In a thrilling BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League encounter at Sham Shui Po Sports Ground on Sunday (March 9), Tai Po emerged victorious with a commanding 5:2 triumph over Kowloon City, bagging maximum points in this goal-fest.

The match burst into life immediately as the Tai Po outfit threatened early, with Lucas Da Silva rising high to meet Cheng Tsz Sum's pin-point delivery from the left flank, only to be denied by an alert goalkeeper. The deadlock was broken moments later when the clinical Kevin Padilla pounced on a goalkeeping error, displaying excellent composure to slot home after a penetrating run into the box, making it 1:0.

The dominance continued as Tai Po doubled their advantage in the 8th minute through a textbook attacking move. Igor Sartori delivered an inviting cross from the left wing, finding Lucas Da Silva who made no mistake with a powerful header into the back of the net.

Kowloon City found a lifeline in the 28th minute through a well-worked goal. Tanaka Yoshihiro combined effectively with Kayron Ramos before whipping in a dangerous cross from the right flank, allowing Lam Hok Hei to reduce the deficit with a clinical header.

The relentless Tai Po attack continued to probe, with Igor Sartori's defense-splitting through ball releasing Lucas Da Silva clean through on goal, but the striker was thwarted by an excellent save from the goalkeeper.

The pressure mounted as the first half progressed, with Igor Sartori's precise corner delivery in the 35th minute finding Patrick Peral, whose goal-bound header was desperately cleared off the line by the goalkeeper's outstretched leg.

Drama unfolded in the 43rd minute when Chan Siu Kwan Philip appeared to have extended Tai Po's lead after connecting with Kevin Padilla's assist, but VAR intervention ruled out the strike due to an infringement in the build-up.

The first half scoring wasn't over, however, as Tai Po orchestrated another brilliant team goal. Patrick Peral's precise cross from the right found Chan Siu Kwan Philip, who cushioned a perfect header across goal for Lucas Da Silva to nod home from point-blank range.

The scoreboard at the interval showed Tai Po commanding a deserved 3:1 advantage over Kowloon City.

Kowloon City demonstrated their fighting spirit early in the second period, with Chan Man Fai's precise left-wing delivery finding Lam Hok Hei, who dispatched his second header to bring his side back into contention at 2:3.

The response from Tai Po was swift and clinical. Kevin Padilla carved open the defense with an incisive run before setting up Igor Sartori, who rifled home with his right foot to restore the two-goal cushion.

The rout was completed in the 63rd minute through another piece of attacking brilliance. Patrick Peral bamboozled his marker on the right before delivering a precise cut-back for Lucas Da SIlva to complete his hat-trick with a simple finish.

Tai Po continued to create chances at will, with Patrick Peral forcing a fine save from the keeper after excellent work from Kevin Padilla, while Lucas Da Silva was denied yet again following Igor Sartori's defense-splitting pass.

As the final whistle echoed around Sham Shui Po Sports Ground, Tai Po had secured an emphatic 5:2 victory, cementing their position in the league with a crucial three points.

Kowloon City 2:5 Tai Po