Siem De Jong and Mounir El Hamdaoui scored either side of the interval to put the Amsterdammers in control before Andre Bahia pulled one back late on for the hosts.

The win was the leaders' fifth in their first six league games and moves them two points clear of FC Groningen, winners over Excelsior yesterday, and PSV Eindhoven.

"In the first half we were in a better phase," explained Ajax boss Martin Jol.

"It is just a shame we could not score more goals. For it to have finished 2-1 is frustrating but all in all we are satisfied because we have won what was a very difficult away game."

PSV were unable to break down a stubborn Roda JC side despite having the better of things in Kerkrade as they were held to a goalless draw.

Ibrahim Afellay had the visitors' best chance late on but dragged his shot wide.

Defending champions FC Twente were also held to a 0-0 draw by Heracles.

The Almelo-based hosts had Mark-Jan Fledderus sent-off on the stroke of half-time but gamely battled their way to a point.

Jonathas scored the only goal of the game at NEC Nijmegen's Goffertstadion as AZ Alkmaar finally claimed their first win of the Eredivisie season.

The Brazilian finished from close range in the 38th minute to give some welcome relief to Gertjan Verbeek's struggling side.

The win, which followed a midweek Europa League victory over Sheriff Tiraspol, moved them to within a point of their opponents in the table.

Nana Asare's late goal extended FC Utrecht's winning start at home this season into a third game after they had twice come from behind against VVV-Venlo to win 3-2.

Ruud Boymans scored both goals for the visitors, who were searching for only their second win this season.

But Ricky van Wolfswinkel equalised on each occasion, his first goal coming from the penalty spot, and Asare maintained the symmetry of Utrecht's opening six games - three home wins, three away defeats.