Feyenoord defeated FC Utrecht 2-1 as the hosts ended the year by climbing into the top five.
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Utrecht had the better of the opening stages but after 15 minutes, Orkun Kokcu fired Feyenoord ahead with an excellent strike from outside the box.
However, the lead only lasted two minutes before Justin Hoogma headed Utrecht level.
Both sides then traded chances before Feyenoord regained their lead five minutes into the second half. Tyrell Malacia found Jens Toornstra with an excellent pass and the midfielder finished calmly.
Utrecht pushed for the equaliser but Sean Klaiber hit the post before Kenneth Vermeer denied Simon Gustafson. At the other end, Feyenoord also hit the post through Luis Sinisterra.
With ten minutes to go, Utrecht were reduced to ten men when Hoogma saw red for a late challenge.
The victory means Feyenoord head into the new year fifth and with a chance of challenging for a top three spot. Utrecht are 7th.
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