McClaren left frustrated as Twente let lead slip

Anders Oper dashed former England coach Steve McClaren's hopes of a winning start to his first Dutch League campaign as FC Twente were held to a 1-1 draw at Roda JC. Eljero Elia had put McClaren's men ahead but Oper struck with six minutes to go.

Heracles Almelo came from behind to upset 10-man Feyenoord with a 3-1 victory yesterday.

Injury-hit Feyenoord made a fine start with Andre Bahia opening the score with a header after 47 seconds but they were reduced to 10 men after 30 minutes when Jonathan de Guzman was sent off for use of the elbow.

Ragnar Klavan set up Darl Douglas seven minutes before the interval to equalise and second-half goals by Klavan and Karim Bridji settled the match.

PSV Eindhoven kicked off their title defence by thrashing Utrecht 5-1 on Saturday, thanks to goals from Ibrahim Afellay and Danny Koevermans, who scored two each, and Nordin Amrabat.

Meanwhile, Ajax went down 2-1 at Willem II Tilburg, their first defeat in the opening weekend of the season in 20 years. Serbia international Miralem Sulejmani volleyed Ajax ahead midway through the first half, only for Frank Demouge equalise.

Mehmet Akguen grabbed the winner after sloppy defensive work from Ajax in the 65th minute. To make matters worse, Marco van Basten's side had midfielder Evander Sno sent off for elbowing in the 83rd minute.