A Hanseatic tussle: Go Ahead Eagles vs Sportsklubben Brann.

Images: Han Balk

For centuries, Deventer has pulled people in to congregate. Nowadays it is the football club, Go Ahead Eagles, which provide an excuse for people to get together.

Yet, going back to the Middle Ages, the town on the IJssel river was an important trading point and part of the Hanseatic League.

Apt then that Go Ahead Eagles were taking on Sportsklubben Brann in the Europa Conference League qualifiers, given the links between Deventer and Bergen in Norway, which stretch back to those Hanseatic days.

Ships sailed between Deventer and Bergen from as far back as the 14th Century, with vessels laden with pottery and wine heading to Norway and returning with cured fish to be traded with the rest of mainland Europe.

A friendly relationship between the two sets of fans ensued in the spirit of history and the 0-0 draw proved a convivial first leg result.

Next up, a trip to Bergen and although Go Ahead fans won’t be bringing pottery this time, they are very much interested in the silverware at stake.