Hong Kong’s footballers learn they are still too good for Macau in flawed win at Mong Kok
Ashley Westwood’s men prolong run of victories, but more quality may be needed to overcome Singapore next week
Hong Kong earned boss Ashley Westwood a record-breaking seventh consecutive victory, with a 2-0 win over Macau on Wednesday.
Goals from Leon Jones and Raphael Merkies in the first half were enough to settle a largely uninspiring affair at Mong Kok Stadium.
How much Westwood will have learned from the occasion is questionable, but there was little evidence to challenge his previous assertion that Hong Kong would need to be at their best to beat Singapore next week in their Asian Cup qualifier.
And while a friendly against a weaker opponent cannot always be considered a reliable yardstick, Hong Kong will need to be far better with their final pass or cross than they were.
Of course, the danger with any game you were expected to win comfortably is that anything less than an emphatic victory appears unsatisfactory.
And there was plenty wanting in the home side’s early endeavours, when more composure in front of goal from their opponents would have left Westwood’s men at least one down.