AZ Alkmaar continued their impressive start to the Eredivisie season with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Fortuna Sittard on Saturday.
Fortuna were reduced to 10 men as early as the fourth minute when Ole Romeny was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on AZ defender Matteo Chávez.
Despite their numerical advantage, AZ struggled to break down a well-organised Fortuna defence during the opening stages.
Mexx Meerdink came close to opening the scoring but saw his effort comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Matthijs Branderhorst.
AZ continued to dominate possession after the restart and created several opportunities, with Branderhorst again denying Jizz Hornkamp.
The hosts eventually made their pressure count shortly before the hour mark.
Calvin Stengs struck the post following a well-worked move before Hornkamp reacted quickest to the rebound to put AZ ahead.
Fortuna were forced to push forward in search of an equaliser, leaving spaces for AZ to exploit.
Mohamed Ihattaren came close to doubling the advantage after rounding the goalkeeper, but his effort sailed over the empty net.
Hornkamp eventually sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, converting a low cross from Stengs to complete his brace.
The result gives AZ a perfect nine points from their opening three league matches.
