Intro:

AZ Alkmaar had to settle for a share of the spoils against Heerenveen on Sunday after the two sides played out a pulsating 3-3 draw.

Script:

AZ Alkmaar lost ground on Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven on Sunday as they were held to a 3-3 draw at home by fourth-placed Heerenveen.

AZ had taken the lead through Jozy Altidore, the American striker showing some nice footwork before placing the ball in the bottom corner.

However, Heerenveen were to show great fighting spirit throughout the contest and got back into the game ten minutes after half-time when Filip Djuricic was allowed to turn and shoot from the edge of the penalty area.

The visitors weren't on level terms for very long as Altidore put AZ Alkmaar back in front with his second goal of the match three minutes later.

With 15 minutes let Heerenveen were gifted an equaliser when AZ failed to clear a freekick, replays showing goalkeeper Esteban Alvardo spilling the ball into the back of the net.

Alvardo then gifted Heerenveen a third goal when his clearance was charged down, Luciano Narsingh providing a smart finish to set the visitors on their way to a seventh-straight win.

However, AZ found an equaliser seven minutes from time, Brett Holman putting the ball across the face of goal for Erik Falkenburg to score and keep Alkmaar top points off top spot.