By the time, Phillip Cocu scored for PSV in the second half, NEC were well in control of the game thanks to two first-half strikes from Socceroo Holman.

If Ajax beat RKC Waalwijk on Sunday they will now draw level on points with PSV who looked to have the title in the bag six weeks ago but have stumbled alarmingly in recent weeks.

NEC started well against a PSV team that is all but eliminated from the Champions League after their 3-0 quarter-final first-leg defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

Romano Denneboom was close in 11 minutes but PSV goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes did well to tip over.

Next time NEC threatened they made it pay although it was negligent defending that allowed Roy Beerens to cross to Holman whose shot went in off the left-hand post after 22 minutes.

Two minutes later it was 2-0 as Denneboom's corner found Holman who netted from eight yards.

NEC had plenty more chances in the first half with Denneboom forcing Gomes to save with his fist, Beerens shooting over and then Denneboom also firing too high.

In the second half it was NEC who had the better of the early skirmishes.

Beerens then shot wide after a fine move before Holman set up a chance for Denneboom who forced the best save yet from Gomes.

Finally PSV showed some glimpses of the form that had brought them three titles in the last four years under current coach Ronald Koeman's predecessor Guus Hiddink.

Jan Kromkamp carved out a chance for Jefferson Farfan but he could only head straight at Gabor Babos.

Then after 61 minutes, it was 2-1 as Cocu scored from inside the area after good work from Jason Culina.

However, Holman almost got a hat-trick when he fired in a shot which was well fielded by Gomes.

The night belonged to NEC and, thanks to their efforts, the season could yet belong to Aja