Netherlands round-up: Ajax back with a bang

Eredivisie champions AFC Ajax continued their impressive pre-season form on the first weekend of the season with a 3-1 victory over FC Utrecht.

Galasek opener
Ajax have defeated both Manchester United FC and Celtic FC in recent weeks, and Czech Republic striker Tomás Galásek paved the way for another victory when he scored his team’s first goal of the new campaign on five minutes.

Second-half strikes
Utrecht soon clawed their way back into contention with a goal from Belgian Tom van Mol just after the half-hour mark. But second-half strikes from Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' and Steven Pienaar gave Ajax all three points.

No ill effects
Feyenoord's season began on Tuesday night with a 1-0 UEFA Champions League qualifying win over Fenerbahçe SK but they showed no ill effects as they secured a 2-0 victory over NEC Nijmegen.

Win secured
The Rotterdammer side took a while to get into their stride but eventually wrapped up the win with two goals in four minutes after the break from Bonaventure Kalou and Brett Emerton.

Vitesse in charge
SBV Vitesse came back from a goal down to record a 2-1 win at FC Groningen. Veteran striker Martin Drent put the home side ahead in the 23rd minute, only for Matthew Amoah to level the scores less than a minute later with a low drive from 15 metres.

Amoah double
The Ghanaian international then struck the winner in the 68th minute. In the day's other fixture, Rick Hoogendorp found the back of the net twice, scoring a double in RKC Waalwijk's 4-2 win over De Graafschap.