VietNamNet Bridge – Becamex Binh Duong maintained their top spot in the Toyota V. League after their four win in a row yesterday, Jan 21.

Winning effort: Errol Anthony Stephens of Hai Phong (left) and Hoang Anh Gia Lai's Le Duc Luong in action during a V League match yesterday. Hai Phong won 1-0 with Stephens scoring in the second half.

The defending champions defeated Song Lam Nghe An 1-0 away from home at the Vinh Stadium.

Cheikh Abass Dieng secured the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in the final minute to leave the hosts ruing a string of wasted chances.

Song Lam Nghe An had rarely looked in danger until Tran Dinh Hoang handled the ball in the box to allow Dieng to slot home the winner.

Binh Duong now have a maximum 12 points and are two points clear of second-place Hai Phong, who also won at home yesterday.

Ten-man Hai Phong maintained their unbeaten start with a 1-0 win over Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

Errol Anthony Stevens' goal proved decisive just after the break, his header leaving goalie Nguyen Minh Nhut with no chance.

The hosts nearly made it two when Andre Diego Fagan had the goal at his mercy in the 71st minute, but his shot found Nhut in the right position.

Top striker Nguyen Cong Phuong was brought on to boost Hoang Anh Gia Lai's attack, but he had little impact and his team were forced to finish the match with 10 men after Dang Khanh Lam received a second yellow card in the 79th minute.

Their third consecutive loss has left Hoang Anh Gia Lai in the bottom half of the table.

With only three points after four matches, they sit 10th in the 14-team league.

This Sunday the former champions will welcome two-time winners SHB Da Nang who grabbed their first point of the season after a 1-1 draw with Ha Noi T&T.

Hai Phong will entertain Can Tho. Who lost 1-0 away at Dong Nai yesterday.

In other games, Quang Nam drew with Dong Tam Long An 2-2; Quang Ninh Coal defeated Dong Thap 3-1 and Sanna Khanh Hoa drew 1-1 with Thanh Hoa.

VNS