NEC continue Euro push

Krisztian Vadocz: On target in victory

NEC Nijmegen moved into the Europa League play-off places after a 2-0 Eredivisie win at struggling Excelsior.

Krisztian Vadocz fired home in the 85th minute after Lasse Schone's penalty on the stroke of half-time had set NEC on their way to a victory which leaves the hosts 11 points adrift of safety.

Despite heading into the game on the back of two straight defeats, Excelsior had the first good chance in the 19th minute when NEC goalkeeper Gabor Babos did well to push a Roland Alberg free-kick out for a corner.

NEC recovered and had a chance themselves seven minutes later when Schone's long-range drive was saved by Wesley de Ruiter, with a little help from the post.

But the hosts continued to look sharp and Jansen should have done better in the 32nd minute, when he burst through the NEC defence and drew Babos before hitting the post.

Just when the hosts looked set to head into half-time on level terms, NEC grabbed the lead from the spot, Schone converting after Samuel Scheimann fouled Nathaniel Will in the box.

Vadocz forced De Ruiter to save with his feet early in the second period, but Excelsior continued to have their chances and Alberg fired just wide with a powerful 56th minute chance.

Excelsior substitute Moussa Kalisse hit the post in the 78th minute and the hosts were made to pay by Vadocz, who blasted into the top corner to seal victory for his side.