Month: March 2014

March 31, 2014

Nay Pyi Taw go top of MNL as Yadanarbon held again

Nay Pyi Taw moved top of the Myanmar National League on Friday and stayed there over the weekend following a 3-1 win over Southern Myanmar at the Thuwunna Stadium.

It took Nay Pyi Taw just two minutes to break the deadlock when Nyein Tayzar Win found the back of the net, before Aung Kyaw Naing struck four minutes later to put them two goals to the good.

Tayzar Win then doubled his tally for the evening in the 50th minute to put the result beyond doubt, although Southern Myanmar did manage a consolation seven minutes later through a Zin Myo Win strike.

The victory saw Nay Pyi Taw move top of the table and they stayed there after Yadanarbon were held 1-1 by Manaw Myay on Saturday – their second consecutive draw in a week.

Following a goalless opening 45 at the Thuwunna Stadium, it appeared that Yadanarbon were about to be handed their first defeat of 2014 after Naing Oo Lwin fired Manaw Myay ahead in the 72nd minute.

But eight minutes from time, Edison Fonseca continued his impressive run of form by netting his 11th goal of the campaign to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Yangon United warmed up for Wednesday’s crunch AFC Cup clash against Kelantan with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Chin United at the Yangon United Sports Complex.

The hosts edged ahead in the 38th minute when Myanmar international David Htan pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box and drilled a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, after his initial effort had been blocked.

Right on the hour mark, Yangon moved further ahead after the visitors’ failure to clear their lines allowed Emerson Luiz Tito to volley home from close range.

Chin United did manage to pull one back two minutes from time when Be Be found the back of the net, but it proved to be too little too late as the Lions held out for the three points.

Although the win briefly saw Yangon climb into the top three, Magway reclaimed third spot on Sunday following a last-gasp 1-0 win at Zwekapin United; Aung Show Thar Maung scoring the winner in the third minute of injury-time.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Kanbawza’s recent resurgence continued at the Bogyoke Aung San Stadium as they made it four games without defeat with a 2-1 victory over bottom side GFA.

Although Tihomir Zivkovic had fired KBZ ahead in the 13th minute, GFA looked to have forced the draw 11 minutes from time when Tial Kulh Sum struck the equaliser.

But four minutes later, Soe Min Oo struck a late goal for the third successive match to hand Kanbawz all three points.

Finally, Ayeyawady United picked up only their third win of 2014 after defeating Zeyar Shwe Myay 2-1 at the Monywa Stadium.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 38th minute through a Kim Sung-min effort, but Idoko Mathew fired Zeyar Shwe Myay level ten minutes into the second half.

Nonetheless, just as it looked like the points were to be shared, the unfortunate Zaw Lin Tun scored an own-goal to hand Ayeyawady the win.

Friday’s Myanmar National League Results

Southern Myanmar 1-3 Nay Pyi Taw

Saturday’s Myanmar National League Results

GFA 1-2 Kanbawza

Manaw Myay 1-1 Yadanarbon

Zeyar Shwe Myay 1-2 Ayeyawady United

Yangon United 2-1 Chin United

Sunday’s Myanmar National League Results

Zwekapin United 0-1 Magway

March 30, 2014

Bangkok Glass bounce back; Singhtarua leave it late

Bangkok Glass got back to winning ways in the Thai Premier League on Sunday evening after claiming a 2-0 win over Air Force Central at the Leo Stadium.

Following Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat at Chonburi, it looked as though the Glass Rabbits were going to have another difficult day after captain Teeratep Winothai had a penalty saved by Watcharapol Boonchan in the 27th minute.

But two minutes after halftime, they broke the deadlock when Lazarus Kaimbi’s right-wing cross was dummied by Darko Tasevski into the path of Chatree Chimtale, who blasted an unstoppable shot in off the bar.

And in the 76th minute, the three points were wrapped up after a sweeping counterattack from the hosts saw Ongart Pamonprasert race onto Kaimbi’s incisive pass and play a slide-rule ball for Chatree, who made no mistake with another emphatic finish.

Over at the Chainat Stadium, Singhtarua continued their fine start to the season but were unable to wrest top spot back from Ratchaburi following a last-gasp 1-0 win over Chainat.

