Dutch Premier League: AZ dethroned by PSV

SC Heerenveen didn’t take long to beat FC Utrecht 2-0. Bas Dost and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw scored the goals within the first 15 minutes.

During the remaining 75 minutes a powerless FC Utrecht didn’t even come close to changing the score. As a result of their victory, Heerenveen drew level with Ajax on 34 points, but the Amsterdam squad are still facing a classic against Feyenoord on Sunday. FC Utrecht are now down to a disappointing 14th place.

De Graafschap, who are deep in the relegation zone, courageously held NAC Breda to a 1-1 away draw. After a five-match goalless streak, it was the first time De Graafschap managed to score. Both goals again came in the first 15 minutes, with De Graafschap’s Michael de Leeuw grabbing the first and Anthony Lurling netting the equaliser.

Heracles notched up an easy 3-0 home victory over bottom-of-the-league Excelsior. Ben Rienstra and Kwame Quansah scored before half-time, with Glynor Plet netting this tenth goal of the season in the second half. Heracles ended the match a man down after Lerin Duarte was shown yellow a second time.

For the first time in eight years Roda JC scored a home win over AZ, who suffered a 2-0 defeat. Their thrashing means AZ have lost the League leadership to PSV, who are two points ahead of them. Roda’s goals were scored by Sanharib Malki and Mads Junker. AZ’s dethronement follows a meagre five points out of the last six competition fixtures.