Al Hilal return to winning ways in Saudi League

RIYADH, October 9 (Saudi League) - Defending champions Al Hilal returned to winning ways with a 3-1 triumph over Al Watani in the fourth round of the Saudi League on Wednesday.

Al Hilal suffered their first defeat in the league last week with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Najran but took the lead when Ahmed Al Sowaileh scored after 20 minutes.

Al Sowaileh added his second after 56 minutes before his team-mate Mohammed Nami was sent off four minutes later.

Yihya Al Kaebi pulled a goal back after 81 minutes but 10 man Al Hilal put the result beyond doubt when Mohammed Al Shalhoub scored from the penalty spot with one minute remaining.

Mohammed Noor scored twice but could not prevent league leaders Al Ittihad from dropping their first points of the season in a 2-2 draw with Al Nasr, who twice came from behind with two goals from Ahmed Al Mubarak.

Al Ittihad ended the match with 10 men after Mohamed Salem was dismissed.

Nasser Al Shamrani scored as Al Shabab defeated Al Ittifaq 1-0, Al Ahli beat Najran 2-0, Al Hazm defeated Al Raed 1-0 and Abha held Al Wahda to a 1-1 draw.