Lee brings a little cheer for Caroliners fans
The 1-0 victory against Tuen Mun was a scrappy affair but proves enough to move champions South China into second place in the standings
South China had defender Lee Chi-ho to thank as they scraped a 1-0 victory against strugglers Tuen Mun in the RedMR First Division at Hong Kong Stadium yesterday.
Lee, on loan from Chinese Super League side Beijing Guo'an, made the difference midway through the second half, slotting home at the far post as Tuen Mun defenders failed to stop a cross from Dhiego Martins from the left.
Lee's goal, however, was barely enough to please the sparse crowd of 669 who braved the chill and rain to watch a lacklustre performance from the champions. The attendance was the lowest for a South China home match this season. "We created many chances but again lacked clinical finishing," said South China captain Chan Chi-ho. "We didn't have a quality striker to send the ball into the net, although we dominated totally.
"Also, some of our players spent too much time holding on to the ball, allowing our opponents time to defend."
Centre-half Chan, who was in the starting line-up for the first time this season after recovering from an ankle problem, believes his players can improve. "We need more time so we can work better as a unit," he said. "But the team morale is high; this is our fifth win in a row as we head into the second half of the season."
Newcomer Vincent Weijl hit the post in the first half after rounding Tuen Mun goalkeeper Wei Zhao, while Martins also had a clear-cut chance when he fired the ball straight to Wei in the second period.
