Utrecht shock Feyenoord

UTRECHT stunned Feyenoord at De Kuip with a magnificent 4-1 victory in the final of the Amstel Cup to banish the pain of last season's disappointment in the showpiece.

Feyenoord were warm favourites to lift the trophy but they were blitzed by a Utrecht side which had the perfect game-plan as they aimed to eradicate the memory of a controversial final defeat to Ajax 12 months ago.

After weathering early pressure from Feyenoord, Utrecht grabbed the lead just before the break courtesy of a superb volley from Jean-Paul de Jong.

Early in the second half, Igor Gluscevic bagged a double to extend Utrecht's advantage although the striker's second goal was clearly offside.

Referee Ruud Bossen continued to infuriate Feyenoord as he chalked off a Pierre van Hooijdonk effort and then declined to award a penalty on 77 minutes for a foul on Bombarda.

Feyenoord were fuming at the decision and Paul Bosvelt was sent off for pushing Bossen as tempers became frayed.

Bonaventure Kalou's long-range shot gave Feyenoord a lifeline but Dirk Kuyt, who will move to De Kuip in the summer, hardly endeared himself to his new supporters by bagging a fourth for Utrecht.

Kuyt is one of a number of big names who will be leaving Utrecht in the summer and praised the club after the triumph.

He said: "This is a fantastic way to say farewell to a unique club. I can't describe what a feeling this is."

Stijn Vreven is also leaving - for German outfit Kaiserslautern - and the defender could not believe Utrecht won so convincingly.

Vreven said: "It's unbelievable to win against a top team like Feyenoord 4-1. We knew before the match took place we would have a chance. Utrecht started carefully and scored at the right moments."