ROTTERDAM, Nov 18 (SW) - Feyenoord needed to take the lead three times to shake off AZ Alkmaar in the Kuip in Rotterdam, but eventually achieved their fifth consecutive Eredivisie win.

Nicky Hofs opened the score for the hosts after 29 minutes but Demy de Zeeuw equalised three minutes later.

Next to put Feyenoord ahead was Derijck, in the 57th minute, but this time it was Danny Koevermans to level things in the 74th.

The decision came seven minutes later however, when Nicky Hofs scored his second and Feyenoord's third, for a valuable 3-2 win.

After a difficult start this season, Feyenoord have now won five matches in a row against FC Twente, Roda JC, Vitesse, Willem II and AZ respectively.

AZ are still third in the Dutch league, but the difference with fourth-placed Feyenoord has been brought back to three points.