Go Ahead Eagles, who were riding a hot streak with seven unbeaten games, got off to yet another hot start when Oliver Antman capped off a lethal counter - it took GAE just eight touches to go from their own box to scoring the opener.
The heavily favoured home side couldn't control the game after their goal and saw Groningen create multiple chances through Luciano Valente, but the visitors couldn't convert.
It came down to Iceland striker Brynjolfur Willumsson, who hadn't scored since his double in Groningen's draw against Feyenoord last September, to pull his team alongside with a nifty header from a Mats Seuntjens cross.
The hosts came eerily close to retaking the lead just minutes later but Norwegian starlet Oliver Edvardsen's effort only managed to hit the crossbar.
Having retaken most of the possession after the break, Go Ahead Eagles were looking to soar once more and fought for the lead but couldn't break down their opponents' defence for most of the second half.
A lack of scoring opportunities held the home side back as Groningen tried to come away with a surprise win, but everything fell apart in the final stages.
A free-kick from Victor Edvardsen sailed in the box and stayed in the infamous corridor of uncertainty before substitute Milan Smit hit it home in the 91st minute for his first goal as an Eagle.
After just one more failed attempt from Groningen, the ecstatic home crowd celebrated yet another victory as their team finished the day with 31 points to their name, just five less than fourth-placed Feyenoord.
Meanwhile, FC Groningen stay in touching distance of the relegation zone after their fourth consecutive winless game. With just two wins to their name since August, the clock is ticking for Dick Luckien's team.
