IJsselmeervogels U21 won a five-goal thriller against AFC Reserve, claiming a 3-2 victory in the Netherlands U21 league on 26 September 2026. The match was decided late on when Lars van Dijk scored the winner, capping an end-to-end contest that showcased the attacking talent in both squads.

Match overview

IJsselmeervogels U21 started with purpose and took the lead in the 14th minute through Sem de Wit. AFC Reserve responded well and equalised just before the half-hour mark, with Daan van Loon finishing off a patient move. The home side regained the advantage in first-half stoppage time when Jayden Bakker scored, giving them a narrow lead at the break.

AFC Reserve came out stronger in the second half and levelled again through Milan de Graaf in the 64th minute. With the game poised at 2-2, both teams pushed for a winner. It was IJsselmeervogels who found it, as Lars van Dijk struck in the 82nd minute to secure a dramatic 3-2 win.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Sem de Wit opened the scoring for IJsselmeervogels U21 with a confident finish inside the box.
• 28th minute: Daan van Loon equalised for AFC Reserve after a good build-up down the right.
• 45+1st minute: Jayden Bakker restored IJsselmeervogels’ lead with a well-timed run and finish.
• 64th minute: Milan de Graaf made it 2-2 for AFC Reserve, converting a chance after sustained pressure.
• 82nd minute: Lars van Dijk scored the winner for IJsselmeervogels, finishing calmly after a quick counterattack.

Tactical story

IJsselmeervogels U21 set up in a 4-3-3 and looked to attack quickly through the wide forwards. Their midfield trio worked hard to win the ball back and release the front three, which created several chances in transition. Defensively, they were occasionally exposed when AFC Reserve switched play quickly, but they defended bravely in the final minutes.

AFC Reserve used a 4-2-3-1 and controlled possession for long spells, especially in the second half. Their number ten found space between the lines, and their equaliser came from patiently probing for gaps. However, they were caught out late when they committed too many players forward, allowing IJsselmeervogels to counter and score the decisive goal.

Standout players

For IJsselmeervogels U21, Sem de Wit and Jayden Bakker were constant threats, while Lars van Dijk showed composure for the winner. The goalkeeper also made important saves in the second half to keep the score level before the late breakthrough.

AFC Reserve could be proud of Daan van Loon and Milan de Graaf, both of whom took their goals well. Their midfield dictated long periods of the match, but the team’s inability to manage the final ten minutes cost them at least a point.

Netherlands U21 impact

The win gives IJsselmeervogels U21 valuable momentum in the Netherlands U21 league and rewards their resilience in a match where they had to defend under pressure. Three goals and three points will boost confidence, particularly with the squad showing it can score in different ways.

AFC Reserve will be frustrated to leave without a draw, but their performance underlined the quality in their ranks. In a development league, close matches like this are excellent learning experiences. Both teams will take important lessons into their next fixtures as they continue to compete for position in the table.