Heerenveen gave themselves a much-needed boost with a comfortable home win over 10-man ADO Den Haag.

Roy Beerens' first-half opener gave the home side the lead before Pascal Bosschaart was sent off before half-time, and Michal Papadopulos' second-half brace secured the win.

Jan De Jonge took over as coach from the sacked Trond Sollied at the start of September but the change had failed to improve results so far with the club languishing towards the foot of the table.

Heerenveen are only being kept off the bottom by RKC Waalwijk, who had mustered just three points from their 11 games going into this weekend

Viktor Elm went close to opening the home side's account in the sixth minute when Beerens crossed from the right wing. The attacker headed powerfully only to be denied by a strong save.

The breakthrough did come in the 21st minute, however, with Beerens involved again.

After defender Csaba Horvath failed to clear the ball following a defensive mix-up, Beerens latched onto the loose ball and slotted a right-footed shot into the net from close range.

ADO's cause was further undermined by the dismissal of Bosschaart two minutes before the break for a second caution.

Heerenveen's domination continued right up until the whistle, Michal Papadopulos trying his luck with a left-footed effort which whistled past the post.

ADO were more resolute after the break without offering anything creatively.

However, in the 63rd minute it was 2-0 when Goran Popov whipped the ball in from the left flank for Papadopulos to rise and head home to spark further celebrations.

Thirteen minutes from time the win was complete with another impressive move stemming from the left wing.

Oussama Assaidi jinked into space and flighted the ball towards the centre for Papadopulos to blaze home with his head from close range.