By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
It had seemed that South Korean striker Lee Dong-gook had forgotten how to find the net.
During two seasons with Middlesbrough in the English Premier League (EPL), the 29-year-old, who had 62 goals in the K-League until 2007, blanked the goal column in the regular season stat sheet.
In addition, he scored only twice in Cup matches in England, which labeled him as the most frustrating player of the decade.
Even after returning to South Korea with seven-time league champion Seongnam Chunma in July, he could not stop the slump before finally bagging a goal in his ninth game.
``I did not know how tough scoring a goal is,'' said Lee, who delivered in the local league for the first time since November 2006 after a 3-1 win over Gyeongnam FC, Saturday.
The former Pohang Steeler, who has not shown any signs of regaining his old form in recent games, was booed by home fans after his shots sailed past the far post.
In the second half, supporters on the stand chanted ``Kim Dong-hun,'' another Chunma forward as Lee's header was denied, as well.
Thirty-four minutes into the second half, substitute Choi Sung-kuk was awarded a penalty and Lee converted it.
``A goal finally came and it will be a turning point for me to prepare for the postseason,'' Lee said.
Seongnam, which is 12-5-3, leads the league in the standings two points ahead of FC Seoul, riding a 14-game non-losing streak.
``I will try my best to score more goals.''
Meanwhile, Lee, nicknamed the ``Lion King,'' is one assist away of joining the 30 goal-30 assist club.