Netherlands: De Graafschap stage amazing fightback

In round seven of the Dutch Eredivisie, De Graafschap fought back from 2-0 down to claim all three points in a thrilling contest against ten-man NAC Breda on Friday.

Kick-off delayed
The game was 20 minutes late kicking off because the NAC supporters' bus did not arrive on time. To rub salt into the wounds of the home side, NAC adapted far better to the disruption, going two goals up inside 25 minutes.

Deflected goal
They took the lead after 17 minutes when Ernie Stewart saw his shot take two deflections off home defenders Milan Berck-Beelenkamp and Rene Bot, before sliding past helpless goalkeeper Stefan Postma.

Shot into bottom corner
Stewart was again involved as NAC doubled their lead, the American international laying the ball back to Youssouf Hersi, who thrashed a shot into the bottom corner.

Short-lived advantage
The two-goal advantage lasted just two minutes, though, before De Graafschap's former Dutch international John van den Brom thumped home from 20 metres out.

Penalty incident
The game was turned on its head in the second half when Rody Turpijn beat NAC keeper Gábor Babos to the ball, but his goal-bound header was handled by Tamás Petö. The referee had no alternative but to award De Graafschap the penalty and to dismiss Petö. Midfielder Martijn Meerdink converted from the spot.

Unable to hold on
Down to ten men, it was always going to be a tough job to hold out for NAC but they did so until seven minutes from time, when Meerdink put his side ahead. Picking up a pass from substitute Marino Promes, Meerdink beat Nebosja Gudelj before firing past Babos.

Points sealed
The three points were sealed three minutes later when Turpijn, picking up a superb through ball from Promes, slotted home from 10 yards out.

De Graafschap move up
The win moves De Graafschap up to sixth place in the table while NAC remain in trouble, just three points off the bottom.