The Hague, Feb 7 (IANS): A late goal from Kolbeinn Singthorsson helped Ajax beat FC Groningen 2-1 in Amsterdam and increase their lead in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Ajax started the game Thursday well and took the lead through a penalty by Lasse Schone. The penalty was awarded after a foul by Eric Botteghin on Bojan Krkic, reports Xinhua.

Groningen in their first decent attack in the 41st minute scored. Filip Kostic moved from the right side to the middle and found the net with a beautiful left-foot shot.

Both teams had chances to score more goals with Ajax players Schone and Davy Klaassen hitting the crossbar and Sigthorsson hitting the post. Groningen's Tjaronn Chery also hit the post and substitute Richairo Zivkovic grazed the crossbar.

In the 83rd minute substitute Sigthorsson earned Ajax the victory. The Icelandic striker headed in a cross by Christian Poulsen.

Ajax now lead the standings with 47 points from 22 matches, four ahead of FC Twente (21-43) and five ahead of Vitesse (22-45). Feyenoord are fourth with 40 points.