Disputed goal gives Instant victory
INSTANT-Dict notched their third straight victory in the Hong Kong First Division amid controversy when Chan Chi-kwong scored in the 72nd minute against 10-man Happy Valley yesterday at Mongkok Stadium.
Chan picked up a rebound to score from close range for the only goal of the match after Lam Hing-lun's free-kick struck the cross-bar. But Happy Valley claimed the goal should have been disallowed, arguing they were not ready for the kick.
Instant-Dict were awarded the free-kick when Quo Weiwei brought down striker Graham Harvey at the edge of the penalty area.
Happy Valley team manager Leung Chi-ming said: ''The referee blew his whistle and at the same time gesticulated that our wall should come back further. There were two short bursts from his whistle and not a long burst so we were surprised that the kick went ahead.'' Instant-Dict have now overhauled Viceroy Cup holders South China for third place on 23 points - one point ahead of the Caroliners who have played two games more.
Happy Valley were left with 10 men in the 40th minute after goalkeeper Li Lixin was sent off when he came out to block Ian McParland's shot outside the penalty area.
Happy Valley decided to replace defender Yau Wo-kan with second choice 'keeper Chan Shu-ming, but were always struggling to make up for the numerical disadvantage.
Instant-Dict (4-4-2): Chan Sau-yin (goalkeeper), Ng Chun-chung, Roddy Manley, Yan Lik-kin, Cheung Chi-tak, Lam Hing-lun, Chan Chi-kwong, Steve Berry, Sean Edwards, Graham Harvey, Ian McParland.
Happy Valley (4-5-1): Li Lixin, Leung Sui-wing, Hau Yiu-tak, Wang Dongning, Alan Reis, Chau Chiu-hung, Kwok Yue-hung, Yau Wo-kan (Chan Shu-ming 40), Wei Kexing, Quo Weiwei, Tang Lepu.
Man Of The Match Sean Edwards
