Ajax U23 beat Helmond Sport in entertaining encounter

Ajax U23 took an early lead through Pharell Nash. The winger deserved full credit for the opener, producing an excellent solo goal. Cutting in from the left flank, Nash drove towards the centre before unleashing a powerful effort from around twenty yards. His fierce strike proved too much for Helmond Sport goalkeeper Menno Bergsen: 1-0.

Spotting Ünüvar's run
Just a few minutes later, Ajax doubled their advantage through Emre Ünüvar. The move started with goalkeeper Joeri Heerkens, whose short goal kick sparked the attack. After a series of neat passes, the ball found its way to striker Diego Pugno. The Italian forward timed his pass perfectly after spotting Ünüvar's run. The Ajax winger burst into the penalty area and fired an unstoppable shot beyond Bergsen to make it 2-0.

Before twenty minutes had been played, Helmond Sport pulled one back. From a corner, defender Brian Koglin attacked the near post and headed home to reduce the deficit.

Early in the second half, Ajax U23 looked the more likely side to score next. Ryan van de Pavert, who returned to Ajax earlier this week, had pushed forward and appeared set for a simple finish. However, Helgi Ingasson managed to intervene at the last moment.

Instead, the equaliser came at the other end. Helmond Sport right-back Sem Dekkers found space and clinically slotted the ball into the near corner, leaving Heerkens with no chance: 2-2.

Brilliant backheel winner
The match had already been flowing from end to end in the first half, and the same pattern continued after the break. Shortly after Helmond Sport's equaliser, Ajax U23 regained the lead in spectacular fashion.

A cross from the right found Pugno at the near post. The striker produced a wonderful finish, flicking the ball into the net with a backheel to make it 3-2.

In the closing stages, substitute Levi Acheampong came close to adding a fourth goal, striking the woodwork with a powerful effort from distance.

Shortly afterwards, García made his final substitutions. Abdoulaye Camara entered the pitch and made his first appearance in an Ajax shirt.

Ajax U23 - Helmond Sport 3-2 (2-1)
12. Nash 1-0
14. Ünüvar 2-0
18. Koglin 2-1
56. Dekkers 2-2
64. Pugno 3-2

Ajax U23: Heerkens; Van de Pavert (79. Fränkel), Van der Lans, Muzungu, De Falco; Verkuijl, Peters (74. Acheampong), Monserrate (83. Camara); Ünüvar, Pugno (83. Simeon), Nash