Pohang had dropped off the pace in recent weeks, with an AFC Champions League defeat to Beijing Guoan of China triggering a winless run of three matches.

But they returned to the winners list on Sunday in front of their home fans at the Steelyard Stadium.

Jin Sung-Hwang scored the game's only goal after 33 minutes, his fourth of the season in all competitions.

And that was enough to maintain Pohang's breathing space ahead of the second-placed Suwon Bluewings, who also won 1-0.

Suwon defeated Incheon United thanks to North Korean striker Jong Tae-Se's late goal.

Jeju United sit third after a 3-1 success against Ulsan, in which Yong Lee bagged a double.

His goals came on 23 and 72 minutes and although Kim Shin-Wook scored a late penalty for the losers, Pedro Junior restored Jeju's two-goal lead with a stoppage-time strike.

Lee Seung-Gi's second-half strike helped Jeonbuk Motors to fourth, as they beat FC Seoul 1-0, while at the other end of the table, bottom-placed Daegu slumped to a 1-0 home defeat against Busan I'Park.

Fagner netted with just 14 minutes left for the visitors.

Other results on Sunday saw the Chunnam Dragons win 1-0 at Gyeongnam while Gangwon and Daejeon Citizen played out a 1-1 draw.