ALMELO, Nov 5 (SW) - Dutch Eredivisie leaders Ajax achieved a hard-fought win at Heracles Almelo on Sunday, despite having a player sent off early in the second half.

Danish midfielder Kenneth Perez, left out of the squad for Ajax' previous match, immediately showed his value by scoring in the 39th and 82nd minutes. Particularly the second goal was of great importance as Heracles had been pushing for an equalizer.

Wesley Sneijder added another for Henk ten Cate's team with a few minutes left in Almelo.

It was not all good news for Ajax however, as defender Johnny Heitinga was sent off in the 51st minute.