Vitesse Arnhem climbed away from the Eredivisie relegation zone with a welcome 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers VVV Venlo.

Dalibor Stevanovic put the home side in front after 38 minutes and Domingues Claudemir eventually sealed the win in injury-time.

The visitors had actually made a bright start with Sandro Calabro having the first shot on target after just three minutes, although it was straight at goalkeeper Piet Velthuizen.

Ruben Schaken also forced Velthuizen into action before the home side began to threaten, Claudemir's long-range shot on 24 minutes flying narrowly wide.

Wiljan Pluim then brought a good block out of VVV goalkeeper Kevin Begois before Achmed Ahahaoui came close to opening the scoring.

He rounded the goalkeeper and shot towards goal only for Kevin Van Diermen to clear off the line.

Vitesse eventually took the lead seven minutes from half-time, Stevanovic ideally placed to pounce on a left-wing cross and fire a right-footed shot into the bottom corner.

The visitors refused to throw in the towel and Schaken forced Velthuizen into another good shave after 50 minutes, while Ruud Boymans also brought out the best in Velthuizen with a shot from 20 yards.

However, VVV were unable to find an equaliser and Vitesse finally put the game to bed in injury time.

An excellent move from the home side culminated in Rogier Molhoek setting up Claudemir to fire past the goalkeeper with his right foot.