Heerenveen drops important points

De Friezen missed a opportunity to climb within three points of Ajax as they lost 2-1 to FC Utrecht. The impact of the loss drops Heerenveen into the Europa League playoff spot.

For the match Trond Sollied was hampered with losses of Danijel Pranjić, Viktor Elm and both Patrik Ingelsten and Roy Beerens were kept out of the starting eleven as they were not completely fit. Through the rear-view mirror with Utrecht unable to score in the previous eight matches, it was likely considered a "safe" move given the KNVB Beker match this week but in the end it cost dearly.

Paulo Henrique gave Heerenveen the lead three minutes in from Gerald Sibon's provision before Michael Silberbauer beat Johannes Vonk only four minutes later with a strike from twenty-three metres. With the match level de Friezen were clearly dominating the run of play, most notable for Gerald Sibon' outstanding series of play-making opportunities but finishing was gut-wrenching. Finally with a minute left the spot was pointed to as Darryl Janmaat was adjudged for bringing down Loïc Loval in the area. Gregoor van Dijk converted giving Utrecht the lead and despite a late surge Heerenveen lost 2-1.

Don't forget Heerenveen faces Volendam in the semi-finals of the KNVB Beker Wednesday evening.