Ninh Binh beat Thanh Hoa 2-1 to temporarily top V.League standings

Playing at home, Ninh Binh took the initiative from the opening whistle. In the 9th minute, Lucao headed home from close range following Turci’s cross from the left to give the hosts an early lead.

The early goal further boosted Ninh Binh’s confidence. The hosts pushed forward in numbers, maintaining a high-intensity attacking approach that forced Thanh Hoa’s defence to retreat deep.

Just before halftime, Ngoc My doubled Ninh Binh’s advantage with a header from Tien Anh’s cross from the right, making it 2-0.

After the break, Thanh Hoa stepped up their attacking efforts. In the 64th minute, Van Tung found the net for the visitors, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Thanh Hoa continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded in the 77th minute. Van Tung combined with a teammate to break through Ninh Binh’s defence before producing a well-placed finish into the near corner past goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, cutting the deficit to 1-2.

Ninh Binh held on for a 2-1 victory over Thanh Hoa.

The three points lifted Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side temporarily to the top of the V-League standings with six points from two matches./.