This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl
PSV left it late to secure maximum points from their visit to the Euroborg Stadium on Saturday night. Substitute Danko Lazovic, brought on seven minutes from time, headed home a cross from Stef Nijland, another substitute, in the third minute of added time, as PSV claimed their fifth away win of the season.
A five-point gap
FC Groningen and PSV realised that only a win would do and played attacking football, creating plenty of chances. In the end PSV were the luckier team as Lazovic scored the winner, taking his tally for the season to seven. Prior to the game, FC Groningen were only two points behind PSV and if they had recorded a win, they would have leapfrogged PSV into fourth place. However, PSV took all three points and have opened up a five-point gap. They will be next in action on Friday when they play host to sc Heerenveen, who have the same number of points as PSV following a 3-1 victory over Willem II. PSV extended their unbeaten run to five matches, with Dwight Lodeweges at the helm.
Dreadful state of the pitch
FC Groningen and PSV fought out a goalless first half on the playing surface of the Euroborg Stadium that was in dreadful condition. PSV had the first chance but Dzsudzsák sent his effort wide before the hosts took control. Dwight Lodeweges' team were made to work hard as the home side put in a solid display with neat football and some flowing moves. PSV keeper Isaksson was forced into a great save, pushing Holla's long range shot away for a corner and ten minutes later the Swedish stopper pulled off a fine save from a Berg header. At the other end, PSV came close to making the breakthrough when Koevermans fired into the sidenetting and Salcido put the ball inches over the bar. Dzsudzsák frequently skipped past his marker on the left wing and Amrabat, on the right wing, also had his moments. FC Groningen had one more chance to break the deadlock in the first half, when Berg turned provider for Garcia, who rifled a 20-yard shot wide.
Late-gasp winner
FC Groningen started the second half brightly and won a number of corners in quick succession as PSV were often dispossessed. Yet Afellay had the best chance to open the scoring. Dzsudzsák put the midfielder clear with a clever through ball but Afellay flashed his effort across goal. The Hungarian then found Amrabat, but keeper Luciano rushed out from goal to deny him. Koevermans was the next PSV player to pop up in front of goal but defender Sankoh blocked his goal-bound shot. At the other end, FC Groningen piled up the pressure and Culina made a fine goal line clearance after the hosts had won yet another corner. Bakkal came on for Amrabat in the 75th minute and seven minutes from time Lodeweges also brought on Lazovic and Nijland for Koevermans and Dzsudzsák. Nijland was given a standing ovation on his return to the club where he started his professional career. Isaksson meanwhile kept PSV in the game with a number of excellent saves. The Swedish goalkeeper was happy to take crosses and denied Berg in one-one-one situation. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Salcido intercepted a ball in midfield and set up Nijland who whipped in a centre which Lazovic headed in at the far post. The Serbian striker had secured the points in the dying minute: seconds later the final whistle went.
