The Matchday 20 clash against Tay Ninh was of great significance to Hong Linh Ha Tinh, as a victory would ensure them the First Division trophy with two games left in hand, and guarantee them a direct promotion ticket to play in the nation’s top-tier football league.
Given that fact, the hosts started the match with great caution and focused on defence during the opening exchanges, which helped them to neutralise attacks deployed by the Tay Ninh side and deploy counterattacks in an effective manner.
Late in the first half, Hong Linh Ha Tinh increased their tempo and created a number of clear-cut opportunities; however, the brilliance of the Tay Ninh keeper prevented them from scoring an early opener.
It was not until the 43rd minute that the deadlock was broken, with Le Xuan Tu blasting an eye-catching curler toward the top corner to put the hosts in front.
Tu came close to completing his double in the second half but his strike unexpectedly hit the cross bar. Thus, his first-half goal was enough to help Hong Linh Ha Tinh clinch the victory against Tay Ninh.
Hong Linh Ha Tinh’s road to the overall trophy and the V.League was very convincing, as they claimed 15 wins, scored 44 goals and conceded only 13 times throughout the 20 matchdays.
