Central Coast Mariners miss their shot
SUWON Bluewings' Kwak Kwang-Seon was left thanking his lucky stars after his team escaped with a 0-all draw against Central Coast at Bluetongue Stadium last night.
Kwang-Seon inexcusably stuck his hand out and touched the ball in the 86th minute.
This gifted the hosts a penalty and a golden opportunity to take three crucial points from their opening Asian Champions League fixture, against the four-time winners of the Korean League.
Daniel McBreen, usually the Mariners' spot-kick taker, suffered a sudden lack of confidence after missing his past three shots from inside the box.
So stand-in captain Nick Montgomery stepped up to take the shot.
He had the added pressure of needing to convert after a time delay.
The Suwon players squabbled with their opponents in an effort to waste time and place more pressure on the former Sheffield United star.
It worked, with Montgomery's weak penalty easily saved by South Korean representative Jung Sung-Ryong.
In a game the Mariners dominated and should have won, Michael McGlinchey was left to rue his night.
The midfielder had a game to remember against the Victory in his side's 6-2 win on Saturday night, picking up a hat-trick.
It was one to forget last night though, missing three quality chances in front of goal.
