Decisive figure carries NEC Nijmegen past PEC Zwolle | OneFootball

Tjaronn Chery settled the game in the 78th minute with a low left-footed finish, as NEC Nijmegen beat PEC Zwolle 2-1. The midfielder had earlier created the equaliser to swing momentum.

Before the interval, the Suriname international bent in a corner that Koki Ogawa converted with a close-range header (39.). It was the first clear sign he had the delivery to trouble Zwolle's defence from dead balls.

After the restart, he had a left-footed effort blocked (77.). Moments later he arrived in the area to sweep into the bottom left corner for the decisive strike (78.).

He finished with a goal and an assist, three attempts, and 16 successful final third passes that kept NEC Nijmegen progressing up the pitch. Five recoveries underlined his work rate out of possession.

His blend of precise set-piece delivery and late, well-timed runs into the box repeatedly asked questions of Zwolle's back line, ensuring the hosts controlled the key phases once the game opened up.

NEC Nijmegen visit AZ next. PEC Zwolle host Telstar.