Set-Bakk For Feyenoord As Psv Go Clear

Jan 13 2008

Holland

LEADERS PSV struck a blow in the title race last night by winning 1-0 away to Feyenoord in their crunch top-of-the-table clash.

Midfielder Otman Bakkal was the PSV hero as he fired home the winner five minutes before half-time to hand caretaker boss Sef Vergoosen victory in his first game at the helm.

Feyenoord midfielder Nick Hofs was sent packing in 62 minutes and PSV almost grabbed a second 10 minutes later when Ibrahim Afellay hit the post.

The teams went into the game level at the top and Feyenoord boss Bert Van Marwijk will be gutted his side failed to make home advantage count.

This year's title race is one of the closest ever with eight points separating the top eight sides before this weekend's games.

A 3-2 win at home to Excelsior Rotterdam moved Groningen level with Feyenoord in second.

Goran Lovre fired them ahead in 57 minutes only for Geert Den Ouden to level 60 seconds later.

Marcus Berg put Groningen back in front in 63 minutes but they failed to protect their lead again and Daniel Guijo-Velasco netted 10 minutes later.

The match seemed to be heading for a draw before Serbian star Lovre grabbed his second in the dying seconds.

Sixth-placed Roda blew a chance to put pressure on the leaders as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Willem II.

Roda needed a late penalty from Marcel Meeuwis to salvage a point after Rydell Poepon's first-half opener for the visitors.