With the top three inactive, Pohang stay in fourth but the Asian Champions League quarter-finalists are just five points behind leaders FC Seoul, who lost an exhibition match against Manchester United 3-2 the previous day.

The match was goalless at half-time but Pohang were ahead just two minutes after the restart thanks to Jo's quick reactions.

With 15 minutes remaining, Pohang's Brazilian striker Denilson made it two before Jo grabbed his second and the team's third of the evening.

"For us, this was a game that we should have won and a game that we did win - it was very important that we got the three points. At the moment we are feeling confident," said Pohang coach Sergio Farias.

"We are enjoying our football but we know that there is still much work to do in the Asian Champions League as well as the K-League."

Second-placed Jeonbuk Motors have a game in hand on Seoul and will go top providing they take three points at home to Ulsan Horang-I tomorrow.

Incheon United stay in fifth after a second-half equaliser from Jong Hyok cancelled out Song Jung-hyun's 34th-minute opener as Incheon drew 1-1 with Chunnam Dragons.

Elsewhere, Jeju United did the double over champions Suwon Samsung Bluewings thanks to a Ku Ja-cheol goal after 15 minutes and Busan I'Park defeated Gangwon FC 2-0.