Dubai: Sharjah rode on a Wanderley Santos brace to thrash visiting Bani Yas 3-0, while Al Ahli managed to tame cross-city rivals Al Nasr 3-1 in the eleventh round of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) late on Friday.
Santos struck on either side of the half-time, while Walid Ahmad added a third three minutes after the hour as Sharjah followed up last week's 2-1 win against Al Wasl to notch full points for a second time on the trot in the AGL.
And in the Dubai derby, a sloppy Al Ahli somehow managed to rescue all three points with two late goals.
The home side took the lead in the 16th minute when Moussa Sow nicked in a Walid Abbas shot, but Al Nasr equalised in the 36th minute through Nilmar as the two teams went in for the break 1-1.
Al Ahli took the lead through Walid Abbas in the 67th minute and Lima assured the home team full points with a dainty finish in the 73rd minute.
Earlier, defending champions and sole leaders Al Ain had maintained their hold on the league with a 4-2 win over cellar-placed Al Shaab.
Al Ain is now at the top with 28 points, while Al Ahli continue their chase of the leaders with 24 points and Al Nasr remain in third with 21.
Al Shabab took their tally up to 19 following a 2-0 win against Emirates Club in distant Ras Al Khaimah.
RESULTS
Sharjah x Bani Yas 3-0
Al Ahli x Al Nasr 3-1