Netherlands round-up: PSV on the cusp

PSV Eindhoven edged closer to the Dutch First Division title with a comprehensive 6-1 win against De Graafschap on Saturday, maintaining their eight-point lead at the top with just five games remaining.

Quickfire goals
PSV were three goals to the good inside 18 minutes thanks to a goal from Dennis Rommedahl and two from Mateja Kezman. Graafschap defender Tim Bakens pulled one back on 25 minutes but Arjan Robben restored the three-goal margin after the break before Kezman completed his hat-trick and Leandro made it six.

Ajax respond
AFC Ajax bounced back from their heartbreaking UEFA Champions League exit in Milan to record a 3-1 win on their travels against AZ Alkmaar. Rafael van der Vaart's 21st-minute opener was followed by second-half goals from Jari Litmanen and Andy van der Meyde as Alkmaar, who grabbed a late consolation through Michael Buskermolen, were outplayed on their home turf.

Paauwe peach
Elsewhere, a solitary Patrick Paauwe goal four minutes into added time against RBC Roosendal was required to extend third-placed Feyenoord's winning run to ten games and RKC Waalwijk recovered from two consecutive defeats to beat Willem II 3-1.

Tanghe double
NEC Nijmegen lost 2-1 at home against Dutch Cup finalists FC Utrecht, who took the lead through Belgian Stefan Tanghe. A penalty from Danny Hesp restored parity but Tanghe's second goal was enough to hand Utrecht victory.

Spoils shared
In the weekend's other games, relegation-threatened SBV Vitesse threw away the lead to allow SC Heerenveen a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw, FC Twente beat lowly SC Excelsior 1-0 thanks to Sjaak Polak's goal and FC Groningen moved four points away from the relegation zone with a goalless draw against NAC Breda.