Vietnam Petro Gas V-League 2009: SHB Da Nang continued topping the table

SHB Da Nang beat two-time champions Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) 4-1 on home turf in the 16th week of the V-League season at Chi Lang Stadium yesterday to keep the top spot in the rankings with 36 points.

The two sides played at high speed in the first minutes of the match and Monila opened the scoring for Da Nang in the 20th minute thanks to a pass from a right wing teammate.

Only five minutes later Merlo doubled the host’s score.

In the 35th minute Da Nang was forced to play a substitute after Thonglao was injured in a clash with team-mate Monila.

HAGL were on the attack in the remaining minutes of the first half in an attempt to level the score but they missed. 

Beating powerhouse Hoang Anh Gia Lai 4-1, SHB Da Nang (orange) continued topping the table of the V-League – Photo: VNN

After the break, HAGL focused their attacks on the right wing and finally their chance came in the 64th minute. Tang Tuan took full advantage of goalkeeper’s mistake and, Nhu Thuat narrowed the gap to 2-1.

The visitors were confronted with a big disadvantage when Tran Duy Quang received his second yellow card and had to leave the match.

In the 73rd minute, Rafael Marques established a safe two goal gap against HAGL. Three minutes later, Merlo scored his second goal of the match to bring Da Nang to a 4-1 lead.

At Hang Day Stadium, fans were treated to a match between former champion Dong Tam Long An against T&T Ha Noi.

Long An played fervently and gained early success with two goals thanks to Antonio and Viet Thang in the ninth and 36th minute.

In the 40th minute, the hosts Ha Noi narrowed the gap to 1-2 with a goal by Cristiano.

Ha Noi’s Cao Sy Cuong, Van Quan, and Trong Hai all scored to set the score at 4-2 in the remaining minutes.

Elsewhere in V-League play yesterday, Military Zone 4 lost to Dong Thap 1-3 at Cao Lanh Stadium; Song Lam Nghe An beat Thanh Hoa 5-1 at Vinh Stadium; Khanh Hoa defeated HCM City 3-1 at Nha Trang Stadium.

The round also saw Nam Dinh beat Hai Phong 2-1, while defending champions Binh Duong lost to The Cong 4-1 at Go Dau Stadium.