ALKMAAR, Dec 31 (SW) - Andres Oper scored twice and was sent off, but Roda JC failed to hold on to a late lead in a 2-2 draw away to AZ Alkmaar on Sunday.

The Estonian striker fired the visitors from Kerkrade in front on 23 minutes, with AZ desperately looking for a win to jump back into second place in the Eredivisie.

And they would find the equalizer, but not until the 65th minute when Barry Opdam punched the back of the net to make it 1-1.

Oper, though, spoke again two minutes later to once again put Roda JC in front, although he did leave them shorthanded in the 79th minute when he was shown his second booking.

Five minutes later, Dany Koevermans took advantage to salvage a point for AZ, who sit third in the standings, a point behind Ajax in second and 12 points back of leaders PSV.