VietNamNet Bridge – Defending champions Ha Noi T&T fought back to beat hosts Navibank Sai Gon by 4-2 in their 24th round V-League clash on Saturday.

Bing: Dang Van Thanh (left) of Ninh Binh passes a Song Lam Nghe An defender in their V-League clash on Saturday. Ninh Binh won 3-1. (Photo: VNS)
The win put the Hanoian team in second place, three points behind V-League leaders Song Lam Nghe An who were stunned by Ninh Binh in a 3-1 defeat on the same day.

The Ha Noi-based team managed to gain 42 points after 23 matches, while Song Lam Nghe An took the lead with 45 points from 24 matches.

On Saturday, Khanh Hoa thrashed Dong Thap by 4-1 while Thanh Hoa drew with Hoang Anh Gia Lai by 2-2 on home turf.

Yesterday's matches saw 2008 champions SHB Da Nang crushing Hoa Phat Ha Noi by 4-2, Hai Phong edging out Binh Duong by 1-0 and Dong Tam Long An cruising to a 4-1 win over Ha Noi ACB.

At HCM City's Thong Nhat Stadium, hosts Navibank Sai Gon opened scoring just two minutes into the game with Mexico's Francois Endene heading home a corner kick.

Six minutes later, national team member Nguyen Quang Hai netted the ball from Joseph Ochaya's left cross.

Following half time, the defending champions upped their game with Brazilian Antonio Paivo Tavares scoring a goal in the 50th minute.

Nine minutes later Argentinean Gonzalo Marronkle equalised.

Navibank Sai Gon defenders were punished twice in the 60th and 62nd minute.

Brazilian defender Cristiano Roland took a powerful header that hit the bar before rolling into the back of the net, scoring his second goal of the match volleying the ball past former national team member Nguyen The Anh to secure his team a convincing win.

After yesterday's matches, Ha Noi ACB and Khanh Hoa remained at the bottom of the table, facing possible relegation with only three games to go.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News