AZ Alkmaar are back on top of the Dutch league after Maarten Martens’ two second-half goals earned a 2-0 win over Excelsior Rotterdam on Saturday.

Meanwhile Dmitry Bulykin and Nicolas Lodeiro each scored as Ajax notched their first league win of the year by beating NAC Breda 2-0.

PSV Eindhoven can join AZ on the summit with a home win against De Graafschap on Sunday.

Also, Sanharib Malki’s lone goal inspired Roda JC to a 1-0 win over NEC Nijmegen.

Regional neighbour Heracles Almelo beat FC Twente 3-2 on Friday as coach Steve McClaren lost for the first time since his winter break return at the club.