Play-off 2010: Navibank SG wins place in V-League 2011

The V-League’s Navibank Sai Gon beat First Division runners-up Quang Ninh 2-0 in their play-off match at Chi Lang Stadium in Da Nang yesterday to secure a spot in the national premier division for another year. It will be a relief for Navibank who finished in the penultimate V-League position this season and were forced into the play-offs to fight for their survival.

Navibank SG (red) beat Quang Ninh Coal 2-0 to secure a spot in V-League 2011

Due to the important nature of the match, both teams played with caution and although Navibank were the more adventurous in the first half, their attacks lacked imagination and with Quang Ninh defending tightly, the two sides went in at half time with the score goalless.

After the break, the match began to open up as Navibank looked for an opener. They were rewarded for their efforts in the 61st minute when Nguyen Van Khai opened the scoring thanks to a cross from Leandro De Oliveira.

Five minutes later, Leandro doubled the score for Navibank.

Quang Ninh tried their best to get back into the game but they were unable to register on the score sheet. Their plucky determination and competitive spirit however, won the hearts of many.

Navibank Sai Gon officially became the last of 14 professional football teams who will play in the V-League next year. — VNS