For much of the game, the Port Lions struggled to break down the opposition defence and a draw seemed on the cards.

But in the second minute of injury-time, experienced right-back Watchara Mahawong stepped forward and latched onto Kroekrit Thaweekarn’s layoff, before sending a blistering 25-yard drive into the bottom corner to hand the visitors the victory.

Suphanburi made it three wins from their last four games after claiming a 3-1 victory at bottom side Samut Songkhram, who have only recorded one points from their opening six matches.

Bjorn Lindemann fired the visitors ahead after 11 minutes, before Jakkapan Pornsai doubled their lead by opening his account for his new club in the 56th minute.

Ivorian defender Kone Seydou pulled one back in the 76th minute to Samut Songkhram’s hopes alive, but those were extinguished five minutes from time when Bireme Diouf killed off the contest with Suphanburi’s third.

Elsewhere, Songkhla United finally claimed their first win of 2014 after coming from behind to beat Sisaket 2-1 at the Tinasulanon Stadium.

An own-goal from Siwamet Thanusorn had handed Sisaket a 16th-minute lead, but Kayne Vincent struck his second goal in two games a minute after the half-hour mark to send both into the break level on the scoreboard.

And three minutes from fulltime, it was Songkhla who went on to claim the victory after Adnan Barakat scored his first goal for the club since joining them from Army United.

Finally, Police United’s winless run was extended to four games following a 2-1 loss at home to Osotspa Saraburi.

Jetsada Puanakunmee fired the visitors ahead after just five minutes, before Chananan Pombuppha netted in the 29th minute to put them firmly in control of proceedings.

Police managed to pull one back in injury-time through a strike from Surachart Sing-Ngon but it proved to be too little too late, as Osotspa held out for maximum points.

Sunday’s Thai Premier League Results

Chainat 0-1 Singhtarua

Samut Songkhram 1-3 Suphanburi

Bangkok Glass 2-0 Air Force Central

Songkhla United 2-1 Sisaket

Police United 1-2 Osotspa Saraburi

March 30, 2014

Binh Duong close gap on V.League 1 leaders Thanh Hoa

Becamex Binh Duong moved six points behind V.League 1 leaders Thanh Hoa on Sunday following a come-from-behind 3-1 win over SHB Da Nang at the Chi Lang Stadium.

The hosts had initially been headed for victory after Adrian Valentic’s third goal of the campaign put them ahead in the 20th minute.

However, Abass Cheikh Dieng struck five minutes after the break to equalise for Binh Duong, before Nguyen Anh Duc put them ahead nine minutes later.

Despite their best efforts, Da Nang were unable to find an equaliser of their own, and the visitors went on to secure all three points in the 90th minute when Nguyen Tang Tuan got in on the act by scoring their third.

The result was enough to take Binh Duong into second place above Ha Noi T&T and they are now just six points behind Thanh Hoa, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

It could have been worse for the league leaders as they had fallen behind at the Pleiku Stadium after just 11 minutes when Felix Ogbuke opened the scoring for HAGL.

However, Thanh Hoa hit back three minutes before the hour mark through a Sunday Emmanuel strike to earn a share of the spoils, which was only the second time this season they have not been able to claim maximum points.

Sunday’s V.League 1 Results

Hoang Anh Gia Lai 1-1 Thanh Hoa

SHB Da Nang 1-3 Becamex Binh Duong

March 29, 2014

Pahang claim MSL lead as Terengganu, Selangor held

Pahang moved top of the Malaysia Super League on Saturday after claiming a 2-0 win over bottom side Perak at the Darulmakmur Stadium.

Dickson Nwakaeme got Tok Gajah on their way when he netted his third goal in two games in the tenth minute, before R. Gopinathan added a second six minutes after the half-hour mark to wrap up the victory.

The three points allowed Pahang to move two points clear at the top of the table after Terengganu and Selangor both drew, although the two teams have a game in hand against each other.

Terengganu, who entered the day’s action top of the table, came from behind to force a 1-1 draw with Kelantan in the East Coast derby.

