Defeat almost spells the end for Excelsior

A 3-0 loss against FC Volendam means that SC Excelsior are virtually certain to drop out of the Eredivisie after just one season.

Luirink lob
A 20-metre lob from Gijs Luirink after just ten minutes saw Excelsior fall behind in the third game of promotion/relegation Group B in the Netherlands. When Maurice Buys doubled his side's advantage four minutes before half-time the match was effectively over.

Maximum points
Reginald Faria's third goal four minutes before the final whistle was the icing on the cake for Volendam, who have a maximum nine points from three games while Excelsior are still to get off the mark. To stand any chance of finishing first in the group and staying in the top-flight Excelsior must win their final three games.

Koster disappointment
"For five years we fought to get into the Eredivisie, and it is sad that after one season it is already over," Excelsior coach Adrie Koster said after the game. "We have to prepare for the first division."

Emmen go second
In the other Group B game, SBV Emmen moved into second place, three points behind Volendam, with a 2-1 away win at Heracles Almelo. Rodney Cairo and Rutger Feijer scored for Emmen, with Yuri Rose replying for the hosts.

Unbeaten Zwolle
In Group A, FC Zwolle maintained their unbeaten record and top spot with a 2-1 win against Go Ahead Eagles. Marco Roelofsen converted the winning penalty three minutes before full time.

Kras red card
Six minutes earlier Zwolle's Ruud Kras had been sent off for a second bookable offence. In the first half Arjan Bosschaart had given Zwolle the lead, before Hubert Dijk equalised.

Win for Helmond Sport
Helmond Sport went second in Group A, three points adrift of Zwolle, by beating FC Den Bosch at home 3-0. A penalty from Roy Hendriksen seven minutes into the second half gave Helmond the lead and further goals from Leon Kantelberg and Ivar Dinteren secured the points.