Groningen are just outside the European playoff places in the Eredivisie after staving off a late comeback to beat Heerenveen.

The Green-White Army were ahead inside 60 seconds when Michael de Leeuw teed up Danny Hoesen for the opener.

On 16 minutes, Groningen increased their advantage when Simon Tibbling found Brian Linssen and the former Heracles player slotted the ball past Super Friesians keeper Erwin Mulder.

Midway through the second half, Heerenveen, who started the game two points ahead of their opponents, pulled a goal back through Simon Thern, after neat build-up play by Branco van den Boomen.

However, Groningen made sure of victory with eight minutes left as Mimoun Mahi added a third for the home side, who move into seventh place.