Sunday 29 September Review

TPL

Buriram 2-1 Chonburi
Chiang Rai Utd 2-1 Army Utd
Muangthong Utd 3-1 Suphanburi
Police Utd 1-2 BEC Tero
Songkhla Utd 2-2 Ratchaburi

Buriram capitalized on some slapstick defending to beat Chonburi 2-1. Theerathorn and Carmelo were the benefactors as Chonburi gifted them two goals within four minutes midway through the second half. Thiago headed a consolation in injury time but by then the damage had been done.

Muangthong United maintained their faint championship bid with a 3-1 win over Suphanburi. Chainarong scored from close range in the 19th minute but the lead was cancelled out as Boskovic equalized from the spot. Teerasil set up Mario midway through the second half to restore the lead and the Thai striker then laid one on for Sarawut to give the Kirins a 3-1 victory.

Army United players and fans were left fuming after a host of questionable decisions by the match officials in their 2-1 defeat at Chiang Rai United. It all started so brightly when Aron da Silva's deflected shot gave Army a 16th minute lead. CRU were given a soft penalty before the break but it was saved by Todsaporn. Choklap levelled in the 72nd minute before Army had a goal chalked off for offside ten minutes afterwards. Chiang Rai's winning goal had a slice of luck to it three minutes later when a mishit attempt landed kindly for Narul to tap in. Army protested that it was offside but having watched the replay half a dozen times, I'd say the officials called it correctly. Tanakorn was sent off in injury time for stamping on his opponent. The win for the Fighting Beetles moves them to within three points of TOT, Pattaya, Samut Songkhram and Ratchaburi.

The Dragons took the lead twice through Douglas at Songkhla but they were pegged back on both occasions with Darko scoring a free kick and Manop scrambling a goal in the dying minutes.

The game at the Thammasart came to life late on when Issac Honey fired home with 12 minutes left. That lead was doubled on the stroke of full time when Rangsan netted a penalty kick after Tero were awarded a ridiculously soft penalty. Pedrinho pulled one back seconds later to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Division 1

BBCU 0-2 Air Force
Rayong Utd 1-2 Ayutthaya
Saraburi 1-3 Trat
Sriracha 0-0 Nakhon Pathom Utd

A Kouassi Yao Hermann double at BBCU has Air Force on the brink of returning to the top flight. The Airmen are five points clear of  PTT Rayong in second position and seven in front of fourth placed Bangkok FC

At the bottom, Rayong United are as good as relegated after they lost 2-1 in a rain soaked contest to Ayutthaya. Durosinmi gave the Ancient Warriors the lead in the 54th minute before an own goal three minutes later made it 2-0. Rayong United did grab a late goal but the loss leaves them eight points from safety with four left to play.

In the other matches, Trat won 3-1 at Saraburi while it finished goalless between Sriracha and Nakhon Pathom United.

BBCU 0-2 Air Force

Air Force more or less stamped their ticket for the 2014 TPL season with a comfortable 2-0 victory over BBCU.

A free kick into the box from Thongchai caused BBCU immediate problems before it was booted to safety by Nantapol.

The host's only real effort of the half came in the 12th minute when an angled shot from Pichit went straight into the arms of Samuel P Cunningham.

Air Force were in control during the first period and they opened the scoring just after the 30 minute mark. Kouassi broke through the BBCU back line and held the ball up before cutting back to Oiboh. The Nigerian drilled his shot onto the post and the rebound was then crossed by Supphakorn for Kouassi to head home.

Kouassi got his second goal of the match in the 53rd minute when he raced through to net after the powerful Supphakorn had slipped him in.

Three minutes later, Julius Oiboh almost added a third but couldn't get his laces through Supphakorn's low cross from the right.

BBCU never looked like recovering and the closest the came to scoring was from a rasping Moussa Sylla 25yard shot that was deflected over.

In the dying minutes, Kouassi almost completed his hat-trick. Yet again, a through ball set him up but his shot rolled paifully across the goal. All credit must be given to Kouassi for staying on his feet after a challenge from the BBCU keeper.

