Trio enjoy winning starts

SBV Emmen, FC Volendam and FC Den Bosch all enjoyed winning starts in the first round of matches in the promotion/relegation play-offs in the Netherlands yesterday.

Den Bosch delight
In Group A, Den Bosch began impressively, defeating Go Ahead Eagles 4-1 at home. Stefan Jansen scored twice while Koen van de Laak and Charlie van den Ouweland were also on target, with the away side's only response a Hubert Dijk goal. The other match in the section, between Helmond Sport and Eredivisie side FC Zwolle, ended goalless.

De Groot decisive
The other top-flight club, SC Excelsior, got off to the worst possible start, as they were defeated 1-0 at Emmen in Group B. Donny De Groot scored the only goal of the game, while Ruud Berger also missed a penalty for the home side and Excelsior defender Michel Bastos was sent off.

Away victory
Volendam secured a 2-1 win at Heracles Almelo in the group's other match, with Jack Tuyp scoring both goals. Yuri Rose was on target for the home side, who missed the chance to take a draw from the game when Rick Platvoet was unable to convert a penalty. Both sides ended with ten men, as Peter Reekers of Heracles and Volendam's Jermaine Holwijn were both dismissed.

Friday games
The second round of matches take place on Friday night, with Zwolle at home to Den Bosch and Helmont visiting Go Ahead Eagle in Group A. In Group B, Excelsior take on Heracles and Volendam play Emmen.