The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Eastern close in on a treble-winning season after routing Happy Valley 4-0

Victory over R&F on Sunday would hand them the league championship title after Senior Shield and FA Cup triumphs to end pandemic-interrupted season on a high

Eastern manager Lee Chi-kin feels the pressure ahead of Sunday’s finale but he’s been in that position before

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Eastern forward Sandro’s shot is just wide of the target during their impressive 4-0 victory against Happy Valley at Mong Kok Stadium. Photo: Chan Kin-wa

Published: 6:39pm, 6 Oct 2020Updated: 10:17pm, 6 Oct 2020

Eastern are just one match away from achieving a treble-winning season after thrashing Happy Valley 4-0 in the Hong Kong Premier League at Mong Kok Stadium on Tuesday.

Taking advantage of Kitchee’s sloppy 1-1 draw against Southern two days ago, they now move to the top of table with 18 points, a single point clear of rivals Kitchee and R&F before the season concludes on Sunday.

A victory over R&F in their remaining fixture means Eastern can claim their first league championship since 2016 and it would add to the FA Cup and Senior Shield they lifted over the past two weeks.

Eastern fans show support for their team even though they were not allowed to attend the match because of the pandemic. Photo: Chan Kin-wa

“I was still in a celebratory mood [after winning the two cup titles] but it dawned on me that we had the chance of winning the league championship and that put me under pressure again,” said Eastern manager Lee Chi-kin. “Of course it’s going to be a big match [against R&F]. Victory can put us on top of the world [with a treble season], a big reward to the players, management and fans after a long season.

“We all know the importance of it all and will have to carefully make use of the next four days before we get back on the pitch again and play the deciding match.”