体坛英语新闻：Ajax win Dutch classic to strengthen top spot

THE HAGUE, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Ajax won the most classic match of Dutch football against long-time rivals Feyenoord 2-1 on Sunday in Rotterdam.

Striker Graziano Pelle gave the home-team the lead in the 30th minute with a firm header. After Bojan Krkic fell out with an injury Ajax coach Frank de Boer brought in Kolbeinn Sigthorsson to replace him. The substitute proved to have an immediate positive effect as he equalized on the stroke of half-time after a cross by Ricardo Kishna.

In the second half Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen hit the post and his teammate Joel Veltman became matchwinner. After a corner he was alert at the second post and scored in the 72nd minute.

With the victory Ajax ended the title hope of Feyenoord. Also on Sunday FC Twente tied FC Utrecht 1-1, while Vitesse beat bottom sides Roda JC Kerkrade 3-1 on Saturday.

Ajax now lead the Eredivisie with 57 points out of 26 matches. FC Twente and Vitesse trail by eight points, Feyenoord by 12 and PSV, which beat Go Ahead Eagles 3-2 on Saturday, are fifth on 13 points.

Ajax coach Frank de Boer admitted his team set a major step towards a fourth consecutive league title.

"We are not there yet, but we set an important step," De Boer said.