Phu Dong Ninh Binh hinders PVF-CAND's promotion

Phu Dong Ninh Binh - Photo 1.

Dinh Thanh Binh scored the only goal to help Phu Dong Ninh Binh beat PVF-CAND - Photo: PHU DONG NINH BINH FC

With a superior squad, Phu Dong Ninh Binh easily dominated the game and had the advantage for most of the match.

In the 15th minute, Dinh Thanh Binh opened the scoring from the penalty spot, putting Phu Dong Ninh Binh ahead, after a PVF-CAND defender handled the ball in the penalty area.

After conceding the goal, PVF-CAND coach Thach Bao Khanh sent striker Nguyen Xuan Bac to replace midfielder Tran Van Hoa in an attempt to regain control of the game. In the 30th minute, PVF-CAND responded with a shot that hit Dang Van Lam's crossbar. However, that was only a rare effort in the first half when PVF-CAND was outplayed by the home team.

In the second half, PVF-CAND tried to regain control of the game and imposed their playing style on Phu Dong Ninh Binh's field. Coach Bao Khanh and his team showed that they are worthy opponents to the top two teams of the First Division in the promotion battle.

In the 69th minute, Huynh Cong Den jumped high to head the ball in the penalty area, forcing Dang Van Lam to show off his reflexes to save the goal. In the 72nd minute, Cong Den dribbled the ball and fell in the Phu Dong Ninh Binh penalty area, but PVF-CAND was not awarded a penalty.

The high efforts to find an equalizer often cause PVF-CAND to fall into a counter-attack situation. A typical situation was in the 5th minute of extra time, when Phi Minh Long left the goal to participate in a free kick, Quoc Viet took a shot from the middle of the field but missed.

Facing the defensive ability of Phu Dong Ninh Binh, PVF-CAND, with its wasted opportunities, was unable to find an equalizer. 1-0 was the final score of the match.

This result helps Phu Dong Ninh Binh maintain their unbeaten streak and move one step closer to the First Division championship. After round 18, Hoang Duc and his teammates have 46 points.

Meanwhile, PVF-CAND's unbeaten streak under coach Bao Khanh was broken. They now have only 33 points, 7 points behind the team in the play-off position for promotion, Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc .

In round 19, PVF-CAND had a crucial match with Binh Phuoc at home on May 17. Meanwhile, Phu Dong Ninh Binh only had to face Tre Ho Chi Minh City.