Sparta closer to celebration

By Berend Scholten

Sparta Rotterdam moved to the head of Group B in the Dutch promotion/relegation play-offs with a win that moves De Graafschap a step closer to the drop.

Kinet winner
Christophe Kinet's early goal gave Sparta victory and they now overtake Helmond Sport, held 1-1 at FC Zwolle. Johan Braber did give Helmond the lead but Dennis van der Wal equalised four minutes from time.

One-point gap
With two games to go, Sparta have nine points, one ahead of Helmond. Current Eredivisie team De Graafschap have four now look unlikely to preserve their status while Zwolle cannot now gain promotion.

Roosendaal relief
In Group A, relegation-battling RBC Roosendaal moved level on points with leaders FC Volendam as they defeated Stormvogels/Telstar 2-1. Roosendaal fell behind to a Geoffrey Meye goal but Elvis Hammond struck twice to turn the game and open up a four-point gap on their opponents.

Volendam held
Volendam now only lead on goal difference after drawing at VVV Venlo, who needed victory to keep their promotion hopes alive. Jeroen Ketting put Volendam ahead, and although Luwama Garcia equalised, his team had to settle for a point. The next games are on Monday.