Guangdong and Qingdao play out disappointing draw

Mao Jianqing pounced on a Guangdong defensive error to give Qingdao the lead in a dull first half between two sides who are tipped to be competing for promotion to the CSL. The game livened up in the second half and Petar Jelic equalised with a powerful header to open his scoring account for the Cantonese side.

The playing surface at the Huangpu Sports Centre looked greener and less sandy than last week so the groundsman had obviously been busy. Sunray Cave almost got off to a flying start but Qingdao’s Guo Liang made a goal line clearance to dny the hosts the opening goal. That would come to the visitors after quarter of an hour when a defensive mix up inside the six yard box allowed Mao Jianqing to tap home much to the delight of the four travelling Qingdao fans.

Seasiders’ striker and 2012 CSL golden boot winner Cristian Danalache was the classiest player on the pitch throughout but was often forced deep to collect the ball and Liang Hua wasn’t troubled for the rest of the half. The same was true for his opposite number, Liu Zhenli, as Yang Bin balsted two freekicks into the wall.

The game continued to meander along in the second half until the hour marked where it picked up after two chances for the Cantonese. First Mahama Awal just failed to reach a flick on at the far post before Liu Tao’s shot was saved following a Carlos Garcia knock down.

New manager Julio Cesar Moreno brought on Petar Jelic for Sunray Cave and the Bosnian looked much better than against Tianjin last week. At the other end Danalache reminded everyone of his quality with a fierce shot on the turn that was beaten away by Liang.

The hosts were exerting more control and pulled level with Jelic’s powerful header into the far corner which was his first goal since signing over the winter break. Fellow sub Ye Weichao added more adventure down the left flank but blew a great chance to take the lead when he slipped over inside the box.

The Cantonese heat was beginning to tell on both sets of players and tired legs prevented midfielders keeping up with play as the game really opened out in the final ten minutes. Jelic had a chance for instant hero status but his 90^th minute freekick whistled over the crossbar as both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.