The Hague, March 3 (IANS): Ajax won the Dutch soccer classic against long-time rivals Feyenoord 2-1 in Rotterdam.

Striker Graziano Pelle gave the home-team the lead in the 30th minute with a firm header Sunday night, reports Xinhua.

After Bojan Krkic fell out with an injury Ajax coach Frank de Boer brought in Kolbeinn Sigthorsson to replace him. The substitute proved to have an immediate positive effect as he equalised on the stroke of half-time after a cross by Ricardo Kishna.

In the second half Ajax Joel Veltman struck the matchwinner in the 72nd minute, following a corner. With the victory Ajax ended the title hopes of Feyenoord.

Also Sunday, FC Twente tied FC Utrecht 1-1, while Vitesse beat bottom side Roda JC Kerkrade 3-1 Saturday.

Ajax now lead the Eredivisie with 57 points from 26 matches. FC Twente and Vitesse trail by eight points, Feyenoord by 12 and PSV, which beat Go Ahead Eagles 3-2 Saturday, are fifth on 13 points.

Ajax coach Frank de Boer admitted his team set a major step towards a fourth consecutive league title.

"We are not there yet, but we set an important step," De Boer said.