PSV, Vitesse close in on Dutch league leaders Twente

FILE Photo: Dries Mertens (C) of PSV is congratulated by team mates after he scores the first goal of the game during the Eredivisie match between SC Excelsior Rotterdam and PSV Eindhoven at Woudestein Stadium

The Hague - PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse recorded crucial victories as they closed the gap to leaders FC Twente after the the ninth match round of the Dutch football league.

League leaders FC Twente were held to a 1-1 draw by Roda JC Kerkrade Saturday night, reports Xinhua.

Twente grabbed a 1-0 lead through Luc Castaignos in the 68th minute, but Guus Hupperts equalized five minutes later.

“This result is disappointing,” said Twente coach Steve McClaren. “We did not start well in this competition, our pace was too low. Roda began well and focused on our mistakes. We lost the ball too much and did not really have control all the time.”

PSV Eindhoven avoided a stunning home defeat against Willem II Tilburg. After Jens Podevijn and Niek Vossebelt gave the visitors the lead, PSV captain Kevin Strootman turned the score around with two goals, while Tim Matavz added the third to make it 3-2.

Vitesse thanked strikers Jonathan Reis en Wilfried Bony for a 3-0 victory at NAC Breda. Reis opened the scoring in the first half and Bony produced a brace in the second.

After 26 consecutive home matches without a defeat, AZ Alkmaar lost 0-2 against NEC Nijmegen. Ryan Koolwijk scored both goals.

FC Twente still lead the Eredivisie with 22 points, one ahead of PSV and Vitesse, five ahead of Ajax.