Eredivisie round-up

Ajax increased their lead at the top of De Eredivisie to eight points but could only manage a disappointing 1-1 home draw with RBC.

The league leaders recovered from the shock of going behind very early on to restore parity through inspirational skipper Rafael van der Vaart (pictured), but could not force a winner.

Eric Hellemons stunned the Amsterdam ArenA with a shock opener for RBC on three minutes and it took time for the hosts to get into their stride.

Van der Vaart's leveller seemed likely to be the prelude for further strikes, but a stubborn defensive display from the visitors ensured they left with a deserved point.

Feyenoord closed the gap on second-placed PSV Eindhoven to just three points after a comprehensive 3-0 away win at Utrecht.

The Rotterdam giants had Eby Smolarek to thank in no small part for the triumph with the Polish midfielder helping himself to a brace.

Following a goalless first period, Feyenoord assumed control with a two-goal salvo around the hour mark to effectively settle the match.

Smolarek broke the deadlock on 52 minutes, and a second from Dirk Kuyt ten minutes later allowed the visitors to relax a little.

They never looked in any real danger of surrendering their advantage, and Smolarek put a gloss on the scoreline with his second, and his side's third, a quarter of an hour from time.

AZ Alkmaar maintained their European aspirations but left it late to claim a point from their trip to Groningen.

Arvid Smit opened the scoring for Groningen 11 minutes after the break, but Peter Wijker struck two minutes from time to ensure the visitors left with a share of the spoils.

Volendam gave themselves renewed hope of avoiding the drop with an exciting 4-2 home win over NAC Breda.

A victory looked highly unlikely when they found themselves two down after just 12 minutes with Nourdin Boukari and Ali Boussaboun netting for NAC.

However, Maurice Buys quickly pulled one back, and Karim Bridji ensured the sides went in level at the break when he pounced on 44 minutes.

Sebastian Steur moved the hosts ahead for the first time 20 minutes from time, and Bridji claimed his second four minutes later to seal matters.