Group A
Pattani 0-1 Rayong UtdPaknampo NSRU 3-0 Roi Et Utd
Ayutthaya 1-2 Phitsanulok
Rayong United grabbed the second promotion spot on a photo finish as they beat Pattani 1-0. Their head-to-head record, number of wins and goal difference were all equal to Phitsanulok's. It came down to 13 goals scored against 10 to separate the duo.
In all reality, Rayong Utd can thank the self implosion of Roi Et as they capitulated losing 3-0 at Paknampo NSRU. A goal from Tasong shortly after half time opened the scoring and two late goals from Permyot rubbed salt in the Roi Et wounds as the White Squirrels lost 3-0.
Phitsanulok earned an impressive 2-1 win at Ayutthaya but it wasn't enough to prevent Rayong United joining Ayutthaya in Division 1 next term.
Final standings: Ayutthaya 20, Rayong Utd 14, Phitsanulok 14, Roi Et Utd 13, Pattani 10, Paknampo NSRU 8
Group B
Trat 2-1 Chiang Mai FCThai Honda 4-3 Trang
Rayong FC 2-2 Sisaket Utd
A point turned out to be enough for Rayong FC as they finished runners-up to Trat. It was an eventful climax to the season at Rayong with four goals and three sending offs. Pairote headed the hosts in front before Warawut curled one in on the stroke of half time to level. Nattawut then restored the lead for Rayong on the 73rd minute. Sisaket Utd were reduced to 10 men when Homduang received a second yellow and he was quickly joined in the bath tub by the Rayong duo of Pongsatorn and Nattawut. Sisaket did pull a goal back in the 97th minute to snatch a draw but there was to be no dramatic late fightback as Rayong held on for the vital point.
Chiang Mai would have been cursing their luck as they could have earned promotion had they won at Trat. It wasn't to be their day as Trat won 2-1. Misoslav Toth gobbled up an early rebound to put the White Elephants in front and the lead was doubled on the half hour when Toth set up Raymond to score. Chiang Mai were unfortunate to have a goal chalked off close to half time as it could have changed the momentum of the second half. The Lanna Tigers did eventually find the back of the net but Issac Amoah's 87th minute goal was nothing more than a consolation strike.
The match that appeared to be deadwood before kick off proved to be otherwise as Thai Honda staged a sensational comeback to beat Trang 4-3. All seven goals were scored in the same goal with Nopparat netting the late winner.
Final Standings: Trat 22 pts, Rayong FC 16, Chiang Mai FC 15, Sisaket Utd 15, Thai Honda 8, Trang 6
The vagaries of the play-offs. In 2010, Rayong FC collected 17 points in the play-offs but it wasn't enough for promotion. Last year, they finished on 18 points, but it still wasn't enough. This year they go up with 16 points! Also in 2010, Saraburi finished on a whopping 21 points yet still finished outside the top two (though they did end up getting promoted through the back door). And Rayong United's 14 points would have seen them finish fourth in either play-off group last year. In conclusion, both Rayong sides fortunate to go up with such low points totals.
ReplyDeleteThe quality of the play-offs this year hasn't matched the quality of the last two seasons. Group A was very poor and I reckon Chiang Mai or Sisaket Utd would have finsihed second to Ayutthaya had they been drawn in this group.
ReplyDeleteOut of the four promoted sides, I can only see Trat challenging for promotion. Ayutthaya should finish mid-table while both the Rayongs will be in a relegation battle unless there is a serious injection of cash.
Yep. I'd stick the house on Rayong Utd going straight back down.
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