Eredivisie wrap: Den Haag, Heracles win at home

ADO Den Haag and Heracles both recorded home victories in the Eredivisie on Thursday.

Both sides were contesting Europa League playoff first-leg matches, with teams finishing fifth to eighth having a chance to fight for a berth in the second qualifying round of European football’s second-tier competition.

In Den Haag, the hosts edged closer to the playoff final after a first-half rampage saw them beat Roda JC 4-2 at Kyocera Stadion.

Lex Immers, Frantisek Kubik and Dmitri Bulykin all scored for the hosts inside the opening 25 minutes and although Morten Skoubo pulled one back for Roda, Carl Vicento restored the three-goal lead four minutes before half time.

Bulykin was given a straight red card after just 45 minutes to bring the visitors back into the match, but they could only score one consolation, thanks to substitute Rihairo Meulens’ goal 12 minutes from time.

Heracles won their fourth match in a row courtesy of a 3-2 victory over Groingen.

Samuel Armenteros and Darl Douglas both scored in the first 15 minutes for the hosts at Polman Stadion, and although Jonas Ivens quickly responded for Groningen, Armenteros’ second just before the hour mark looked to have sealed the three points.

But the visitors did give Heracles a scare, mainly through Leandro Bacuna’s goal, which gives Groningen a fighting chance in the second leg.