SLNA WIN THIRD V-LEAGUE CROWN IN HISTORY

HANOI (22 Aug 2011) – Song Lam Nghe Aj (SLNA) won the V-League title for only the third time in their history when they held nearest rival Hanoi T&T to a 1-1 draw in the decisive final game of the season at the Vinh Stadium.

SLNA needed at least a draw to win the title while for Hanoi; they needed the full three points before they can successfully defend the crown they won last year.

For SLNA, it was a long ten-year wait for the title they last won for the 2000-2001 season. They were also winners for the 1999-2000 season.

“I would like to thank all the players and our supporters who cheered us today and all through the long season,” said SLNA chief coach Nguyen Huu Thang afterwards.

Jamaican striker Andre Diego Fagan was the scorer for SLNA after just five minutes before midfielder Le Hong Minh equalised just after the hour mark.

For the win, SLNA picked up VND 3 billion (USD 150,000) for their effort while Ha Noi T&T pocketed VND 1 billion (USD50,000).

In other matches, Da Nang – the 2009 champions – drew with Navibank Saigon to finish third with 44 points.

Dong Thap beat Binh Duong 2-0, Hoa Phat Ha Noi crushed Khanh Hoa 4-1, Hoang Anh Gia Lai lost to Ninh Binh 3-2.

Despite a 2-1 win over Thanh Hoa, V-League two-time champions Dong Tam Long were relegated as they finished the season second from the bottom as Hanoi ACB also were relegated off their 2-2 draw with Hai Phong.

FINAL V-LEAGUE 2011 STANDINGS