Trương Công Thảo of Hà Nội FC (No 19) jumps high over SHB Đà Nẵng defenders to head a ball into the net. — VNS Photo Tuấn Tú

HÀ NỘI — V.League newcomer Hà Nội FC made a big bang yesterday (March13) with a 3-0 win over SHB Đà Nẵng in the fourth round match of the national premier league.

Playing on home ground with strong support from home fans, Hà Nội still remained at a lower level compared to their rival, who have won the league championship twice.

Nguyễn Ngọc Duy did not score during this match, but he might be considered the player of the match, with two assists that led to two first goals during the match.

At the 61st minute, Duy brought the ball near to the box and kicked a cross, which met Trịnh Duy Long, who had no difficulty opening the score.

Fifteen minutes later, his long pass found Ngân Văn Đại, who quickly served the ball to Trương Công Thảo, whose straight header found the net.

The nightmare continued through the additional time of the match, when new-contract striker Jean Eudes Maurice scored during his debut with the team.

The former PSG forward’s strong header proved too difficult to block for goalkeeper Lê Văn Hưng.

SHB Đà Nẵng traveled to the capital city with their powerful weapon, Gaston Merlo, who has scored five goals and played a key role in the team’s three victories.

But Merlo was locked out by Hà Nội’s effective defenders, while his connection to other players was blocked.

SHB Đà Nẵng, whose winning streak ended last night, is in third position with nine points.

The win pushed Hà Nội to the fourth position, with seven points, having just two points less than the top three.

The team immediately received VNĐ900 million (US$40,000) for the win, which was a record bonus this season.

In another match, Đồng Tháp beat Hoàng Anh Gia Lai 2-1, scoring their first win of the league.

All three goals were scored in the first half.

Hoàng Anh Gia Lai’s Hồ Trường Khang’s goal was sandwiched between those by Marko Simic and Samson Kpenosen.

“We should have had better results, if my players had not wasted too much. We only partly understood Hoàng Anh Gia Lai’s playing style,” said Phạm Công Lộc of Đồng Tháp.

“They are a team of young and strong players who have trained and played with each other for years. I saw that there are three core players, while the others try to provide balls to them. If we can block the trio, their tactic will die,” he said.

“We are successful when play high balls, taking advantage from tall strikers. We deserved this win.”

Coach Nguyễn Quốc Tuấn of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai said the result must be a draw, but it was football, and no one knew the final score.

He blamed the hot weather for partly affecting his team, who bases in the cool Highland city of Pleiku.

He added that Hoàng Anh Gia Lai also had chances to score, but his young players did not score.

In Cần Thơ, Cần Thơ came from behind to win 2-1 over Long An.

Phan Tấn Tài netted the ball from a close range in the 33rd minute.

But it was the only highlight for the team, as Cần Thơ set up their strong domination in the second half.

Patiyo Tambwe converted a ball into a goal when Long An’s goalie Nguyễn Huỳnh Quốc Cường missed it in the 50th minute.

Nguyễn Quang Tình made it 2-1 for the hosts, with a shot from a narrow angle. It was his first goal of the tournament. — VNS