Throughout the season I've been critical of Air Force's promotion credentials but after tonight I must recognize them as potentially worthy Division 1 champions. They have the best keeper in the league in Samuel Cunningham and their robust defence is well organized by Jarulsak. Up front, the lighting pace of Kouassi and Oiboh will always cause problems and Zezinando is the modern day box-to-box footballer.
BBCU deserved nothing out of the match and they played like a side that was just going through the motions. 

Man of the Match: Kouassi Yao Hermann

Saturday 28 September Review

TPL

Bangkok Glass 5-1 TOT
Chainat 2-1 Bangkok Utd
Samut Songkhram 0-0 Osotspa Saraburi
Sisaket P-P Pattaya Utd

Supporters of TOT must be having sleepless nights as their plummet continued with a 5-1 hammering at Bangkok Glass yesterday. A Leesaw double had the FA cup finalists firmly in control by the 14th minute. The Telephone Boys kept it respectable until just after the hour before they caved in to goals from Suphasek, Saruta and Tanasit. Phudit's turn and shot was merely a consolation for TOT. It seems their best chance of survival now would be the failing of Chiang Rai United. The club from the north are six points behind TOT with two games in hand. If they finished level on points, TOT would survive due to having a superior head-to-head over CRU.

Samut Songkhram's point from their uninspiring 0-0 draw with Osotspa moved them above TOT on goal difference. The Raging Mackerels join TOT and Pattaya Utd on 25 points.

An injury time penalty from Masahito Noto won the points for Chainat over Bangkok United. Earlier, Ratchapol had given the Hornbills a 20th minute lead but that was cancelled out 12 minutes later when Milos Bogonovic nipped in to take advantage of some sloppy defending. The win for Chainat moved them onto 34 points.

Division 1

Khon Kaen 0-3 Bangkok FC
Krabi 3-1 Phuket
Rayong FC 0-0 PTT Rayong
Singh Tarua 1-0 Nakhon Ratchasima
TTM 0-1 Siam Navy

The battle for promotion remains on tenterhooks after yesterday's results. PTT Rayong seemed a shoo-in for promotion a few weeks ago but no wins in five matches leaves Singh Tarua and Bangkok FC breathing closely down their neck.
PTT were held to a 0-0 draw at Rayong FC while Tarua's winning goal came courtesy of Leandro yet again. Bangkok FC won 3-0 at Khon Kaen as the T-Rex goalkeeper had a nightmare performance. Piyawat's flap at Watson's cross after barely one minute allowed Lee Tuck to fire home his 21st goal of the season. In the 70th minute, Niranrit tapped in after the keeper couldn't hold onto the ball. The build up to the third goal started when the keeper miscued a kick straight to one of his opponents. Instead of redeeming his error, he then made another as Watson's shot slipped through his gloves.
The current standings at the top are Air Force 59, PTT 57, Tarua 56 and Bangkok FC 55. Air Force could increase their lead at BBCU later today while next Saturday has a mouth watering clash with Bangkok FC hosting Singh Tarua.

Two late goals won the Andaman coast derby for Krabi and at the same time it moved them above the Islanders in the league table. Thaweephong gave the Energy a first half lead before Ludo levelled in the 63rd minute. With time running out, Valci Junior teased the Phuket defence and was brought down in the box. The Brazilian then nonchalantly chipped the spot kick home. A long range drive from Ittiphol was the icing on the cake as Krabi won 3-1. Phuket's misery was rounded off when Kriangkrai was given a straight red for an ugly, lunging challenge.
Rafael Moretto curled home the only goal of the game as Siam Navy won 1-0 at TTM. Navy are now level with Phuket on 36 points.

Singh Tarua 1-0 Nakhon Ratchasima

Singh Tarua increased their winning streak to nine at the PAT Stadium with a narrow win over Nakhon Ratchasima.

Noah Chivuta came close for Nakhon Ratchasima in the opening minutes but for the rest of the opening period it was the home side who were on top.

