In a thrilling BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League encounter at Tai Po Sports Ground on Saturday (November 23), the hosts clinched a vital 2:1 victory over HKFC to claim all three points.

The visitors showed early intent as Toby Down unleashed a fierce effort from range following Chan Ho Ka's setup, but the strike sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

Tai Po soon seized control of proceedings when Benavides Nicholas carved open the defense with a brilliant run down the flank before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Chan Siu Kwan Philip, who rose majestically to power home a header at the far post.

The hosts continued to dominate, with Igor Sartori's corner kick creating havoc in the box. Gabriel Roberto's point-blank header was parried by the gaolkeeper before Lucas Da Silva and Marcos Dos Santos saw their follow-up attempts desperately blocked.

Tai Po thought they had doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute when Michel Renner collected Lucas Da Silva's pass before rifling an unstoppable drive into the top corner, but VAR intervention ruled out the spectacular effort for an earlier infringement.

The second goal finally arrived four minutes before the break, as Lucas Da Silva demonstrated sublime skill to control a long ball, beat his marker, and drill home an emphatic left-footed finish from the edge of the area.

The hosts took a deserved two-goal cushion into the interval.

HKFC emerged rejuvenated after the break and pulled one back when Jesus Salazar orchestrated a flowing move before finding Gustavo Henrique, who made no mistake from close range.

The hosts pushed to restore their two-goal advantage as Lucas Da Silva showed great footwork to fashion a chance in a crowded penalty area, only to be denied by a spectacular save. Gabriel Roberto then squandered another opportunity, his tame effort from a promising position easily gathered by the keeper.

Lucas Da Silva continued to torment the visitors' defense, first rattling the woodwork with a thunderous strike before seeing another effort flash across goal from an acute angle.

The visitors nearly leveled in the 70th minute when Daniel Scally found himself unmarked in a dangerous position but failed to hit the target. Ho Ka Chi and Callum Beattie also spurned chances to equalize.

In stoppage time, Michel Renner's pinpoint delivery found Lucas Da Silva, whose instinctive volley was brilliantly kept out by the goalkeeper.

The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory for Tai Po, who emerged 2:1 winners in this pulsating encounter.

Tai Po 2:1 HKFC