Heracles were denied a first win in seven matches by a late Tjaronn Chery equaliser this evening as Groningen twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Polman Stadion.
The result does, however, end a five-match losing streak in all competitions for John Stegeman's side, while Groningen climb into the top eight courtesy of the point.
Both sides struggled to find a way through for much of the first half but, just as the game looked to be going into the break goalless, the hosts opened the scoring through Brahim Darri's 38th-minute strike.
Groningen pushed for an equaliser after the interval and eventually got it shortly after the hour mark when Michael de Leeuw took his tally to 11 league goals in just 20 matches this season.
A point would have been enough for Groningen to replace Vitesse in eighth place, but Heracles regained the lead with just 15 minutes remaining when Waud Weghorst, who had provided the assist for the opening goal, fired past Sergio Padt to get his own name on the scoresheet.
The visitors would earn a share of the spoils late on, however, making it four matches unbeaten courtesy of Chery's 88th-minute equaliser.
Barney Corkhill
