VietNamNet Bridge – Hosts Ha Noi ACB moved up from the bottom rung of the ladder for the first time yesterday, April 24, by trouncing Vicem Hai Phong 5-0 at Hang Day Stadium, their third win of the season.


Photo: Dan Tri
ACB's only national team member, Pham Thanh Luong, assisted in goals by Jonathan Quartey, Nguyen Xuan Thanh and Lucas Cantoro and scored himself minutes after the break. Machadu Marcial goaled near full time.


ACB began their attack from the outset, dominating the game to score in the 28th minute with Quartey's perfect header.

The second was a header from Thanh to the corner to beat Hai Phong goalie Quang Huy.


Further headers came from Cantoro and Luong after Hai Phong defenders made mistakes in the box.


The fifth goal came from the boot of Marcial in the dying seconds.


Chalking up three points from the victory, ACB stepped up to 13th and Hai Phong stayed at 11 but it is a critical time for the latter, the V-League 2010 runner-ups, who now have three losses and two draws in five rounds.


In their match in Ninh Binh Province, host Vissai Ninh Binh beat Central Highlander Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) 3-0.

Despite dominating in the first 25 minutes and creating several opportunities, HAGL players could not pocket a goal. They gradually lost control and let the home team play strongly.


Ninh Binh won a penalty after defender Van Pho, of HAGL, fouled striker Nguyen Viet Thang in the box and Mota Farias found the net.


National player Thang gave a great solo performance from the centre of the field and broke through HAGL's defence to net the second goal.


Former V-League champion HAGL's effort to narrow the result collapsed when in the 78th minute, a straight shot by striker Van Dung, was deflected, the most threatening chance for the visitors.


Substitute striker Gustavo Dourado in the second minute of extra time added insult to injury by slotting his shot past goalie Cong Vuong and into the net.


Another former champion to suffer a loss yesterday was Dong Tam Long Anh, who were beaten 0-3 by dark horse Lam Son Thanh Hoa.


Coach Simon McMenemy could not lift the team whose performances have been on and off since the beginning of the season.


The Briton made several changes during the match but it was not enough to help the team play better, although they received great support from thousands of home fans.


Three other matches of the round ended in a draw: SHB Da Nang, Navibank Sai Gon 3-3; Becamex Binh Duong, Dong Thap 0-0; Khatoco Khanh Hoa, Hoa Phat Ha Noi 1-1.


VietNamNet/Viet Nam News