Machlas keeps Ajax top
For long periods it appeared that NAC would frustrate Ronald Koeman`s men, but Greek forward Machlas struck 20 minutes from time, following good work from Maxwell, to keep the Amsterdam outfit at the head of affairs.
Machlas struggled at the start of the term, but since Koeman replaced Co Adriaanse at the helm of the ArenA outfit, he has been in fine form.
He has now scored four goals in as many games, and this strike keeps Ajax clear of the chasing pack. This finish was all the more notable, as Machlas had only been on the pitch a matter of five minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute.
A brace of goals either side of half-time by Simon Cziommer gave Twente a surprise 2-1 win at title-chasing Feyenoord.
Bert van Marwijk`s side never recovered from going two down and although Australian ace Brett Emerton reduced the arrears with a stunning 25-yard drive with plenty of time left, Feyenoord could not find a leveller.
PSV Eindhoven took advantage of Feyenoord`s slip to go second in the table thanks to a 4-0 home win over Utrecht.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink struck moments before the break to stun battling Utrecht, who had to play the majority of the game with 10 men after having Jean-Paul de Jong sent off on 39 minutes.
PSV had to wait until deep into the second-half to seal the win, with Mateja Kezman easing the nerves and Vennegoor of Hesselink adding a second as Utrecht wilted.
As the game drew to a close, Vennegoor of Hesselink capped a fine personal performance by sealing his hat-trick.
RKC Waalwijk maintained their outside European hopes with a 3-2 win over AZ Alkmaar.
The game was entertaining throughout, with Kenneth Perez firing the home side in front on eight minutes. The advantage did not last long, as Robert Fuchs scored for AZ on the quarter-hour.
RKC pressed forward in the second-half and were rewarded when Santi Kolk scored on the hour.
The decisive third came on 76 minutes when Michael Lamey hit the target, and RKC held on for the win despite an injury-time finish from Robin Nelisse causing a few flutters.
To view a match summary, click on a link below.
Feyenoord v Twente
NAC Breda v Ajax
PSV v Utrecht
RKC Waalwijk v AZ Alkmaar
Click here for the Eredivisie table
