Scrappy display, but Kitchee back on top with 3-1 win over Citizen

Kitchee moved back to the top of the table with a scrappy 3-1 victory over Citizen in the RedMR First Division at Mong Kok Stadium yesterday.

Alexander Akande scored a brace with a goal in each half to help his team to their first win in four matches following a disappointing AFC quarter-final defeat to Al Faisaly of Jordan.

Despite the win, playmaker Lam Ka-wai, who netted the second goal for Kitchee in first-half stoppage time, was unhappy with his team's performance.

"We played very sloppy, especially in the first half," said the Hong Kong international, who only returned with the team from the Middle East on Thursday. "The hectic schedule affected us very much.

"The second half was a bit better after we went two goals up, but still we were far from our best. But with these tough matches now over, we hope the boys can recover and gradually regain their top form."

Citizen only had themselves to blame for not getting at least a point. Newly arrived striker Stefan Pereira, second-half substitute Detinho and Yuto Nakamura all missed chances before Nakamaura's late consolation.

"We lost two goals in the first half but we created far more chances than our opponents," said club executive director Calvin Pui Ho-wang. "We still have a lot of work to do, especially when it comes to our finishing."

Citizen have yet to open their winning account with three draws and one defeat so far, but Pui said it was too early to worry about their future.

"The team have improved from last season as the players have showed a very strong determination to fight. We only need a victory to boost morale," he said.

Kitchee overtook overnight leaders Sun Pegasus to go top of the table with 10 points, one ahead of their rivals.

Elsewhere, Hui Wang-fung scored a stoppage-time equaliser for Yuen Long as they held visitors Happy Valley to a 2-2 draw. Happy Valley came close to recording their first victory after going two goals up, but failed to kill off the match.

Meanwhile, BC Rangers and Tuen Mun also shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Sham Shui Po Sports Ground.