HA NOI (VNS) — Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) maintained their position at the top of the V-League yesterday after a 1-1 draw against Ninh Binh.

With 26 points after 15 games, SNLA are on the same points as Ha Noi T&T and SHB Da Nang.

Yesterday, T&T defeated Xuan Thanh Sai Gon 2-0 while Da Nang had a goalless draw with Dong Nai on Saturday. However, Da Nang still have a game in hand and a chance to go top.

SLNA had their first chance in the second minute of the game, but captain Nguyen Trong Hoang's perfectly weighted free kick was headed wastefully wide.

The Ninh Binh defence coped with a wave of attacks until the 23rd minute, when striker Le Cong Vinh slotted the ball past goalkeeper Van Hung to open the scoring for the hosts and raised his tally to 13 for the season.

The goal galvanised Ninh Binh, and they levelled the match with a penalty from Dinh Van Ta after defender Quang Hung handled the ball in the area in the 36th minute.

Bothe sides had their chance in the second half, but neither were able to convert them.

Ninh Binh remain in ninth with 16 points.

Next week, SLNA will play Thanh Hoa and Ninh Binh travel to HCM City to visit Xuan Thanh Sai Gon.

In another match yesterday, bottom-placed Dong Tam Long An were beaten 0-3 by struggling Becamex Binh Duong at home.

Binh Duong, on 15 points, are in 10th, while Long An strengthened opinions that they could be playing First Division football next season.

On Saturday, former champions Hoang Anh Gia Lai beat Hai Phong 1-0, and Thanh Hoa trounced Kien Giang 4-2. — VNS