HA NOI (VNS) — Becamex Binh Duong jumped to the top of the V-League after a 4-1 home win over Hoang Anh Gia Lai yesterday at Go Dau Stadium.

Binh Duong had no difficulty dominating from the start, and opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a penalty.

Defender Phung Van Nhien of Hoang Anh Gia Lai handballed in the box, and FIFA referee Vo Minh Tri immediately pointed to the penalty spot, from where Abass Cheikh Dieng converted the opener.

The Senegalese striker grabbed his second near the end of the first half on the counter attack.

Midfielder Le Tan Tai played a long ball to captain Nguyen Trong Hoang who controlled it with his chest before playing in Abass for an easy finish.

The score became 3-0 just two minutes after the break.

Hoang and Suleiman Abdullahi combined beautifully before the Nigerian's shot found the back of the net.

Man of the match Hoang also got his name on the scoresheet just four minutes later with a shot to the far right corner of keeper Bassey Akpan.

Former champions Hoang Anh Gia Lai, who were without top striker Felix Ogbuke due to suspension, struggled to make an impression.

School was in session yesterday and Binh Duong midfielders Tai and Hoang were doing the teaching to young and inexperienced Nguyen Quy Suu and Tran Minh Vuong of Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

Striker Tran Duc Duong scored the only goal for the visitors in injury time to convert the visitor's only chance of the match.

It was Hoang Anh Gia Lai's first loss to Binh Duong at Go Dau in five seasons, and they have failed to win in six games in a row.

Binh Duong now top the table on 39 points, while Hoang Anh Gia Lai are eighth with 19 points.

The two sides will meet each other again this Saturday in the semi-final of the National Cup at Binh Duong.

In other matches, defending champions Ha Noi T&T lost their top position after a 3-3 draw with Dong Tam Long An. Bottom side Hung Vuong An Giang drew 1-1 with Hai Phong, Quang Nam were defeated 3-4 by Thanh Hoa, SHB Da Nang defeated Quang Ninh Coal 3-4, and Song Lam Nghe An beat Dong Nai 3-1. — VNS