Nicky Hofs’ first-half goal has earned Vitesse Arnhem victory at home to NAC Breda in the Eredivisie.
Hofs finished off an excellent team move for his first goal of the season in the 19th minute on Saturday night.
Alexander Buttner should have doubled the lead just after the hour mark but saw his penalty saved by Jelle ten Rouwelaar, while NAC had Anthony Lurling sent off at the death.
The hosts were on top from the start and Hofs was denied by the woodwork after just four minutes, picking up a loose ball and shooting against the left post from 18 yards.
Jan-Arie van der Heijden headed just wide before at the other end home goalkeeper Piet Velthuizen kept out an Omer Bayram effort.
Vitesse went in front when Mike Havenaar controlled Alexander Buttner’s ball in from the left and Hofs, arriving late in the area, drilled a shot into the net.
Buttner went for goal himself moments later but Ten Rouwelaar kept out the shot.
Buttner had the chance to put Vitesse further ahead in the 61st minute when Jordy Buijs brought down Havenaar in the area.
But the midfielder’s penalty was saved low to his right by Ten Rouwelaar.
The keeper kept his side in the contest again by saving Van der Heijden’s header with the help of the crossbar.
Santi Kolk fired wide as NAC briefly threatened an equaliser before Patrick van Aanholt brought another stop from Ten Rouwelaar.
And NAC’s night ended on a sour note when Lurling was sent off for a second yellow card in the 90th minute.