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¡ã Photo courtesy Jeju United Football Club |
Jeju chalked up their first points of the season with a tight 2-1 victory at Jeonnam on Sunday, March 16. Headed goals from new boys Jeong Da-Hooeon and Hugo Droguett were enough to secure the points, either side of a Lee Yong own goal.
United took the lead after farcical Jeonnam defending in the 18th minute. Kim Byung-ji flapped at a United corner from the right and the ball looped up, failing to clear the penalty spot. It was headed back goalward and then flicked on by a Jeonnam defender. It finally reached Da-Hooeon Jeong inside the six yard box and he nodded home.
United looked increasingly comfortable after the goal and only some smart saves by Kim Byung-ji kept Jeonnam in the game in the first half.
United’s wobble came in the 64th minute. A carbon-copy corner was swung in from the right by Jeonnam's Ahn Yong-woo and it was time for more defensive theatrics. Four United players jumped for the ball on the six-yard line, confusing each other. By the time they had worked out the ball was in the net, Macedonian Stevica Ristic was reeling off in celebration.
Replays showed that Ristic connected first and the ball hit Lee Yong’s arm. It then connected with Oh Ban-suk’s head and, with his back now turned, the ball brushed Lee again, this time on his shoulder, and Kim in United’s goal was wrong-footed. Not one for the scrapbook.
Jeonnam then took control of the game and should have taken the lead. With the crowd buoyant, a number of fast breaks put the Jeju defense under increasing pressure. It was only thanks to goalkeeper Kim that the score remained level.
The winner came against the run of play and was another headed effort, although easier on the eye. Hwang Il-soo picked the ball up 30 yards from goal as the Orange broke on 79 minutes. He surged to the byline but looked to have been crowded out by two Jeonnam defenders. Somehow, however, he turned and hit a hopeful ball to the near post. Droguett showed more hunger and, to the keeper’s surprise, diverted the ball inside the near post.
Coach Park Kyung Hoon said after the game, “I’m glad we got the three points after losing at home last game.” Park was satisfied with the result but expressed concern at the ease with which Jeonnam took control after their goal. However, from the team spirit shown, he is confident the team is developing well for the season ahead.
The next match for United is on March 22 against Seongnam at the Seogwipo World Cup Stadium.
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