A 3-0 victory over NEC allowed PSV Eindhoven to move three points clear at the top of the table.
NEC continue to struggle after away defeat to leaders
A 3-0 victory over NEC Nijmegen at the Philips Stadion allowed PSV Eindhoven to move three points clear at the top of the Eredivisie.
Ola Toivonen struck a goal in each half with substitute Nordin Amrabat sealing matters on the stroke of full-time to give Fred Rutten's side breathing space.
Steve McClaren's FC Twente visit FC Groningen on Sunday and could remove PSV's lead, but Rutten will be delighted to have earned an advantage.
NEC continue to struggle in 15th spot and will slip into a relegation play-off place should Willem II or ADO Den Haag win this weekend.
The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute as Danko Lazovic's inswinging cross was met by Carlos Salcido, who teed up Sweden forward Toivonen to head home from 10 yards.
Then in the 61st minute Toivonen surged forward and unleashed a right-footed shot from 15 yards which beat Gabor Babos and found its way into the left side of the NEC goal to give his side a two-goal cushion.
Amrabat entered the fray with 13 minutes remaining and got his name on the scoresheet with virtually the last kick of the game.
