Two late goals gave Ajax a 2-0 win over Excelsior which keeps them four points behind leaders PSV going into the winter break.

van der hoorn ajajabdhThe Eredivisie champions went into the game on the back of the 4-0 defeat to Vitesse in the KNVB Cup midweek, and they once again looked sluggish as Excelsior were allowed to dominate proceedings.

Excelsior had several chances to take the lead but Jasper Cillessen twice denied Ninos Gouriye, while Jeff Stans could only fire wide when found in the box by Adil Auassar. Ajax right back Ricardo van Rhijn came close to opening the scoring but his long range strike hit the bar.

Frank de Boer changed the game with the substitution of Mike van der Hoorn for midfielder Lucas Andersen as the coach looked to use the tall striker as a target man. It proved to be a masterstroke as on 83 minutes Excelsior goalkeeper Coutinho could only clear to the edge of the box and Van der Hoorn fired into the unguarded net.

The win was sealed in the last minute with Richairo Zivkovic netting his first goal for the first team in the Eredivisie as he slotted in from close range after being picked out by Lasse Schone.

Ajax go into the winter break four points behind leaders PSV while Excelsior sit 13th.




admin (14221 Posts)

Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter