VietNamNet Bridge – Defeating Hai Phong 3-2 yesterday (June 1) Ha Noi T&T strengthened their leading position on the V-League ranking table.

The capital city representative collected 32 points after 13 matches, three more than the closest runners-up Becamex Binh Duong, and while playing one match less.

Binh Duong on Saturday lost 1-2 to Quang Ninh Coal.

As the visitors, T&T suffered heavy pressure as Hai Phong were strongly supported by thousands of fans.

The hosts twice went ahead, but Argentinean striker Gonzalo Marronkle brilliantly played to lead them to victory.

Ho Van Thuan broke through from the central area and brought the ball to Dong Duc Thang, who opened the scoring with a straight header just three minutes into the match.

However, the hero only had three minutes to enjoy the opener as he was sent off after fighting with Hoang Vu Samson, the V-League's leading scorer, from T&T. Samson also accompanied him.

National midfielder Nguyen Van Quyet broke the off-side trap, managing the ball from Pham Thanh Luong and netted for a 1-1 result.

Quyen, who received many balls from teammates, did not work well yesterday, as the equal goal was the only one among many threatening chances.

Andre Diego Fagan stole the ball after T&T's Nguyen Hong Tien's defence attempt failed. The Jamaican striker quickly converted his chance to the second goal for the hosts with a straight shoot to the right corner 10 minutes after the break.

Marronkle, who received a yellow card in this match, leveled again for the visiting side. He jumped high and managed the ball passed from the right wing and headed to the net.

The ball was blown out and came to Marronkle again. This time he did not miss it.

Ha Noi completed their victory with Marronkle's second goal eight minutes to the end.

The captain's header knocked out all Hai Phong defenders and goalie Nguyen Thanh Thang.

It was T&T's ninth win for the Hanoian team in 13 recent meets. And T&T remained undefeated in Hai Phong's Lach Tray Stadium.

Elsewhere, Hung Vuong An Giang scored their second victory of the season, beating hosts Dong Nai 1-0; Quang Nam were defeated 0-3 by Song Lam Nghe An; and Dong Tam Long An beat former champions Hoang Anh Gia Lai 3-2.

The latest match of the round between former champions SHB Da Nang and Thanh Hoa will be organised tomorrow at Chi Lang Stadium.

Source: VNS