Netherlands round-up: PSV edge closer

PSV Eindhoven cleared another hurdle on their way to the Eredivisie title as they defeated FC Twente 2-0 at home, while AFC Ajax overcame Roda JC to remain second.

Kezman penalty
Holding an eight-point lead at the start of the weekend, PSV preserved their advantage after Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink gave them a 31st-minute lead with a goal scored while sitting on the ground. Arjen Robben was then felled for a 65th-minute penalty converted by Mateja Kezman, his 28th goal of the season.

Early burst
Ajax are still in the hunt with six games left thanks to a 4-2 victory against Roda. The title-holders were 3-0 ahead by the half-hour mark, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder scoring. Sergio pulled on back on 33 minutes, and added another ten minutes from the end to give Roda hope. However, Nordin Boukhari's 88th-minute goal settled the game in Ajax's favour.

Van Hooijdonk doube
Feyenoord are a further point behind Ajax after securing a 3-1 win against FC Zwolle. Thomas Buffel and Pierre van Hooijdonk scored early goals to give Feyenoord an early cushion, and although Arjan Bosschaart made it 2-1 four minutes after the break, Van Hooijdonk scored again as the game entered added time to decide matters.

Utrecht drama
Dutch Cup finalist FC Utrecht scored twice in the last three minutes to gain a dramatic 4-3 win against RKC Waalwijk. Utrecht led 2-1 at half-time thanks to a Dirk Kuyt double but were 3-2 down not long into the second period. But Kuyt's second penalty of the game completed his hat-trick and levelled the scores, and Arco Jochemsen produced an added-time winner.

Excelsior win at last
However, Waalwijk are still fourth as NEC Nijmegen were held 1-1 by SBV Vitesse, who are now two points behind Zwolle in their attempt to escape the bottom three and the relegation play-offs. Below them, SC Excelsior secured their first win of 2003 with a 1-0 victory against SC Heerenveen, and are five points ahead of De Graafschap, now firmly in the one automatic relegation place after losing 3-0 at Willem II.

Postponed game
FC Groningen's match at home to NAC Breda was postponed as the visitors only had nine players fit due to a viral infection.