BB-CU 1-1 TTM

Rajamangala Stadium

A point respectively wasn't the desired outcome for either side as BB-CU and TTM drew 1-1 at a sparsely filled Rajamangala Stadium.

TTM had an early shout for a penalty with a strong hint of hand ball, but it was the hosts who took the lead on 22 minutes. A cross from the left flank was tamely palmed away by Won Yoo Hyun allowing Jacob Aikionbare to head over the Korean into the empty net.

On the half hour Pichet flicked a corner onto the top of the crossbar as BBCU almost doubled their advantage.

Within a couple of minutes, TTM drew level when sloppy defending left an unmarked Eakartit to smash home at the back post.

Game over for Pornchai

During the build up to the goal. BBCU's keeper, Pornchai, and Tassana of TTM collided and shortly after play resumed both left the field with injuries. I reckon there must have been 7 or 8 minutes of stoppage time in the first half yet the fourth official only awarded 3 minutes. The ref then blew the half time whistle after exactly 3 minutes while the game was stopped for a player receiving treatment. Even more surprisingly, the whistler had the second half resumed within exactly 15 minutes. With the exception of internationals and AFC games, it's very rare that we have 15 minutes intervals here in Thailand.

More injuries

The Big Bang almost retook the lead on 63 minutes when Jacob set up Syllla only for the TTM keeper to tip his shot around the post.

BBCU obviously weren't going to settle for a point and they brought on two attackers as the second half progressed. Pichit thought he had scored on 82 minutes but his effort was ruled out for offside by the linesman.

Despite the home side's efforts, it was TTM who almost snatched it deep into injury time when Pattana's shot raced across the goal.

Both sides appear destined for the first division unless something spectacular happens. Without Juninho, BBCU rely to much on crosses and set pieces, and their central defence is suspect. In all fairness to TTM, they try to pass the ball on the deck, yet they lack quality in several departments. Eakartit was lively in attack and Jung Hoo Jin and Sakda were solid defensively, but they have too many average players to suggest that they'll beat the drop.

Attendance: 295