A 1-4 thumping at the hands of defending champs Binh Duong in an away match at Go Dau Stadium Sunday kept V-League leaders Da Nang waiting for the 2009 crown.

The 21st round encounter saw the home side dominate despite the absence of some favorites like striker Huynh Kesley, central fullback Nhu Thanh and goalkeeper The Anh. Their best midfielder Vu Phong scored the opener in only two minutes and striker Anh Duc doubled the score 16 minutes later. Ten minutes from halftime, Phong made it 3-0.

Phan Thanh Phuc headed home from close range to pull one goal back for Da Nang 13 minutes from time but Cameroonian Nkemi wrapped up an emphatic victory for Binh Duong with a goal immediately after.

Meanwhile, Hai Phong earned a 3- 2 home win over SLNA at the Lach Tray Stadium, taking the lead just five minutes after Leandro scored from a free kick. Elendino doubled the score just before half-time.

The home team slowed down in the second half and SLNA took full advantage to draw level with goals by Akame and Van Quyen. Hai Phong’s sub striker Ewerson ensured victory with a goal in the final seconds of the second half stoppage time.

The important goal earned Ewerson a VND60 million (US$3,370) award from the club management, and team as a whole got VND600 million ($33,700).

2003-04 champs Hoang Anh Gia Lai came from a goal down to beat Khanh Hoa 2-1 at the Pleiku Stadium.

In other matches, The Cong lost 2-4 to Dong Thap at the Hang Day Stadium while 2005-06 champs Dong Tam Long An beat bottom-placed Thanh Hoa 5-1 at the Long An Stadium.

Fourth Military Zone drew 2-2 with HCMC Club. Both have 23 points now and sit right above Thanh Hoa at the bottom.

Nam Dinh drew 1-1 with T&T Hanoi at Chi Lang Stadium. With one point from the match, Nam Dinh is now in 11th place, only two points clear of HCMC Club.

There was an altercation between some players of Nam Dinh and T&T Hanoi at the end of the match but the security forces kept it under control.

Reported by Thanh Nien staff