The Red Warriors had edged ahead at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium thanks to Mohamed Shawky’s 16th-minute opener.

But nine minutes before halftime, Zairo Anuar Zalani, who played for Kelantan last season, netted to earn Terengganu a share of the spoils.

Likewise, Selangor were unable to claim the derby spoils in their game against ten-man PKNS FC and had to settle for a 2-2 draw against their neighbours at the Shah Alam Stadium.

A Helmi Remeli own-goal had put the Red Giants in front after 18 minutes, but Aminuddin Noor netted the equaliser just four minutes later.

PKNS were then dealt a blow seven minutes after the hour mark when they had Nazmi Faiz sent off, only to edge ahead in the 72nd minute when Aminuddin grabbed his second of the evening.

But two minutes later, Afiq Azmi stepped up in the absence of Paulo Rangel and opened his account for the season, earning Selangor a point in the process.

Over at the Jalan Besar Stadium, defending champions LIONSXII had their two-game winning run brought to an end by a 1-1 draw against T-Team.

The hosts took the lead after 24 minutes when Safuwan Baharudin drilled a 20-yard shot into the bottom corner, but Nelson San Martin curled home a delightful freekick three minutes after the hour mark to force the draw.

Likewise, Johor Darul Ta’zim failed to pick up all three points in their home game against Sarawak as both sides played out a 1-1 stalemate.

Sarawak winger S. Chanturu continued his recent good run of form by opening the scoring in the 16th minute, only for Luciano Figueroa to strike a minute before the half-hour mark to prevent Harimau Selanta from falling to their fourth defeat of the season.

Finally, ATM’s miserable ways continued as they were beaten 3-2 by Sime Darby at the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang Stadium.

Although Bruno Martelotto’s penalty had put the visitors in front after ten minutes, Arif Ismail struck in the 29th minute to send both sides in level at the break.

The Gladiators were then reduced to ten men when D. Christie Jayaseelan was sent off five minutes after halftime, but Juan Arostegui remarkably restored their lead three minutes later.

Nonetheless, Sime Darby were ultimately able to make the most of their numerical advantage; equalising in the 59th minute through a William Mensah strike before Mahmoud Amnah scored what proved to be the winner five minutes later.

Saturday’s Malaysia Super League Results

LIONSXII 1-1 T-Team

Johor Darul Ta’zim 1-1 Sarawak

Pahang 2-0 Perak

Selangor 2-2 PKNS FC

Sime Darby 3-2 ATM

Terengganu 1-1 Kelantan

March 29, 2014

Last-gasp Muangthong salvage point; Ratchaburi go top

Muangthong United grabbed a 90th-minute equaliser to force a 1-1 draw at BEC Tero Sasana on Saturday and avoid a second straight defeat in the Thai Premier League.

Following Wednesday’s shock 2-1 loss to Ratchaburi, it looked as though the Twin Qilins were about to be beaten again at the 72-years Anniversary Stadium after they fell behind in the 71st minute; Peerapat Notechaiya racing through down the left and unleashing a shot that was too hot for Witsanusak Kaewruang to keep out.

But in the final minute of regulation time, Jay Bothroyd did brilliantly to climb above two opponents and meet a high ball, before sending an excellent looping header into the far corner to earn Muangthong a share of the spoils.

To make matters worse for BEC Tero, their night was further soured in extra-time when Gilbert Koomson was sent off after appearing to catch Teerasil Dangda with an elbow.

Ratchaburi provisionally moved top of the table after continuing their impressive start to 2014 by cruising to a 3-0 win over Army United at the Ratchaburi Stadium.

Douglas Cardozo got them on their way when he opened the scoring in the 19th minute, before a penalty from Heberty doubled their tally four minutes before halftime.

And a minute before the hour mark, Assadin Mungkud weighed in with a third to seal the victory for Ratchaburi and move them three points ahead of Singhtarua, who are in action on Sunday.

Defending champions Buriram United continued their inconsistent ways as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chiangrai United at the United Stadium of Chiangrai.

Only three days earlier, the Thunder Castle had ended a three-game winless streak with a 2-0 win over PTT Rayong, but they spent most of the game struggling to break down their opponents.

