Fortuna Sittard delivered a clinical and controlled performance to edge FC Volendam 1-0 at home, with an early goal from Justin Lonwijk proving decisive in a tightly contested Eredivisie encounter. The result lifts Danny Buijs’ side further into mid-table security, while Volendam leave Sittard ruing missed opportunities and their inability to unlock an organized defense.

The match burst into life just eight minutes in: Fortuna’s aggressive pressing paid off as Dimitris Limnios picked out Lonwijk, who finished with precision to give the hosts a vital lead. The early momentum energised the home crowd and set the tone for much of the afternoon—Fortuna Sittard intent on dictating play and Volendam forced onto the back foot.

Statistically, Fortuna Sittard were the more enterprising side, registering 16 shots (three on target) and dominating 53% possession. Their midfield trio, marshalled by Ryan Fosso and Philip Brittijn, orchestrated play well, repeatedly stretching Volendam’s compact shape. By halftime, FC Volendam had managed just a single shot on target, with Henk Veerman isolated against a disciplined back line led by Shawn Adewoye and Ivan Márquez.

The hosts remained proactive, winning seven corners and stringing together 407 passes at 80% accuracy, evidencing a commitment to structured build-up and ball retention. Volendam, meanwhile, struggled for clear chances, their best moment arriving late in the first half when Robin van Cruijsen tested Mattijs Branderhorst. The Fortuna keeper remained largely untroubled, making just one routine save.

As the second half unfolded, tactical tweaks from Rick Kruys saw Volendam introduce fresh legs with a triple substitution at 62 minutes—Gibson Yah, Precious Ugwu, and Joel Ideho entering in a bid to inject attacking impetus. Fortuna responded by tightening midfield and defense, with Kristoffer Peterson and Kaj Sierhuis coming off to preserve energy as Sittard looked to shut down the game.

Discipline remained a feature; only three yellow cards were issued (N. Verschuren at 40', Brittijn at 79', and Kuwas deep into stoppage time at 90+3'). Volendam pressed for an equalizer but failed to generate meaningful openings, their frustration mirrored in increasingly physical play and wayward shots.

The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned three points for Fortuna Sittard, whose resilience and early initiative carried the day. The win marks their second successive league victory over Volendam and underscores Buijs’ side’s ability to grind out results against direct rivals.

For Volendam, the defeat offers a stark reminder of their need for greater attacking cohesion—they finished with eight shots, only one on target, and a mere four corners won. As the league table tightens, both sides will now look to consolidate their positions, but for Fortuna Sittard, Lonwijk’s early brilliance and defensive discipline may well serve as a blueprint for continued progress.