De Tukkers play NEC to 1-1 draw

De Tukkers failed to keep pace with AZ and they were held to a 1-1 draw against N.E.C. in N.E.C. in Nijmegen.

Marko Arnautović gave Twente the lead somewhat haphazardly as Kenneth Perez drive from a central position inadvertently deflected off the Austrian international twenty-three minutes after the start. The lead should have been doubled a few minutes later but Eljero Elia effort was denied and Arnautović sent the rebound over the cross-bar. Continuing like they were headed for the win, Eljero Elia sent the ball into the net with nineteen minutes remaining but the goal was pulled back as offside. However N.E.C. brought the match even with twelve minutes remaining as John Goossens powerfully drove the ball into the top right corner from a long distance lead up by the play of Saidi Ntibazonkiza and Bas Sibum.

In truth this was match featured some of dirtiest play you'll find anywhere starting with Lorenzo Davids two footed attack seven minutes-in that is deserving on a long term suspension. By not dealing with this immediately the match was way out of hand and there was a lot of extra contact away from the ball. With three minutes remaining Youssef El Akchaoui completed a very low class approach as he shoved Romano Denneboom into the players bench, earning a red card.

Twente returns home to play Roda JC next week as they continue on their plan for a berth in next years Champions League.