Honda lifts Venlo over Sittard

VENLO, Netherlands (Kyodo) Midfielder Keisuke Honda scored both goals as high-flying VVV Venlo beat Fortuna Sittard 2-0 in the Dutch League's second division on Friday.

With scouts from first-division leaders AZ Alkmaar watching from the stands, Honda headed the opener on 42 minutes and wrapped up the win on the stroke of halftime with a deflected shot to take his goal tally for the season to seven.

"It was a great ball in for the first goal and easy for me to score. The second was a bit lucky," said Honda, who also struck a brace in Venlo's 4-0 demolition of Haarlem FC last month.

"I am playing pretty much the kind of soccer I want to play," added the Beijing Olympic midfielder. "I can't picture a move away from here in the winter and just want to help the team win the championship."