Ha Noi T&T took a big step in the race for the championship title after a 3-2 victory over Thanh Hoa in the V-League.— Photo danviet

HA NOI (VNS)— Ha Noi T&T took a big step in the race for the championship title after a 3-2 victory over Thanh Hoa in the V-League.

Samson Kayede Olaleye grabbed a double and midfielder Nguyen Ngoc Duy took another for the hosts. Nastja Ceh scored a double for the visitors in a match that saw two penalties for each side.

Samson is the league's top scorer on 16 goals.

The Hanoian's have 38 points after 20 matches, two points more than Song Lam Nghe An who trounced Xuan Thanh Sai Gon (XTSG) 3-1 at Thong Nhat Stadium in HCM City.

Nghe An went ahead when captain Nguyen Trong Hoang opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a strong header.

He was cheered on by more than 1,500 fans who travelled nearly 1,000km to fill the stadium.

Nguyen Quang Tinh ran into the box and converted a perfect Kavin Bryan pass to make it 2-0 for the visitors.

Trinidad & Tobago midfielder Hughton Hector scored the third goal in injury time, giving goalkeeper Nguyen Minh Nhut no chance.

XTSG finally scored in the 76th minute with a shot from Dinh Hoang Max, but that was all they could muster despite support from the home fans.

At Hoa Lu Stadium yesterday, hosts Ninh Binh beat Kienlongbank Kien Giang 1-0, sending the visitors back to the First Division next season on 16 points with two games left to play.

Ninh Binh are also close to drop zone with Kien Giang on 22 points.

Becamex Binh Duong could not improve their position with only a point from a goalless draw against Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

With 23 points, Binh Duong are still in danger of relegation.

Elsewhere yesterday, defending champions SHB Da Nang beat Vicem Hai Phong 1-0 and Dong Nai trashed Dong Tam Long An 3-1. — VNS