Ajax close in on Dutch title

The Hague, April 23 (IANS) Ajax moved one step closer to their 31st Dutch League title by beating FC Groningen 2-0 in Amsterdam.

The home team played a difficult match and was heading towards a goalless first half. However, Derk Boerrigter opened the scoring in injury time. It took Ajax until the 80th minute to secure the victory Sunday. Substitute Kolbeinn Sigthorsson found the net, Xinhua reported.

AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord both stayed six points behind the leaders by booking narrow wins against VVV-Venlo (2-1) and ADO Den Haag (2-1) respectively. Brett Holman gave AZ the lead, but after Quin Kruysen's equalizer American striker Jozy Altidore earned AZ the win with his 15th goal of the season.

Just like AZ Feyenoord also opened the scoring just after half time at ADO Den Haag. Ruben Schaken and Guyon Fernandez scored for Feyenoord and Lex Immers produced ADO's late consolation goal from the penalty spot.

PSV Eindhoven had a narrow escape against NEC Nijmegen 2-1. After Navarone Foor gave NEC an early lead, Jetro Willems equalized in the 68th minute and substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink became the match winner in the 88th minute.

Saturday, FC Twente also had a narrow escape by beating Excelsior 1-0 in Rotterdam. Nacer Chadli handed Twente the three points in injury time. sc Heerenveen and Vitesse drew 1-1.

With three rounds remaining, Ajax are hot favorite to grab the title. Frank de Boer's team can already capture the championship next week if Ajax beat FC Twente in Enschede and Feyenoord and AZ draw in Rotterdam.

The battle for the second place, which guarantees a place in the preliminary round of the Champions League next season, is still up for grabs. AZ and Feyenoord are on 61 points, FC Twente and PSV on 60 points and sc Heerenveen are on 58 points.