Bangkok FC 1-2 Nakhon Ratchasima

The Swatcats pounced on two goalkeeping errors to beat Bangkok FC 2-1. The victory lifted Korat back into the top half of the league while their hosts slipped into the bottom half.

The pre-match huddle

It was a slightly cagey start with both goalkeepers being virtual spectators in the first quarter of the game. The first shotstopper called into action was Bangkok's Mana Nopnech on 25 minutes as he tipped a free-kick from Pralong over the bar. A few minutes later, Mana's opposite number got his first action of the afternoon blocking a low drive from Solomon Okuta and then being alert enough to block the rebound from Preecha.

After the break, Nakhon Ratchasima were the hungrier side. Within 10 minutes of the restart, Sanong blazed over the bar from 6 yards while Anon hit woodwork following a header after corners from the right.

First goal - oops!!

The Bulligans were getting plenty of joy down the left flank, but the Bang Mot side were dealt a blow at the other end when Sanong opened the scoring shortly before the hour mark. A free kick from Pralong on the right edge of the box was fumbled by Mana and the number 21 tapped-in to break the deadlock.

Swatcats celebrate 2nd goal

Prasit, in the Korat goal, had to be alert to save from a header, but on 65 minutes the away side doubled their advantage when Mana weakly palmed a cross straight to Anon for the Muangthong United loanee to make it 2-0.

The clock seemed to be whittling down fairly easily for the guests with a combination of solid defending and calls for treatment.

As the fourth official was preparing himself to hold up the board for the additional minutes, Bangkok FC pulled one back after a rebound from the bar pinged around in the six yard box before Mika Chunuonsee netted his first for the club from close in. 

There was to be no Manchester City last ditch drama at the end as Korat held out for the 2-1 win.

I feel a bit harsh blaming Mana for Bangkok's defeat today as he's been solid since his arrival from Chainat. Let's just hope it was a blip for the captain!

For Korat, they've been embroiled in a bit of a soap opera in the last couple of weeks regarding the coaching position of the club. I don't want to dwell on that but from what I saw today, the club certainly have enough to finish in the top half although promotion might be out of their reach this season.