Heracles have succumbed to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at the hands of SBV Excelsior in Sunday afternoon's Eredivisie clash at the Polman Stadion.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Daryl van Mieghem burst into the box and cut the ball back to Tom van Weert, who duly slotted home.

Marinus Dijkhuizen's charges had a hatful of chances to add to their tally, most notably through Kevin Vermeulen and Ninos Gouriye.

However, they succeeded in doubling their lead midway through the second half when Van Mieghem collected Gouriye's crossfield pass before curling an effort into the Heracles net.

And they wrapped up the points seven minutes from time when substitute Carlo De Reuver raced into the box and fired home.

The Heraclieden sit precariously above the Eredivisie drop zone on goal difference, while Excelsior remain in 13th place.