Hai Phong climb to fourth place after home win

Stevens opened the scoring for the home side after 25 minutes with a free kick that hit a Quang Nam defender before being deflected into the net.

Making use of the indecisiveness of the guest players, Fagan dashed through to the box with the ball from the mid-field and produced a shot towards the top corner to make it a second for the port city team.

The two-goal advantage allowed the hosts to slow down their pace in the second half, which successfully prevented Quang Nam from making a resurgence despite their concerted efforts. The only real concrete opportunity for the away side was a shot which hit the post from Claudecir.

The loss forced Quang Nam to give up their second place to Hanoi FC, who were held to a goalless draw by Saigon FC.

Meanwhile, the home win lifted Hai Phong into the group of four teams with 13 points, including Hanoi FC, Quang Nam, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.

In other matches, SHB Da Nang crushed Quang Ninh Coal 2-0, while Song Lam Nghe An and Becamex Binh Duong played out a 1-1 tie.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai had their winning streak interrupted after losing 0-1 to challengers Ho Chi Minh City.

XSKT Can Tho and Long remained in the relegation zone following their 0-1 defeats to leaders FLC Thanh Hoa and Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN, respectively.