Yokohama record first win thanks to own goal in stoppage time against Tuen Mun
Yokohama HK recorded their first victory of the RedMR First Division season in dramatic fashion yesterday when they beat Tuen Mun 2-1 at Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground, the winner coming in stoppage time when defender Li Ming headed the ball into his own net.
"We had great expectations before the match because our recent form has been good, but we never expected the victory to come in such a way," said a relieved Yokohama coach Lee Chi-kin.
"This possibly explains why soccer is so attractive - the game's never over until the final whistle."
But the coach admitted his team needed to be more consistent if they wanted to improve in the second half of the season.
"We've been in the lead in several matches this season, but failed to finish the job off," he said. "We came across the same situation today after going into the lead but then conceded the equaliser. Our defenders have to be more focused."
After a barren first half, Japanese forward Kenji Fukuda picked up his seventh goal of the season after heading home a powerful header from close range following Wong Wai's cross from the right midway through the second period.
Their jubilation, however, was short-lived as Yip Tsz-chun soon levelled for Tuen Mun through an angled shot from the right.
Lee said the result had given Yokohama a timely boost as 2013 comes to an end. "We badly needed to win our first game going into the new year," he said. "Now we can look ahead to 2014 with confidence."
Dejected Tuen Mun coach Yan Lit-kin was lost for words after the late drama. "I don't want to comment. In fact I don't know what there is to say," said Yan.
Yokohama overtake Tuen Mun in the standings and are now third from bottom on six points. Tuen Mun are two points behind, leaving Happy Valley, who are still searching for their first win, at the bottom with only one point.
