FC Utrecht record first win of season against Groningen

FC Utrecht have recorded their first victory of the Eredivisie campaign with a 2-0 win over Groningen.

The home side had the better of the opening quarter, and it came as no surprise when they took the lead after 29 minutes through Bart Ramselaar, who rounded the goalkeeper before tapping home after neat work from Sebastien Haller.

Ramselaar missed a chance to make it 2-0 shortly afterwards, as did Haller after doing well to control the ball inside the penalty box, but the longer the margin remained at one goal, Groningen had a chance to avoid a second successive away defeat.

However, they rarely threatened the Utrecht goal and midway through the second half, Haller squandered a great opportunity for the home team from 16 yards, while Nacer Barazite was also denied by a terrific save from Sergio Padt.

Yassine Ayoub was the next to go close with a late free kick, but deep into injury time, the home side finally had their second when Timo Letschert fired into the roof of the net from close range with Haller providing the assist.