Slovenian striker Tim Matavz struck a late double to put the gloss on struggling Groningen's emphatic 4-1 success over in-form Heracles Almelo in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Starting the evening second bottom of the table, the home side were hit early when Bas Dost fired home in the 15th minute to give Heracles the lead, but the visitors were quickly hauled back level when 18-year-old Leandro Bacuna netted his first goal of the season seven minutes later.

Groningen pushed ahead Andreas Granqvist scored a rare goal from the penalty spot for a 2-1 lead. The home side held firm in the face of Heracles pressure in the second period and made the game safe in the 71st minute through Matavz, who went on to double his tally eight minutes later.