Ivan Petrovic set up Kroekrit in the 25th minute but the Chonburi loanee fired his low shot wide of the target. Two minutes later Leandro's flicked effort hit the base of the post as the hosts increased the pressure.

Tarua finally made the breakthrough on the half hour mark when Leandro finished off a move at the second attempt after Ali Diarra's galloping run on goal had been blocked by Prasit.

As the interval approached, Tarua had chances to double their lead. First, Patrick Reichet scuffed his shot across goal and then Leandro's shot flew just wide.

The second half was rather quieter as Tarua sat on their lead inviting the guests to attack. Korat lacked creativity in the centre of the park and had little cutting edge upfront. At times, the Swatcats were committing too many men forward which left them vulnerable to the Tarua counter attacks.

Kriakiat's long range shot in the 77th minute was palmed over the bar by Watcahara and that attempt was the closest it got for Nakhon Ratchasima.

I thought the 1-0 victory for Singh Tarua was slightly more comfortable the the scoreline suggests. Korat to me seemed to have their eye on the bigger prize of winning the second leg of their League Cup semi final against Ratcahburi on Wednesday.

The win keeps Tarua sandwiched in third place one point behind PTT Rayong and one ahead of Bangkok FC.

Matchday 30 Preview

TPL

Saturday
Bangkok Glass v TOT
Chainat v Bangkok Utd
Samut Songkhram v Osotspa Saraburi
Sisaket P-P Pattaya Utd

Sunday
Buriram v Chonburi
Chiang Rai Utd v Army Utd
Muangthong Utd v Suphanburi
Police Utd v BEC Tero
Songkhla Utd v Ratchaburi

On Sunday, Buriram United welcome Chonburi to the Thunder Castle. With five games left to play and a five point buffer on Muangthong, a win over the Sharks would leave Buriram within touching distance of seizing the TPL crown. Games between this duo usually produce goals. Earlier in the season, Buriram cruised to a 4-1 win at Chonburi. However, last season Chonburi claimed a sensational 4-3 win in Buriram.

Muangthong also play on Sunday and nothing less than three points is required. Their last four league games have only yielded one win for the current champs and it's nine games since they kept a clean sheet. Their opponents Suphanburi have stuttered in Leg 2 after such a promising start.

Also on Sunday, supporters of Pattaya, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram and TOT will be hoping that Army can do them a favour up at Chiang Rai Utd. A win for the Fighting Beetles would leave them in sight of the pack.
Police v BEC Tero doesn't have much riding on it and Songkhla v Ratchaburi has the hallmarks of being a low scoring contest.

It's another quiet Saturday lineup with only three fixtures. Bangkok Glass are on a six game unbeaten run and they have a cup final to look forward to after a 5-2 midweek win over Police Utd. At the other end of the current form spectrum, TOT have only picked up one point in the last ten matches. You'd have to be bold to predict anything other than a home win.
Chainat have been averaging less than a point a game since the start of Leg 2 and they welcome Bangkok United who would move above the 30 point mark with a win. For Samut Songkhram their last six matches have yielded two wins, two draws and two defeats. Their opponents Osotspa are unbeaten in their last four away fixtures with the last two being clean sheets.

Division 1

Saturday
Khon Kaen v Bangkok FC
Krabi v Phuket
Rayong FC v PTT Rayong
Singh Tarua v Nakhon Ratchasima
TTM v Siam Navy

Sunday
BBCU v Air Force
Rayong Utd v Ayutthaya
Saraburi v Trat
Sriracha v Nakhon Pathom Utd

Singh Tarua are the only side in the top 4 with a home match this weekend. They entertain a Nakhon Ratchasima side who will have one eye on the second leg of the League Cup semi-final next Wednesday. Last weekend Tarua drew 2-2 at PTT Rayong to keep their noses ahead of Bangkok FC. The Iron Bulls travel to Khon Kaen hoping to emulate their home fixture with the T-Rex back in May. That ended 7-3 with Olof Watson bagging a hat-trick on the evening.
PTT Rayong make the short journey into Rayong city center to Rayong FC. The wheels fell of Rayong's recovery wagon last week when they lost 4-1 at Krabi. Similar to Korat, Rayong FC might be distracted with a 1-0 lead to preserve in Buriram on the following Wednesday.
Air Force are away too but they have a quick trip down Vipawadee Road to BBCU. The Big Bang's season is basically pedaling through the motions but they have a habit of upsetting the apple cart when there is little at stake.

