ALMELO, Netherlands (Interstat) — Substitute David van der Werff scored in the third minute and Tygo Land added the winner in the 56th as Groningen defeated Heracles 2-1 on Sunday at Erve Asito. Tristan van Gilst equalized for Heracles in the 17th minute.

Van der Werff, a substitute, opened the scoring early. Heracles’ forward van Gilst answered with a goal 14 minutes later. Land, also a substitute, put Groningen ahead for good in the 56th. Jan Žambůrek assisted on the winning goal, and Travis Hearnes recorded an assist.

Yellow cards were issued in the 87th minute to Žambůrek and in the 90th to Hearnes.

Groningen’s season record in the Eredivisie improved to 1 win, no losses. Heracles dropped to 0 wins, 1 loss. Both teams hold identical marks across all competitions. The match marked the season opener for both clubs in the Dutch top flight.