Eredivisie leaders AFC Ajax missed the opportunity to extend their advantage as they were held 1-1 by struggling SC Fortuna Sittard on Wednesday evening.

Shock lead
A victory would have seen Ajax increase their lead to six points but they had to come from behind against a team all but relegated. When Ronald Hamming scored from six metres in the 52nd minute, following good play down the right by Rolf Landerl, it looked like Ajax would be on the receiving end of the shock of the season. No less than 38 points had divided the teams at the start of play, with Fortuna looking doomed having only won twice in 22 games.

Wamberto equaliser
Yet Sittard's dreams of a rare win were to be dashed just seven minutes later, Wamberto played a one-two with Greek international Nikos Machlas before calmly placing the ball between the legs of former FC Barcelona goalkeeper Ruud Hesp. Although on balance Ajax were the better team throughout, Sittard's battling performance belied their position at the foot of the league.

Four points
The result will mean more to Sittard in terms of a morale booster, even though they remain bottom, 15 points below the safety line. Ajax stay top, four points ahead of nearest challengers PSV Eindhoven.