Ajax maintain Dutch league lead despite draw at Utrecht

After eight wins in a row, Ajax drew 1-1 against FC Utrecht but managed to keep their top spot in the Dutch football league.

Second-ranked Vitesse drew 1-1 at Feyenoord Friday, which handed Ajax the possibility to extend the lead to four points by beating Utrecht, reports Xinhua.

Daley Blind gave Ajax the lead at Utrecht with a low long-distance shot in the 25th minute.

Eight minutes later the home-team equalised through Steve de Ridder. The Belgian forward wrestled himself past Ajax defender Joel Veltman, but was allowed to continue and scored.

In the second half both teams had chances, but failed to score. De Ridder hit the crossbar just after half-time and Lasse Schone hit the post.

"We played well and dominated, but we only failed to score one more goal," said Ajax coach Frank de Boer afterwards.

"But there is no problem. We have to fight hard to become champions."

Ajax lead the Eredivisie with 44 points from 21 matches, ahead of Vitesse (42), FC Twente (40) and Feyenoord (37).