In the opening weekend of the Eredivisie, visiting NEC Nijmegen notched two late goals to play Heerenveen to a 2-2 draw, honours even, at Abe Lenstra Stadion.

After an engaging opening half with both sides willing to attack, “De Friezen” took the 1-0 lead three minutes after the restart as turnover deep in the NEC final third saw the always dangerous Oussama Assaidi provided the ball near the spot with only the ‘keeper to beat which he did with no qualms. With twenty minutes remaining in regulation time Ron Jan’s side looked to en route to victory as Luciano Narsingh race down a through ball and scored after circumventing NEC ‘keeper Jasper Cillessen. However NEC would not be deterred and with seven minutes remaining in regulation time Bram Nuytinck shook off his mark to the top of the box to nod Ryan Koolwijk’s free kick from the right into the net to set-up the grandstand finish. Heerenveen’s efforts were further challenged a minute later as Viktor Elm was given a straight red-card with a dreadful challenge of Ryan Koolwijk, thus forcing the hosts to play with a man disadvantage. NEC’s comeback was complete at the eighty-ninth minute when Nathaniël Will’s effort came off Heerenveen ‘keeper Brian Vandenbussche, straight onto the path of Stef Nijland who promptly sent the rebound into the net to seal a 2-2 draw, honours even.

Prepared by John Davies
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