Narrow escape for reigning champions Ajax against Excelsior

Daan Bovenberg of Excelsior, Richairo Zivkovic of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Excelsior Rotterdam and Ajax Amsterdam at Woudenstein stadium on December 21, 2014 in Rotterdam

The Hague, Dec 22 (IANS) After a humiliating 0-4 home defeat against Vitesse in the Dutch Cup, reigning champions Ajax Amsterdam recorded a late 2-0 win against Excelsior to finish the first half of the Eredivisie season.

Excelsior were the most dangerous side in Rotterdam, but two substitutes brought Ajax the win Sunday, reports Xinhua. Mike van der Hoorn's shot earned the visitors the lead in the 83rd minute and Richairo Zivkovic added a second five minutes later.

Also, Sunday Feyenoord beat NAC 1-0 in Breda. Striker Colin Kazim-Richards became the match winner with a shot from close range in the far corner.

Vitesse beat Heracles Almelo 3-0, while FC Twente defeated Willem II 3-2 thanks to two injury time goals by Andreas Bjelland and Torgeir Borven.

League leaders PSV Eindhoven finished the year in style with a convincing victory over Go Ahead Eagles (5-0) Saturday.

PSV were already certain of the 'winter' title and end the first half of the season with 43 points from 17 matches. Ajax (17-39) trail by four points, followed by Feyenoord (17-31), PEC Zwolle (17-29), FC Twente (17-28) and AZ (17-28).