SBV Excelsior were pegged back by Groningen and forced to settle for their 11th Eredivisie draw of the season at the Stadion Woudestein this evening.
Daan Bovenberg's strike in the first minute after the break was cancelled out by Albert Rusnak as the scores ended 1-1 between the mid-table rivals.
A cagey first half saw Groningen's possession-based game play into the hands of the hosts, who created numerous opportunities on the counter-attack.
Tom van Weert and Jeff Stans passed up decent chances prior to the half-time whistle, but Excelsior deservedly broke the deadlock immediately after the restart as Daryl van Mieghem teed up Bovenberg to smash home.
Groningen, who themselves have now shared the spoils nine times this campaign, had rarely threatened until Eric Botteghin crossed for Rusnak to score his third goal in just seven games since arriving from Cambuur last month.
It was the visitors who appeared more likely in the closing stages and Excelsior ended up relieved that they at least managed a point which keeps them four behind Groningen in the upper reaches of the bottom half.
Joe Fish
