Daniel McBreen strikes again as South China edge past Citizen
Caroliners move into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup
Striker Daniel McBreen scored his third goal in five days to help South China through to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Citizen on Sunday.
The Australian, who netted twice in the 6-1 midweek AFC Cup romp past Filipino club Global FC, headed home the only goal in first-half stoppage time after a cross from Manoel Santos at Kowloon Bay Park.
Despite creating numerous chances against the First Division club, South China were unable to break Citizen's defence again. The victory pits them against BC Rangers in the next round.
We did dominate most of the possession and came close on a number of occasions. We were unlucky to be denied by the woodwork
Captain Chan Wai-ho was not too worried by the lacklustre performance. "If you see only the result, it is disappointing," said the Hong Kong international. "But we did dominate most of the possession and came close on a number of occasions. We were unlucky to be denied by the woodwork. Also, we made a number of changes from our regular line-up after the regional cup tie and there is obviously room for improvement."
At Tsing Yi Sports Ground, Wong Tai Sin made no mistake in another first-round tie with a 2-0 win over Southern. Both goals came in the second half against the First Division club.
Second-half substitute Li Jian headed home shortly after he was brought on after the interval.
The mainlander was also involved in the second goal, sending teammate Sandro free up the middle to slot home into an open goal. Wong Tai Sin will meet Eastern in the last eight.
Southern coach Fung Hoi-man said they hoped to win promotion to the Premier League after turning down the opportunity last summer owing to financial difficulties. Southern are currently fourth in the table with 35 points, 10 behind leaders Metro Gallery Sun Source.