De Friezen find a point against NEC

De Friezen escaped Nijmegen with a 1-1 draw against NEC but the result is costly as they miss a chance to draw level with Ajax and are now fifth in the Eredivisie table.

Trond Sollied had to be impressed as his side took the lead three minutes after the start. Attacking through the right flank, Christian Grindheim link to Roy Beerens who then crossed to Viktor Elm for a quick header into the net. Following the goal NEC's attacking input of Rachid Bouaouzan and Dennis Rommedahl were incapable of advancing and Goran Popov's free kick came close to doubling the margin at the sixteenth minute. Six minutes before the break the home side drew level as a penalty was call for goalkeeper Brian Vandenbussche for bringing down Tim Janssen. Youssef El Akchaoui converted from the spot and the match went to the break at 1-1.

Mario Been's side came out more aggressive after the break but a quick counter by Danijel Pranjić and Roy Beerens nearly restored Heerenveen's lead when the former Dinamo Zagreb man cross fell to Viktor Elm but his drive from twelve metres was saved. For the balance of the match most efforts were speculative in nature and were easily dealt with by both keepers as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.