Review: Daejeon Citizen 2-0 FC Anyang

Ten-man Daejeon Citizen beat a floundering FC Anyang by two goals to nil on Monday night to see the Purples close the gap at the bottom of the K League Challenge table to just two points. The returning Kim Chanhee (pictured above) had a second debut to remember as the former Pohang Steelers forward opened the scoring for the Purples but was was then later sent off for two yellow cards. Nevertheless, after the win and Citizen's first clean sheet of the season, Lee Youngik's men are unbeaten in their last two and have just two defeats from their last five games.

Image courtesy of DCFC.co.kr


Summary

Graphic from Soccerway.com

In a game that saw three new acquisitions make their Purple Arena bow, Daejeon Citizen ran out 2-0 winners thanks to second-half goals from the returning Kim Chanhee, who re-signed from FC Pocheon last week, as well as a late close-range effort from Brazilian forward Bruno Catanhede.

Despite the torrential rain that had soaked the playing surface and surrounding areas at Purple Arena, the game went ahead as planned. As did gaffer Lee Youngik's tactics as Citizen, who had Jeon Sanghoon and Park Jusung both making their debuts at the back, put in a much more resolute defensive performance whilst looking threatening in the final third.

Manager Lee Youngik stuck with the back three and the recently-favoured 3-4-3 formation, despite his side conceding five goals in the last two games, with the aforementioned Jeon Sanghoon and Park Jusung lining up alongside the ever-dependable Jang Junyoung.

For FC Anyang, meanwhile manager Kim Jongpil made five changes to the side that lost to Asan Mugunghwa in the last round, one of which was forced with Ivorian midfielder Kouakou suspended following his red card in the Violets' defeat to Asan.

There were places in midfield for Choi Sungho and Yoo Suhyun at the expense of Choi Jaehoon and the suspended Kouakou, whilst Han Euihyuk got the nod on the left flank over Ahn Sungbin and Josiel, the Brazilian forward, was replaced by Cho Sukjae.

The first half with much gusto and with Citizen on the front foot and, despite the playing surface carrying a lot of water, trying to play football and hit FC Anyang on the counter-attack. In particular, Citizen were looking to burst forward with a resurgent Hwang Inbeom who, much in the same vein as the youngster was for the 3-3 draw against Seoul E-Land last week, was trying to pull the strings in the middle of the park.

Romanian striker Cristian Danalache was, as ever, extremely determined to get on the score sheet. And for a second Monday night in succession, the former Gyeongnam hit man very nearly did just that by forcing an excellent save from FC Anyang 'keeper Kim Minsik. Danalache's turn bamboozled the Anyang defender and his first time strike was hit with venom but in the end Danalache, and indeed Daejeon were denied from breaking the deadlock on 33 minutes.

And, that was how the first half remained although it was not for the want of trying, particularly from the home side.

In the second period, Daejeon brought on Kim Chanhee in place of Jung Minwoo in a like-for-like substitution. Kim Chanhee looked sharp, as he had done for FC Pocheon in the K3 league prior to his return, and so it was of little surprise when he had Daejeon in front.

The 27-year-old latched onto the ball on the edge of the area thanks to a determined flick-on from the towering Cristian Danalache. Then, with his back to goal, the former Pohang Steelers youngster turned smartly and then superbly unleashed a curling strike effort into the bottom corner.

The goal was met with sheer delight from the Daejeon fans, as indeed it was by Chanhee himself who removed his shirt whilst celebrating. The referee had no choice then but to produce a yellow card.

Then, just five minutes later, the referee gave Kim Chanhee him his marching orders after a late aerial challenge on FC Anyang defender Cho Younghoon was deemed worthy of a second yellow.

But, despite being a man down, Daejeon did not rest on their laurels and, with the introduction of Bruno Catanhede midway through the second half, Citizen looked to capitalise on the Brazilian's ample pace.

Bruno then put the game beyond doubt when he latched onto a loose back-pass by Cho Younghoon who unwittingly, and rather casually, looked for his goalkeeper, only for Daejeon's latest Brazilian import to nip in, round the 'keeper and convert into an empty net.

The victory was no more than Daejeon deserved and, with much a much sterner-looking defense, never looked like conceding either.

In addition, Hwang Inbeom seems to be getting back to his old self again having put in two sterling performances in the last week having been influential in the Purples' 3-3 draw with Seoul E-Land last week.

FC Anyang have now lost four of their last six and haven't won since the Violets narrowly beat Ansan Greeners in mid May.

Up next for Daejeon is Bucheon 1995 at home on Sunday evening, FC Anyang meanwhile will head to Changwon to take on league leaders Gyeongnam.

Highlights here.

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