Tom van Sichem called a temporary halt to proceedings 10 minutes from the end because of abusive chants aimed at him from the home crowd. Play eventually resumed after Utrecht boss Ton du Chatinier pleaded with the fans over the public address system to stop, but neither side could force a breakthrough. Away from that game Ola Toivonen grabbed the only goal 13 minutes into the second half as PSV Eindhoven re-established their three-point advantage at the top of the table with a hard-fought win at Heracles Almelo. Heracles have been one of the surprise packages in the Dutch top flight this term and they pushed Fred Rutten's men all the way until Swedish striker Toivonen struck to move his side clear of second-placed FC Twente. The hosts remain in contention for a place in next season's Europa League but will have to improve their form in Almelo if they are to play continental football in 2010-11. A goal by Joshua John after just 44 seconds set Sparta Rotterdam on their way to victory over VVV-Venlo as they climbed out of the relegation zone. Sparta's lead was doubled after 32 minutes by Edouard Duplan's header as they leapfrogged ADO Den Haag, whose win yesterday had seen them move out of the relegation places. However, it was not all good news for Sparta as they had Donovan Slijngard sent off after 52 minutes for a tackle from behind. RKC Waalwijk remain marooned at the foot of the table after they suffered their fifth consecutive defeat since the winter break at Groningen. Goals from Swedish defensive duo Fredrik Stenman and Andreas Granqvist paved the way for the home side's victory and ensured Derk Boerrigter's 88th-minute strike was only consolation.
