DA NANG ON A ROLL FOR FIRST EVER V-LEAGUE CROWN

In spite of the heavy rain, both teams started strongly with Viet Thang testing Da Nang’s substitute goalkeeper Duc Cuong early in the fourth minute with a one-timer from Minh Phuong’s cross.

But the homesters were not about to be denied and in the 33rd minute, Quoc Anh gave Da Nang the lead with a crisp shot from well outside the box.

Dong Tam Long An intensified their attacks only to see Viet Thang’s attempt coming off the crossbar for the score to remain to Da Nang’s advantage at the half.

Da Nang defended well and created a lot of chances through their quick counter attacks and they duly blasted in three goals in a ten minute blitz off Gaston in the 75th minute, Rafael in the 82nd minute and Nguyen Sa five minutes to the end.

With the win, Da Nang have collected 45 points from 20 matches and are 12 points clear at the top of the table.

Song Lam Nghe An are second with 33 points to be followed by T&T Hanoi on third and The Cong on fourth.

At Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium, T&T Hanoi disposed of Dong Thap 5-2 with a brace each from international striker Le Cong Vinh (6th and 31st minute) and Agostinho (81st and 90th minute) and Endene’s penalty on 86 minute.

Hai Phong Cement won on the road when they overcame Thanh Hoa 4-2, The Cong beat HCM City 1-0, Hoang Anh Gia Lai drew Military Zone Four 1-1 as Khanh Hoa held Nam Dinh to a 1-1 draw.

CURRENT V-LEAGUE 2009 STANDINGS (After 20 matches)

1. Da Nang 45pts (+23)

2. Song Lam Nghe An 33pts (+8)

3. T&T Hanoi 30pts (+8)

4. The Cong 29pts (-3)

5. Binh Duong 28pts (+4)

6. Dong Thap 28pts (+6)

7. Hai Phong 28pts (-5)

8. Khanh Hoa 28pts (+4)

9. Dong Tam Long An 26pts (+3)

10. Hoang Anh Gia Lai 24pts (-4)

11. Nam Dinh 24pts (-3)

12. Ho Chi Minh City 22pts (-8)

13. Military Zone Four 22pts (-12)

14. Thanh Hoa 16pts (-21)