Eredivisie round-up

Jozy Altidore: On target for AZ Alkmaar as they moved to the top of the table

AZ Alkmaar took over at the top of the table, VVV Venlo and RKC claimed victories and Den Haag picked up an important point.

AZ Alkmaar moved top of the Eredivisie table with a comfortable home win over Heracles Almelo.

With closest rivals PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente to meet on Sunday, AZ can afford to watch on with the comfort of a one-point lead.

First-half goals from Simon Poulsen and Jozy Altidore sent AZ on their way before Adam Maher put Gertjan Verbeek's side out of sight on 52 minutes.

Heracles were given a lifeline into the game in the 57th minute when Nick Viergever saw red, and Willy Overtoom netted the resultant penalty, but AZ closed out the game without further worry.

Improving

Improving RKC moved further clear of danger with a victory over rock bottom Excelsior.

Geoffrey Castillion's goal just before half-time proved enough to sink the Rotterdam side at the Mandemakers Stadion.

It means Ruud Brood's team have now sit comfortably in mid-table, having picked up 16 points from their last eight games.

ADO Den Haag picked up a welcome point in their battle against relegation against fourth-placed Heerenveen.

The home side defended resolutely throughout to limit Heerenveen to a handful of chances and improve to 25 points from 24 games.

Robert Cullen and Maya Yoshida scored in the last five minutes as VVV-Venlo came from behind to beat NAC Breda.

NAC had taken the lead through an Ismo Vorstermans own goal after 55 minutes but Cullen struck after 85 and Yoshida netted the winner two minutes later.