The Kerkrade outfit's cause was not helped by the dismissal of defender Ger Senden eight minutes into the second half.

The result leaves Raymond Atteveld's troops with it all to do in Sunday's second leg.

NEC started the brighter and could have gone ahead after only four minutes when Holman capitalised on a mistake by Pa-Modou Kah and crossed for Bas Sibum, but he could only shoot wide from six yards.

Two minutes later, however, the visitors were ahead.

Jhonny van Beukering crossed into the box towards Holman and the Australia frontman made no mistake from 12 yards.

Van Beukering then immediately had an opportunity to double NEC's advantage but his powerful effort was well saved by Roda goalkeeper Bram Castro.

Roda's first - and only - real chance of the opening half arrived after 16 minutes. Cheikh Tiote's cross was met by the head of Andres Oper, whose attempt came back off the left-hand upright.

NEC continued to assert their authority in the remainder of the first period and were unfortunate not to extend their lead.

Holman was twice denied by fine saves from Castro following good work by Lorenzo Davids and Jeremain Lens respectively. Holman and Lens then combined in a good move which resulted in the latter firing in a shot which was again kept out by Castro.

Roda's hopes were dented in the 53rd minute when Senden was sent off for a bad foul on Van Beukering.

The crowd then turned on referee Bas Nujhuis, ultimately causing the official to suspend the game for 12 minutes in the 76th minute.

Each side mustered one noteworthy chance before the suspension - Lens drilling a 61st-minute shot over the bar from eight yards for NEC and then Davy de Fauw forcing a brilliant save out of Gabor Babos at the other end nine minutes later - but there were no further goals.