Ajax move closer to Dutch title

The Hague, April 16 (IANS) Defending champions Ajax football club beat De Graafschap 3-1 to open a six-point lead over the other title contenders at the top of the Dutch Eredivisie table.

Derk Boerrigter scored two goals Sunday, Christian Eriksen added one and Michael de Leeuw produced the consolation goal for the visitors. After half-time, both teams were not able to find the net.

Ajax's closest rival AZ Alkmaar lost 2-3 at PSV Eindhoven. Jeremain Lens gave the home team the lead, but Jozy Altidore and Roy Beerens handed AZ a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Lens equalized after a cross from substitute Memphis Depay in the 77th minute and another substitute, Tim Matavz, earned PSV the win in injury time.

Last Wednesday AZ again squandered a 2-1 lead in the final minutes against FC Twente (2-2).

"We should have had six points out of the last two matches," AZ coach Gertjan Verbeek was quoted as saying by Xinhua. "But I still believe in the title. As I always said, as long as you don't need four points in the final match it's possible."

The battle for the second place, which guarantees a place in the preliminary round of the Champions League next season, is still tight. AZ remains in second place, tied with Feyenoord on 58 points. FC Twente, PSV and sc Heerenveen are all on 57 points.