Christian Santos penalty helps NEC beat FC Utrecht

NEC have secured a narrow 1-0 win over FC Utrecht in Sunday's Eredivisie clash at the Goffertstadion to remain in the hunt for a European place.

The first half saw the visitors weigh in with a number of opportunities, most notably through Bart Ramselaar and Nacer Barazite, but goalkeeper Benjamin Kirsten was in inspired form.

NEC were given the chance to open the scoring just before the hour when Yassin Ayoub brought Navarone Foor down in the box, prompting the referee to give the hosts a penalty.

Christian Santos duly slotted the ball into the bottom corner past Robbin Ruiter to give his side the lead and, ultimately, secure the narrow win.

The result saw Ernest Faber's charges climb to fifth in the Eredivisie table, while Utrecht remain in 10th place.