A late, late strike from striker Le Quoc Phuong propelled Thanh Hoa to the top of the Toyota V.League 2017 when they beat Quang Ninh Coal 1-0 at home.
An assist from Ngo Hoang Th?nh, who had just returned from injuries, gave Quoc Phoung with just the right opportunity for the easiest of tap-in from close.
After 11 matches in the league and with 26 points to their name, Thanh Hoa took over the top spot from Hanoi FC while Quang Ninh Coal remained fifth with 20 points.
In the meantime, defending champions Hanoi FC unexpectedly struggled against struggling side Can Tho when they were held to a 1-1 draw.
It was Can Tho who went ahead early in the fifth minute through Nsi Amogou Jose before Hanoi fought back with a 75thminute from Alvaro Linares Silva.
The draw saw Hanoi slipped down to second with 24 points.
