Aussie Hrustic sent off in Groningen loss

Australian winger Ajdin Hrustic received two yellow cards within five minutes for be sent off in the first half of FC Groningen's 1-0 home loss to Willem II in the Dutch Eredivisie.

The visitors were indebted to Fran Sol once again as the Spanish striker scored the only goal of the game.

The 25-year-old former Villarreal forward bagged a brace in last week's triumph over Twente and he proved the difference at the Noordlease Stadion, with his sixth goal of the season taking him joint top on the league scoring chart.

With Willem II already boosted by the 24th-minute dismissal of Hrustic -- who made his Socceroos debut in the 4-0 friendly loss to Brazil in June -- Sol was on hand to slide home after Pedro Chirivella's cross had been knocked down by Fernando Lewis.

The 34th-minute goal proved decisive as Willem II clinched back-to-back wins to move up to nine points, level with 13th placed Groningen, and of the drop zone.