It appeared as though they had netted the winner in the 89th minute after Anawin Jujeen found space down the left, and fired away a shot that was deflected into the back of the net.

But a minute later, their failure to clear their lines allowed Renan Marques to poke a loose ball home following a goal-mouth scramble, earning the hosts an impressive point in the process.

Over at the PTT Stadium, Chonburi had to come from two goals down to maintain their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-2 draw against PTT Rayong.

Yves Desmarets fired the hosts ahead in the 14th minute after unleashing a left-footed shot from outside the box, which took an awkward bounce that deceived opposition keeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool before nestling in the back of the net.

And seven minutes before halftime, it was 2-0 after Desmarets played a lovely back-heel into the path of Rufinho Sanchez, who cleverly turned Niweat Siriwong before sliding his shot into the bottom corner.

But in the 71st minute, the Sharks were handed a lifeline after Chakrit Buathong was left completely unmarked inside the box, and made no mistake in heading home Korakod Wiriyaudomsiri’s pinpoint corner.

And right at the death, Anderson dos Santos made an excellent darting run to meet Thiago Cunha’s right-wing cross and send a header in off the bar to force the draw for Chonburi.

In Saturday’s final game, a brace from Gong Young-sun helped TOT defeat Bangkok United 2-0 at the TOT Stadium Chaeng Watthana.

Saturday’s Thai Premier League Results

PTT Rayong 2-2 Chonburi

Ratchaburi 3-0 Army United

Chiangrai United 1-1 Buriram United

TOT 2-0 Bangkok United

BEC Tero Sasana 1-1 Muangthong United

March 29, 2014

LIONSXII denied third straight win by plucky T-Team

Defending champions LIONSXII’s two-game winning run in the Malaysia Super League came to an end on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by T-Team at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Fandi Ahmad’s charges got off to the perfect start as they took the lead in the 24th minute; Safuwan Baharudin drilling home from the edge of the box for his second goal in two games.

But three minutes after the hour mark, Nelson San Martin curled home a lovely freekick to earn the visitors a share of the spoils.

The result meant LIONSXII’s recent resurgence was brought to an abrupt halt, after they appeared to have gotten their title defence back on track with back-to-back wins over PKNS FC and Perak.

However, they certainly had enough chances on Saturday to claim all three points, with the first coming as early as the second minute when Fabio Flor’s slip allowed Faris to race through, although his shot from a tight angle was saved by Shahril Saa’ri.

Moments after, T-Team were dealt a real blow as Fabio appeared to had injured himself seriously after twisting his knee awkwardly, and had to be replaced by Marzuki Yusof after just four minutes.

Buoyed by their bright start, the hosts began to gain a stranglehold on proceedings, with Faris in particular causing all sorts of problems for the opposition backline.

His quick feet in the 23rd minute once again drew a foul and from the resultant freekick, the LIONSXII were unlucky not to take the lead as Khairul Amri glanced Zulfahmi Arifin’s delivery back off the post.

Still, it took them just a minute more to finally break the deadlock as Safuwan latched onto a neat layoff from Shahfiq Ghani, before drilling a shot into the bottom corner past a hapless Shahril.

The 22-year-old, captaining the side in the absence of Isa Halmi, could have doubled his tally in the 36th minute climbing highest to meet another good ball from Zulfahmi, only to send his header over the bar.

The Titans were then left cursing their luck as Marzuki also picked up and injury just before the break and had to be replaced by San Martin, and the hosts nearly capitalised by adding a second.

Racing onto Firdaus Kasman’s cross-field ball, Faris showed good pace to burst past his opponent but was unable to beat Shahril, who produced another smart stop.

The LIONSXII continued to threaten after the break but were missing the killer touch in front of goal; Firdaus blasting wide from a promising position in the 49th minute before the unmarked Shahfiq headed a terrific cross from Faritz Hameed over in the hour mark.

And just three minutes later, T-Team made them pay as they pulled level through a moment of brilliance from San Martin, who lined up a freekick on the edge of the box before curling a sublime shot into the top corner.

