stalemate in Haaksbergen: HSC ’21 Cling to Point as Sportlust ’46 Falter in Promotion Pursuit

On a chilly autumn afternoon in Haaksbergen, the floodlights at Sportpark Groot Scholtenhagen shone on a match that, on paper, pitted desperation against ambition—a clash between the league’s bottom dwellers and one of its early pacesetters. By the final whistle, neither HSC ’21 nor Sportlust ’46 had found a way through, as the scoreboard reflected a 0-0 stalemate that meant far more for the hosts than the visitors.

A Battle of Nerves, Not Numbers

For HSC ’21, the match was less about artistry and more about resolve. Entering the day rooted to 18th place, manager and players alike had endured a string of losses and heartbreaks: just a single point earned from eight league matches, and a defense that too often had wilting spells late. Yet from the opening minute, there was a steely clarity to their play that belied their position.

Sportlust ’46, by contrast, arrived in buoyant mood, the side from Woerden fresher than their hosts and boasting four wins from their opening six in the Derde Divisie Saturday—an early resume that had them eyeing promotion. For long stretches in the first half, that gulf in confidence showed. The visitors pressed early, fullback Lars van der Velde making his presence felt up the right, while captain Thom Jonkman orchestrated play through midfield.

But HSC ’21, perhaps chastened by narrow recent defeats—two straight 2-3 losses to ADO ’20 and SC Genemuiden—refused to capitulate. Keeper Niek te Veluwe twice denied Sportlust in quick succession: first, a sprawling stop to his left to parry a low drive from Sven van Ingen in the 18th minute; later, a brave smother at the feet of Milan van der Meulen, who had broken clear after a slick counter.

Moments of Promise, But No Breakthrough

If the first half was Sportlust’s, the second belonged to the hosts—if only for their increasing bravado in possession. On 56 minutes, HSC’s Jari Oosterwijk nearly sent the home crowd into delirium, breaking through a rare lapse in the visitors’ back line only for his shot, under pressure, to ripple harmlessly into the side netting.

Tempers flared just after the hour when HSC midfielder Bas Wassink went to ground under a heavy challenge from Sportlust’s Tim de With, eliciting shouts for a penalty. Referee Jan van der Horst, unmoved, waved play on—a decision that brought yellow cards for dissent on both sides but, crucially, no change in the deadlock.

Sportlust ’46 pressed again as the final quarter-hour loomed, deploying substitutes in search of a winner. A near-post header from substitute Justin Groothuizen flew just over, and an injury-time free kick clattered off the wall. Still, HSC stood resolute, anchored by captain Roelofs in central defense, determined not to let hard-earned work slip away.

Context: A Point Gained, Two Dropped

For HSC ’21, this result—just their second point of the season and their first clean sheet—is a small victory against the odds. It halts a downward spiral that had seen them ship goals at an alarming rate and, crucially, hints at a newfound defensive stability. Their season to date has been marked by near-misses: the 2-3 reversals, a 1-5 hammering at Eemdijk, and a draining pair of 1-1 draws in cup and league play that left more questions than answers.

Sportlust ’46, meanwhile, will rue the missed opportunity. Victory would have drawn them closer to the division’s summit, asserting their credentials as promotion contenders. Instead, they leave Haaksbergen with just a single point, and perhaps the first hint of unease after a confident opening spell. Recent wins—such as their 4-1 dismissal of VV Scherpenzeel and the controlled 3-0 against URK—had showcased their attacking potential, but the lack of cutting edge here will concern coach Patrick Loenen as the season gathers pace.

Implications for the Table

On the league ladder, the draw scarcely alters the landscape for HSC ’21, who remain anchored to the bottom with two points from nine matches, but it does offer a platform for improvement—a glimmer of hope as the campaign’s autumn grind continues. For Sportlust ’46, the point lifts them to 14 from seven, enough to maintain touch with the leaders but a missed chance to solidify their top-six credentials.

Looking Ahead

Next week, HSC ’21 will look to build on this newfound resilience, seeking that elusive first win that both calculations and hearts tell them is overdue. For Sportlust ’46, the challenge is to convert possession and intent into goals—a test of not just skill, but temperament, as their ambitions for the season face the crucible of consistency.

A match with no goals, perhaps, but after 90 minutes in Haaksbergen, each side departs with its own sense of unfinished business.