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PSV are back on top of the table, following a 0-2 win over N.E.C. Aruna Koné netted an early opening goal for the Eindhoven outfit and DaMarcus Beasley made sure of three points in injury time with a well-placed header. PSV certainly could not lean back on their trip to N.E.C. on Boxing Day. The hosts, who battled for every inch of soil, put on a spirited display and produced sliding tackles all over the place. Addo, who filled in for Alex, was the first victim in the first minute of official playing time, when Denneboom unintentionally put an elbow in his face. One minute later Denneboom could have opened the scoring, when Ooijer slid, but PSV keeper Gomes pulled off his first fine save of the afternoon. At the other end Olsson also found it hard to remain on his feet on six minutes and unlike Denneboom, PSV striker Koné knew how to take a chance. He needed a bit of luck, though, for N.E.C. keeper Babos was beaten, when his shot was deviated.When N.E.C. were trailing 0-1, they soon took initiatives, but they did not earn any proper chances. PSV got a golden opportunity from one of their counter attacks, but Koné did not connect with Vennegoor of Hesselink, who was left completely unmarked. Second before referee Luinge readily reached for his notebook, when Vennegoor tapped the ball on inch away, after the referee had decided the hosts had earned a free kick. N.E.C. could have restored parity before the break, but Gomes denied Leiwakabessy and Barreto hit the bar. Koné was put clear, but Babos thwarted his effort with his knee. Barreto was cautioned on the brink of half time for a wild challenge from behind on Beasley. After the break the game was less attractive, but very thrilling at the same time. PSV were forced back and hosts put on the pressure. Tininho fired wide of the goal. Barreto brought out a wonderful one-handed save from Gomes with a superb curled free kick on ten minutes. Gomes kept PSV in the game by a string of wonderful saves. It was one-way traffic and the N.E.C. players were all ball winners. They brought on two extra forwards, but were unable to score the equalizer that would have been so deserved. In the final minute of added time PSV put even more salt in the wounds: Culina could not reach Koné at first, but when he got possession again, he picked out Beasley, who was left unmarked, and the USA international produced a glancing header; 0-2.By collecting a 0-2 win over N.E.C., PSV have gone back to the top of the Dutch table. Rivals AZ were beaten 2-0 by Feyenoord, who scored two early goals. PSV have earned 41 points; Feyenoord as well as AZ Alkmaar now both have 38 points.