The visitors then nearly took the lead in the 68th minute after Azrul Hazran Amiluddin turned cleverly before playing a ball through to Ramzul Zahini Adnan, but Izwan Mahbud reacted well to keep out his fierce shot in a one-on-one situation.

As the game entered its closing stages, the LIONSXII mustered one final effort to find the winner and managed to carve out a host of decent opportunities, but Shakir Hamzah, Safuwan and Madhu Mohana were all unable to hit the target from set-piece opportunities.

T-Team also had a couple of opening to steal the three points; Patrich Wanggai breaking free of Shakir’s clutches before sending a dangerous ball across the face of goal in the 80th minute, before Ramzul glanced San Martin’s freekick inches wide ten minutes later.

Still, it was the LIONSXII who came closest to winning it in injury-time but Safuwan had a bullet header cleared off the line by San Martin, before Amri’s acrobatic volley was smartly saved by Shahril, as T-Team held out for a valuable point.

LIONSXII: Izwan Mahbud, Faritz Hameed, Safuwan Baharudin, Afiq Yunos, Shakir Hamzah, Raihan Rahman, Zulfahmi Arifin, Faris Ramli, Shahfiq Ghani (Madhu Mohana 67’), Hafiz Abu Sujad (Firdaus Kasman 35’), Khairul Amri.

T-Team: Shahril Saa’ri, Hazwan Rahman, Faizal Muhammad, Fabio Flor (Marzuki Yusof  4’, Nelson San Martin 45’), Syuhiran Zainal, Hasbullah Awang, Shahrin Sapien, Hattaphon Bun-an (Ramzul Zahini Adnan 61’), Patrich Wanggai, Azrul Hazran Amiluddin, Evaldo Goncalves.

March 29, 2014

Quang Nam win nine-goal thriller; Dong Nai double up

QNK Quang Nam’s dominant first-half display helped them get back to winning ways in the V.League 1 with a 6-3 victory over Than Quang Ninh on Saturday evening.

David Annas got Quang Nam on their way at the Tam Ky Stadium after opening the scoring in the 19th minute, before Dinh Thanh Trung doubled their lead three minutes later.

Annas then notched his second goal of the game to make it 3-0 in the 37th minute, and the contest was all but ended two minutes later when Henry Kisekka got in on the act.

Nine minutes after halftime, it threatened to get embarrassing for Dong Nai when Yahaya Adamu scored a fifth for the hosts, although they managed to pull one back through a Trinh Hoai Nam strike three minutes after the hour mark.

Adamu added a sixth for Quang Nam in the 75th minute to restore their five-goal lead, although the visitors did manage to salvage some pride as Uche Iheruome and Hoang Van Ha pulled two goals back in the final seven minutes.

Over at the Vinh Stadium, Dong Nai were victorious for the second game running after beating Song Lam Nghe An 1-0.

Following a goalless first half, it appeared as though a draw was on the cards until Nguyen Hai Anh netted what proved to be the winner three minutes from time.

Saturday’s V.League 1 Results

QNK Quang Nam 6-3 Than Quang Ninh

Song Lam Nghe An 0-1 Dong Nai

March 28, 2014

Eight-man Balestier rescue point against Warriors

Balestier Khalsa avoided a second straight defeat as they forced a 2-2 draw against Warriors FC in the S.League despite finishing the game with eight men.

It was the Tigers who took the lead at the Jalan Besar Stadium after 15 minutes when Goran Ljubojevic headed home from a corner, but Warriors pulled level six minutes after the half-hour mark thanks to an excellent strike from Miroslav Pejic.

Nicolas Velez then netted from close range five minutes into the second half to put the designated visitors ahead, before Yusiskandar Yusop was shown a straight red shortly after for sliding through Kevin McCann.

But Balestier produced their trademark resilience to equalise in the 84th minute courtesy of a lovely lob from captain Paul Cunningham, and they managed to hold on to a point despite having Kim Min-ho and Ridwan Jamil sent off right at the end.

In what turned out to be an entertaining clash that was ultimately tarnished by some controversial refereeing, both sides showed excellent initiative from the opening whistle and it was the Warriors who had the first sighting at goal when Daniel Bennett met Marin Vidosevic’s nod-down with a fierce half-volley that drew a flying save from Zaiful Nizam.

