In control: Nguyen Quang Tinh of Song Lam Nghe An (left) challenges for the ball during his their V-League match against Ha Noi T&T yesterday. — VNS Photo Tuan Tu

HA NOI  (VNS) — Song Lam Nghe An enjoyed their third V.League 1 win in a row after beating 10-man Ha Noi T&T 2-0 yesterday at Vinh Stadium.

Ngo Quang Truong and his players received a bonus of VND500 million (US$23,800), the biggest for the season.

Abubakar Mahadi opened the score of the seven-round match at the 13th minute when receiving a surprise ball in a box. He easily beat former national goalkeeper Duong Hong Son in a face-to-face situation with a straight shot.

While Song Lam Nghe An scored the first goal, Ha Noi T&T soon dominated with a threatening chance by captain Gonzalo Damian Marronkle. His kick touched the pole. A shot later by national midfielder Pham Thanh Luong missed the target.

Despite being the host, Song Lam Nghe An played in defence. Their players were asked to closely supervise all T&T's strikers who were given almost no room to work.

The visitors were forced into a more difficult situation when Marronkle was sent off at the 55th minute after elbowing Song Lam Nghe An's Pham Manh Hung, who was like a shadow.

The hosts were patient with their tactic, strengthening their defence and finally found their double in the last seconds of additional time.

Captain Nguyen Quang Tinh received a long pass, breaking the off-side trap and easily passed goalie Son to score his goal.

The loss was the 12th in a row for Ha Noi T&T to Song Lam Nghe An in V.League 1.

With 11 points, the hosts jump to fourth position, while Ha Noi T&T dropped to seventh with nine points.

In another match this weekend, newcomers Can Tho will play Hoang Anh Gia Lai, whose players are the youngest in the league.

It will be a match between bottom-placed team (Can Tho) and a squad (Hoang Anh Gia Lai) who played poorly on away ground (lost both games).

Although the visiting team have not had good results in six rounds, they are appreciated for their skills by coach Nguyen Van Sy of the hosts.

"Hoang Anh Gia Lai players have good technique and understand each other well. They are young and get better through time," said Sy.

"We have studied them a lot. I believe that if my players can take full advantage of their mistakes, we can win.

"Can Tho have not won a single match, so we really need three points to push up our players' spirit," Sy said.

Both Can Tho's key goalie Tran Buu Ngoc and Hoang Anh Gia Lai's active midfielder Hoang Thanh Tung will not play because of injury.

However coach Guillaumer Grachen will welcome back important central-back Tran Huu Dong Trieu and defender Phan Van Long.

In other stadiums, Dong Thap will entertain Sanna Khanh Hoa; Dong Nai will play Hai Phong; Thanh Hoa will face hosts Quang Ninh Coal; Dong Tam Long An will see defending champions Becamex Binh Duong; and SHB Da Nang will welcome Quang Nam. — VNS