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Ruling champions PSV have dropped points in the 2005-2006 curtain raiser. Heracles were back in the top flight and battled for every inch of ground. The newly promoted side were rewarded with a 1-1 draw.The domestic league game in the Polman Stadium was played on an artificial pitch, which was the first time in the history of the Dutch Eredivisie. It was a fine day for the hosts: they had returned to the highest level, after having won the First Division title last season. They started the game, without showing any fear for their opponents and coach Peter Bosz had told his players to give the Dutch champions a hard time.Ibrahim Afellay earned a chance for PSV, but Heracles also had their moments. Marc Höcher and Kwame Quansah were threatening. André Ooijer was taken off after he had sustained a head wound. The defender was replaced by Mika Väyrynen. Ooijer needed some stitches and the real nature of his injury will be revealed on Sunday. Phillip Cocu goalPSV fielded the same side in the second half. The hosts played a solid block of defenders and were looking to start counter attacks. Thijs Sluijter and Höcher created some dangerous moments. PSV were the dominating side and controlled proceedings. Twenty minutes from final time Robert was taken on for Timmy Simons. Wilfred Bouma moved up to midfield and PSV strenthened the attack with the Brazilian forward. PSV now surged forward, but the hosts, cheered on by their fans, held on.It looked like PSV had grabbed victory after all, when Cocu scored a goal on 84 minutes. However, Sluijter restored parity three minutes later and Heracles were rewarded for their match plan and agression. Final score: 1-1.
