Twente Enschede's Bryan Ruiz struck six minutes from time to earn the leaders a 1-0 win over Vitesse Arnhem in the Dutch league on Saturday.
Steve McClaren's side lacked the pace and creativity to get past mid-table visitors Vitesse but finally Ronnie Stam's long ball was helped on by Douglas to Costa Rica's Ruiz who netted from close range to hand Twente a ninth straight league win.
Twente are top with 38 points after 14 matches, five ahead of PSV Eindhoven who host Heracles Almelo on Sunday. Ajax Amsterdam, who host Heerenveen Sunday, are third with 29, while fourth-placed Feyenoord, on 24, welcome Utrecht in fifth.
Jeremain Lens hit a double for AZ Alkmaar who came from 2-1 behind to beat Roda JC Kerkrade 4-2. Brazilian Jonathas was sent off in added time for use of the elbow.
NAC Breda and NEC Nijmegen shared the points in an entertaining 3-3 draw, while bottom side RKC Waalwijk picked up their third win of the season by beating Groningen 3-1.
