Groningen, SBV Excelsior play out draw

The Eredivisie clash between Groningen and SBV Excelsior has finished in a 1-1 draw this afternoon at the Euroborg Stadium.

The hosts had the first effort of the game when Danny Hoesen's effort flew wide of Gino Coutinho's goal.

However, Excelsior took the lead just after the quarter-hour mark when Maikel Kieftenbeld bundled the ball into his own net.

Groningen set about trying to find the equaliser, with Tjaronn Chery coming close twice in a period of a few minutes midway through the first half.

Eventually, Erwin van de Looi's charges levelled proceedings when Eric Botteghin scored just two minutes before the break.

In the second half, Hans Hateboer nearly put the hosts in the lead just three minutes after the restart, but his shot was unsuccessful.

The visitors then had a good effort of their own when Jordan Botaka fired wide just after the hour.

Groningen were arguably the better side throughout the game, with Dino Islamovic coming close towards the end of the match, but ultimately both teams ended up sharing the spoils.