NEC Nijmegen have moved into the top seven in the Eredivisie after a hard-fought victory against Heerenveen.

The hosts took the lead on 18 minutes after Lucas Woudenberg teed up Christian Santos, who directed his shot beyond the reach of keeper Erwin Mulder.

Heerenveen almost found an equaliser on the stroke of half time when Luciano Slagveer weaved his way into the penalty area, but the attacker was dispossessed as he looked to shoot.

Minutes after the restart, Nijmegen almost added to their lead as Marcel Ritzmaier fired towards Mulder's goal, only to narrowly miss the target.

However, NEC sealed victory with 16 minutes left as Santos found the back of the net, moments after Slagveer thought that he had been pulled down for a penalty.

NEC are now three points behind leaders Ajax, who have a game in hand.