Intro:

Dutch Eredivisie champions Ajax had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Utrecht at the Stadion Galgenwaard on Sunday. The Amsterdammers could have moved four points clear at the top of the league with a win, following second-placed Vitesse's 1-1 draw at Feyenoord -- who occupy fourth spot -- on Friday.

Script:

Eredivisie champions Ajax travelled to Utrecht on Sunday knowing a win would extend their lead in first to four points, after second-placed Vitesse were held by Feyenoord in fourth on Friday.

The Amsterdammers got off to the perfect start when Daley Blind's long-range shot fizzed into the bottom corner.

That's the 23-year-old Dutch international's first goal this season.

Utrecht's equaliser was route one stuff. 'Keeper Robbin Ruiter's punt up-field was nodded on by Juan Agudelo and Steve De Ridder showed power and poise to round Jasper Cillessen in the Ajax goal.

The ex-Premier League player with Southampton has now netted seven times in this year's Eredivisie.

De Ridder almost completed the home side's comeback when his half-volley crashed against the crossbar.

Lasse Schone then had the chance to grab all three points for Ajax but his effort cannoned off the inside of the post. The 1-1 draw means Ajax move two points clear at the top.