Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix moved into first place into the K-League ahead of FC Seoul and Chonbuk Hyundai Motors on goal difference following a 2-1 win over struggling Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i.

Midfielder Koh Sul-gi put the hosts ahead nine minutes before the break only for Oh Jang-eun to level the scores six minutes after the restart.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Kim Myung-joong grabbed his seventh goal of the season with four minutes remaining to give Gwangju three precious points and restore their place at the summit.

"It's great to score a late goal," said Kim. "We are doing all we can to get to the play-offs and we will keep working hard. There is still a long way to go but we are playing well and getting good results."

There is still a long way to go but we are playing well and getting good results.
Gwanju scorer Kim Myung-joong

Ulsan coach Kim Ho-gon was left to rue missed opportunities as his side dropped to 14th: "It was hot and humid for both teams and physically we struggled. We missed lots of chances early in the first-half and that is why we couldn't win."

Incheon United suffered only their second defeat of the season as they were thrashed 4-1 at home by Pohang Steelers.

Shin Young-min opened the scoring after 13 minutes and two goals late in the second half, one from Yoo Chang-hyun and an own goal from Dragan Cadiovski won the game for the Steelers.

Cho Chan-ho added a fourth soon after the restart and Yoo Byung-soo's strike midway through the second-half was only a mere consolation for Incheon.

Finally, Gangwon FC defeated Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma by the same scoreline to climb into fifth.