Early Bazoer effort enough as Ajax edge Vitesse

Ajax midfielder Riechedly Bazoer scored after just 26 seconds which proved enough to give the Eredivisie leaders a 1-0 win over Vitesse.

Riechedly Bazoer (right) in action for Ajax against Vitesse Source: AAP

The Amsterdam ArenA looked set for a busy night when 19-year-old Bazoer converted after a rebound off Vitesse goalkeeper Eloy Room from an early cross into the penalty area.

However, despite expectations raised for the fans with the fastest strike since the move to their new home stadium, the match turned out to be one of few other clear-cut chances as Ronald de Boer's men closed out a second successive 1-0 victory to move six points clear of PSV Eindhoven, who host FC Twente on Sunday afternoon (local time).

Heracles climbed above Vitesse into fourth place after they beat De Graafschap 2-1 at Polman Stadion.

Brahim Darri (37) and Thomas Bruns (73) were on target for the home side, before Andrew Driver (87) netted a late consolation.

Roda finally secured a first Eredivisie success in 15 attempts as a late goal from Hicham Faik (83) gave them a 1-0 victory at Excelsior.

Rostyn Griffiths was an unused substitute for Roda.

Heerenveen also moved up the table as they defeat Willem II 3-1.

The visitors were leading through a first-half penalty from Nick van der Velden (20).

However, Heerenveen, beaten 5-2 at Zwolle last weekend, produced a late charge as Arber Zeneli (71) equalised before Kenny Otigba (75) and Sam Larsson (85) sealed victory.