Heerenveen have recorded a 2-1 victory over SBV Excelsior in their Eredivisie clash this evening.

Henk Veerman could have put the home side ahead in the early stages of the match, but his strike from inside the box was well saved by Tom Muyters.

Heerenveen did take the lead in the 22nd minute when Excelsior failed to clear a low cross into the box and Kenneth Otigba pounced on the loose ball to slot his strike into the net.

Otigba almost doubled his side's advantage when another ball into the penalty area caused havoc in the six-yard box. The defender thought he had turned his effort home, but the linesman deemed that the ball had not crossed the line.

The visitors pushed to get back into the match before the break, but Ricky Kruys could only head his effort straight into the hands of Erwin Mulder.

In the second half, Heerenveen doubled their lead through Sam Larsson as he lined up strike from distance, which beat the outstretched hand of Muyters to find the bottom corner.

Excelsior were handed the chance to get back into the game very late in the contest when they were awarded a penalty.

Jeff Stans converted the spot kick, but it proved too little too late for the visitors as they succumbed to defeat.

The result moves Heerenveen up to 10th place in the table, while Excelsior sit in 12th.