Holland saw two major clashes at the weekend as first met third whilst second visited fifth. The main match between leaders PSV Eindhoven and Ajax ended goalless but FC Twente were unable to capitalise as they lost 2-1 at AZ Alkmaar.

PSV and Ajax cancelled each other out with neither side able to break down the resolute defence of the other. Eindhoven retain a five point lead over Ajax and a three point cushion over FC Twente who missed an opportunity to close the gap. Janssen scored an own goal to gift AZ the lead and things got worse after Franco’s dismissal shortly before half-time. But Viergeyer also saw red after the hour to even up the sides and when de Jong struck with two minutes remaining, it looked like they had snatched point. However, the hosts stole the three points when Falkenburg scored an injury time winner.

FC Groningen also missed out on a chance to close on the top three crashing to a 5-1 defeat at Feyenoord. Wijnaldum was their destroyer helping himself to four goals before Vlaar completed the rout. A sole Pedersen effort late in the first half was all Groningen could muster.

At the foot of the table, Wilhelm ll won a thrilling match against Heerenveen. Janmaat and Dost gave the visitors an early two goal lead but two goals within four second half minutes, from Biemans and Swinkels brought Wilhelm level. Vayrynen snatched the lead back for Heerenveen three minutes later but Van Der Heijden levelled again before Rigters won it in the final minute.

A first minute strike from Cullen gave VVV-Venlo the points at home to SC Excelsior Rotterdam bring them closer to Vitesse who went down heavily 6-1 at Heracles. Kashia’s injury time consolation made up for the own goal he scored ten minutes earlier.