NAC midfielder Edwin de Graaf netted the only goal of a disappointing game just before the half-time interval to secure all three points for the visitors.

The encounter started at a slow pace and failed to produce a clear-cut opening until Csaba Feher broke through the NEC defence midway through the first half, but he could only drag his effort wide.

Brett Holman had a great chance to break the deadlock for the hosts shortly after, but his volley from Jhonny van Beukering's cross was well saved by NAC keeper Jelle ten Rouwelaar.

As the game looked to be heading towards a half-time stalemate, De Graaf broke through the NEC defence and kept his composure to coolly slot home past Gabor Babos and hand the away side a slender advantage.

Holman had a another opportunity to add his name to the scoresheet, but his free-kick was once more superbly kept out by Ten Rouwelaar.

Matthew Amoah was gifted a great chance to put the game beyond doubt with just eight minutes remaining, but he could only watch as Babos tipped his goalbound effort over the crossbar.

And in the closing stages, De Graaf wasted another opening with a strike that drifted narrowly wide.