Neezam Aziz was then called into action in the seventh minute when he got a firm hand to keep out Ruhaizad Ismail’s powerful effort, before Zaiful reacted well once more five minutes later to save a low drive from Velez.

Neezam, who had big gloves to fill deputising for the suspended Hassan Sunny, produced another good stop in the 14th minute to keep out a long-range strike from Zulkiffli Hassim, after a corner had been cleared straight to the Tigers winger.

But there was little he could do to prevent Balestier from edging ahead a minute later as from the resultant corner, Syed Thaha floated an excellent ball to Ljubojevic, who made no mistake in sending a looping header past a stranded Neezam.

Marko Kraljevic’s charges were then unlucky not to double their advantage in the 24th minute when Poh Yi Feng latched onto a loose ball outside the box and let fly on his left foot, only to see his shot come back off the bar.

The Tigers continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides and Ruhaizad carved out two excellent chances shortly after the half-hour mark, only to see Ljubojevic and Cunningham fail to convert with headers.

And in the 36th minute, the Warriors hit back through a moment of brilliance from Pejic; the Croat finding space just inside the box and cutting onto his left foot, before exquisitely floating the ball into the far corner.

Buoyed at pulling level, Alex Weaver’s side began to step up a gear and they duly took the lead five minutes into the second half when an elaborate freekick routine between Hafiz Rahim and Pejic saw the ball to Shi Jiayi inside the box.

There was a hint of offside as he received the ball but the flag stayed down, allowing the Singapore international to touch the ball into the path of Velez, who did not fail with a close-range finish to open his Warriors account.

Just four minutes later, things went from bad to worse for Balestier as they were reduced to ten men after Yusiskandar flew in on McCann and caught his opponent, and was shown a straight red by Sukhbir Singh.

With the numerical advantage, the Warriors began to gain a stranglehold on proceedings but were unable to add a third goal; Hafiz, Pejic and Velez all failing to convert decent chances.

And six minutes from time, they were made to pay as Balestier grabbed the equaliser after Cunningham received possession 25 yards out from goal, and proceeded to send a sublime lob over Neezam and into the back of the net.

Still, Warriors could have grabbed a winner in the 89th minute after Pejic and Velez linked up well to create an opening for Hafsyar Farkhan, only for Zaiful to produce a stunning point-blank range save to deny the substitute from four yards.

As the clock ticked over into injury-time, Sukhbir then stole the headlines as he showed Kim a second yellow for taking too long to leave the field, just as Balestier were about to replace him with Ahmad Syahir, who had to retake his place on the bench.

Moments later, Ridwan followed him and Yusiskandar for an early bath after shoving Daniel Bennett in the chest, although the Tigers were able to hold out for the draw.

In Friday’s other game at the Bedok Stadium, DPMM FC failed to win for a second game running as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Geylang International.

Having been handed their first defeat of the season by Tampines Rovers last week, the Bruneians fell behind after 17 minutes when Yuki Ichikawa turned home Mustaqim Manzur’s freekick following an error in judgement by opposition goalkeeper Wardun Yussof.

But four minutes later, Rodrigo Tosi netted with a header to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Balestier Khalsa: Zaiful Nizam, Tajeli Salamat, Emir Lotinac, Paul Cunningham, Syed Thaha, Poh Yi Feng, Yusiskandar Yusop, Zulkiffli Hassim (Jonathan Xu 79’), Kim Min-ho, Ruhaizad Ismail (Ridwan Jamil 57’), Goran Ljubojevic.

Warriors FC: Neezam Aziz, Jeremy Chiang, Daniel Bennett, Marin Vidosevic, Zulfadli Zainal Abidin, Kevin McCann, Thomas Beattie, Miroslav Pejic, Hafiz Rahim (Hafsyar Farkhan 87’), Shi Jiayi (Irwan Shah 79’), Nicolas Velez.

March 28, 2014

Ashfaq hat-trick sends PDRM back top; big win for FELDA

Ali Ashfaq hit a hat-trick on Friday evening to send PDRM back top of the Malaysia Premier League with a 3-1 win over Kedah at the Darul Aman Stadium.

