FC Utrecht made it two wins out of two to start the new Eredivisie season as they edged out Willem II.
Francis Dickoh got the only goal of the game six minutes before half-time to keep Utrecht level on points with Ajax at the top of the table.
Willem II coach Alfons Groenendijk was sent off late in the first half on a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.
Willem II had enjoyed the first chance of the game, with Ronnie Reiners breaking through to go one-on-one with Michel Vorm after only six minutes, forcing an excellent save from the Utrecht goalkeeper.
But from then on it was almost all Utrecht.
In the 13th minute, Maikel Aerts did well to punch away Ricky van Wolfswinkel's shot.
Jacob Mulenga then rattled the crossbar with a header and the hosts kept up the pressure when Dries Mertens sent a shot narrowly wide.
Seconds later they were in the lead with Mertens turning provider to whip in a corner that Dickoh met with a strong shot to find the net.
Mertens could have doubled the lead before the break but sent his shot just wide, and the frustrations told for Willem II as Groenendijk was sent to the stands after complaining to referee Bas Nijhuis.
Utrecht continued to dominate in the early going of the second half, but chances were few and far between for either side.
It took until the 78th minute for there to be a clear sight of goal, but Mulenga's header was wide from Mertens' cross.
Mertens was terrorising the Willem II defence and his cross in the 86th minute found Kevin Vandenbergh but the shot was charged down.
In the final moments Willem II produced a pair of chances, but could not find an equaliser.
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