Eastern warm coach Chan Yuen-ting’s heart with her first silverware

A dream became reality on Sunday for Eastern coach Chan Yuen-ting - the first woman in such a high-profile role in Hong Kong soccer - as Xu Deshuai helped her side to their 10th Senior Shield title with a 2-0 victory over Kwoon Chung Southern.

More than 4,500 fans braved the frigid conditions at Hong Kong Stadium but they had little to cheer about as both sides were mediocre.

But 27-year-old Chan, who was only appointed to the top job last month after the departure of Yeung Ching-kwong, was not feeling the cold.

“I feel very excited as this is something real, it’s not a dream any more,” said Chan, who has now won all the four matches since her appointment.

“Winning the Senior Shield is my first target and now we have to focus back on the league. We have the advantage but cannot take anything for granted.”

Xu had never won the shield despite his association with previous champions including Citizen, South China and Kitchee.

The Hong Kong international blasted home a free kick shortly after the break then crossed for Andrew Barisic to head home with six minutes remaining.