[goldenHuddlestone]

Second-half strikes from Gregoor van Dijk and Hans Somers earned FC Utrecht their first win of the season over FC Groningen at Euroborg stadium on Friday night.

The hosts held firm until Van Dijk converted from the penalty spot after 59 minutes before substitute Somers added a second five minutes from time.

The triumph pushes Utrecht up to eighth in the table on five points, while Groningen are a place further back after succumbing to their second defeat of the campaign.

Groningen had hoped to continue their fine form after pushing Ajax all the way in their last fixture, when the Amsterdam giants scored a last-gasp leveller to draw 2-2, and started well.

Martijn Meerdink drove down the right after seven minutes and set up Mark-Jan Fledderus, who could only shoot off-target.

It was the only clear-cut chance of the first-half as the teams cancelled each other out.

Groningen started the second period well, putting pressure on Utrecht, but the visitors responded.

Shkodran Metaj scythed down Robin Nelisse in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Van Dijk stepped up and confidently shot beyond Brian van Loo for the opening goal.

The introduction of Koen van der Laak, who replaced Stefan Nijland after 68 minutes, galvanised the home side but they could not breach the visitors' defence.

And victory was completed for Utrecht when Somers, who came on in the 80th minute, skipped past the home defence to score a second.