VietNamNet Bridge – Despite the absence of attack spearheads Phan Van Duc and Ho Tuan Tai, Song Lam Nghe An still managed to edge out former champions Becamex Binh Duong 2-1 in match day 3 of the V.League 1-2019, on March 7, to climb to third place in the standings with seven points.

Song Lam Nghe An players celebrate scoring a goal during the match with Becamex Binh Duong on March 7. (Photo: VPF)

After the opening minutes of caution, Song Lam Nghe An began to speed up the pace of the match and promptly went ahead at the half hour mark thanks to Olaha’s powerful header.

Khac Ngoc spurned a golden chance to double the home side’s lead six minutes later by shooting the ball at goalkeeper Tan Truong face to face.

However, local fans had to wait only nine more minutes to celebrate the second goal. Taking the ball from Dos Santos, Olaha produced an accurate back-heel to Xuan Thang who placed a cunning shot at the bottom corner to beat the Binh Duong goalie.

With a two-goal advantage, manager Nguyen Duc Thang’s side proactively played on the defence in the second half, but still created more opportunities than the visitors.

Meanwhile, despite enjoying fewer chances, Becamex Binh Duong managed to pull a goal back ten minutes after break thanks to a low shot by Anh Tai.

Song Lam Nghe An play a brave game despite the absence of attack spearheads Phan Van Duc and Ho Tuan Tai. (Photo: VPF)

The convincing victory at home lifted Song Lam Nghe An to third in the provisional table with seven points, just behind Ho Chi Minh City (nine points) and Hanoi FC (seven points). Scoring two wins and one draw after the first three rounds of play can be seen as an extremely impressive start to the new season for Nguyen Duc Thang and his players.

Missing out on an away win, Becamex Binh Duong remained in sixth place with four points, following one win, one draw and one loss.

In the last clash of match day 3, SHB Da Nang brilliantly held 2017 champions Quang Nam FC to a 2-2 draw on home field to settle for seventh position with four points.

After the conclusion of match day 3, the 2019 V.League will take nearly one month off to give room for the 2020 AFC U23 Championships qualifiers before resuming on April 5 with the match day 4 encounter between Quang Nam FC and Quang Ninh Coal FC.

Source: Nhan Dan