The Maldives international broke the deadlock after 17 minutes, before netting a second a minute before halftime to hand his side a comfortable lead at the break.

Ashfaq then completed his hat-trick – racking up his tenth goal of the campaign in the process – to put the result beyond doubt, although Kedah did manage a consolation ten minutes from time through a Baddrol Bakhtiar strike.

The result was enough to send PDRM top of the table on goal difference with a game in hand over Penang, who were held to a 0-0 draw at SPA FC earlier in the day.

FELDA United continued their excellent run of form after cruising to a 5-1 win over Perlis, their second convincing victory in five days after beating UiTM FC 4-2 on Monday.

Edward Junior Wilson got FELDA off to a dream start at the Petaling Jaya Stadium with two goals in the opening five minutes, before he completed his hat-trick in the 14th minute to put them firmly in control of the tie.

Dao Bakary did manage to pull one back for Perlis two minutes later, but ex-Selangor man K. Solehin struck in the 21st minute to restore the hosts’ healthy advantage.

Singa Utara were then dealt another blow in the 72nd minute when captain Khairi Zainuddin was sent off for a second bookable offence, and FELDA went on to wrap up the three points six minutes later when Ndumba Makeche netted his first goal for the club.

Negeri Sembilan eased the pressure on coach V. Sundramoorthy as they ended a four-game winless streak by beating UiTM FC 1-0 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium.

The only goal of the game came in the 26th minute when Kim Jin-ryong struck to hand the Deer the victory, although they remain eight points off the top of the table.

Johor Darul Ta’zim II’s inconsistent ways continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sabah at the Likas Stadium.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the 29th minute through a Marwan Sayedeh penalty, but JDT II were awarded a spot-kick of their own four minutes later, which Braulio Nobrega converted to earn his side a point.

Finally, bottom side PBAPP remain winless after being handed a 3-0 defeat by DRB-Hicom at the Bandaraya Stadium, courtesy of goals from Stanley Ogunboye Iyanu, Fakhrullah Rosli and Azreen Zulkafali.

Friday’s Malaysia Premier League Results

SPA FC 0-0 Penang

Sabah 1-1 Johor Darul Ta’zim II

Negeri Sembilan 1-0 UiTM FC

PBAPP 0-3 DRB-Hicom

FELDA United 5-1 Perlis

Kedah 1-3 PDRM

March 28, 2014

Ha Noi go second in V.League; Ninh Binh woes continue

Ha Noi T&T recorded a convincing 6-1 win at Dong Tam Long An on Friday to climb two spots up to second in the V.League 1.

Following a goalless first half at the Long An Stadium, Hoang Vu Samson fired Ha Noi ahead in the 48th minute, before Gonzalo Marronkle doubled their tally seven minutes after the hour mark.

Marronkle then made it 3-0 in the 71st minute and the result was put beyond doubt when the Argentine striker completed his hat-trick ten minutes later, although Long An did pull one back in the 86th minute when Laerte netted his second goal of the campaign.

However, Ha Noi were in no mood to let up and rounded off a fine display with further goals from Samson and Nguyen Van Quyet in injury-time.

The result saw Ha Noi climb above Becamex Binh Duong and Than Quang Ninh into second, although they remain seven points behind leaders Thanh Hoa with a game in hand.

Over at the Long Xuyen Stadium, XM The Vissai Ninh Binh’s woeful ways continued they threw away a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw against bottom side Hung Vuong An Giang.

Ninh Binh looked on course to ending a four-game winless streak after edging ahead in the ninth minute through a strike from Patiyo Tambwe, who secored again to make it 2-0 just before the break.

But An Giang pulled one back six minutes into the second half when Dinh Hoang Max scored from the spot, before Felix Ajala struck in the 68th minute to earn his side a share of the spoils.

The draw was the first time An Giang managed to avoid defeat in seven games, although they remain bottom of the table and are still looking for their first win of the season.

Friday’s V.League 1 Results

Hung Vuong An Giang 2-2 XM The Vissai Ninh Binh

Dong Tam Long An 1-6 Ha Noi T&T