It's make or break for Rayong United when they welcome Ayutthaya on Sunday. A victory would move them to within three points of third bottom Ayutthaya while a defeat would almost certainly assign them to regional league football in 2014.
The southern clash between Krabi and Phuket has proved hostile in the last couple of seasons. Nonetheless, a win for Krabi would see them climb above the Islanders. Phuket were considered one of the favorites for promotion at the outset of the season but at this moment they're struggling to finish in the top half.

FA Cup Semi-Final Results

Buriram Utd 1-0 Muangthong Utd
Police Utd 2-5 Bangkok Glass

So it's a Buriram Utd v Bangkok Glass showdown on November 10.
Buriram reached the final after edging out bitter rivals Muangthong 1-0 at the Thammasart Stadium. It was an open end-to-end tie from start to finish with the winning goal coming moments after half time. A Jirawat free kick was knocked on by Kai Hirano and Visanusak made a good block. Unfortunately for the Muangthong stopper, Redondo right footed home a rebound from seven yards.
Chappuis and Hirano had good chances to put the game to bed while at the other end Mario couldn't get enough power to his sliding flick to beat Siwaruck. The Buriram keeper produced several fine saves throughout but it was his counterpart who was sent off towards the end. Visanusak raced out off his box to close down the advancing Ekkachai, but in doing so he chopped him down and was given his marching orders. The 10 men couldn't force an equalizer as it ended 1-0 to the cup holders.

At the Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok Glass smashed Police United 5-2 to reach their first ever domestic cup final. Teeratep opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he stroked home from a tight angle after Pattara had parried the ball into his path. However, minutes later, Paitoon's deflected shot got Police back on level terms. Ten minutes before the break, Teeratep curled home nonchalantly from outside the box to give BG a 2-1 lead at the break.
Flavien Michelini then snuck in at the back post just after the hour to make it 3-1. Three minutes later, it was game over as the unfortunate Pattara accidentally knocked in a Korakod free kick which had rebounded onto him off the crossbar.
Goran Jerkovic added the cherry to the cake with three minutes remaining as he finished off a breakaway move. Pinho did score with the last kick off the game but it was little more than a consolation for Police.

Division 2 Playoff Fixtures

Group A

(Saturday 5 October)
Kasetsart v Luk Esan
Nara Utd v Roi Et Utd
Prachuap v Phitsanulok

(Saturday 12 October)
Luk Esan v Prachuap
Nara Utd v Kasetsart
Phitsanulok v Roi Et Utd

(Sunday 20 October)
Phitsanulok v Luk Esan
Prachuap v Nara Utd
Roi Et Utd v Kasetsart

(Sunday 27 October)
Kasetsart v Prachuap
Luk Esan v Roi Et Utd
Nara Utd v Phitsanulok

(Saturday 2 November)
Luk Esan v Nara Utd
Phitsanulok v Kasetsart
Roi Et Utd v Prachuap

(Saturday 9 November)
Kasetsart v Phitsanulok
Nara Utd v Luk Esan
Prachuap v Roi Et Utd

(Saturday 16 November)
Phitsanulok v Nara Utd
Prachuap v Kasetsart
Roi Et Utd v Phitsanulok

(Saturday 23 November)
Kasetsart v Roi Et Utd
Luk Esan v Phitsanulok
Nara Utd v Prachuap

(Sunday 1 December)
Kasetsart v Nara Utd
Prachuap v Luk Esan
Roi Et Utd v Phitsanulok

(Sunday 8 December)
Luk Esan v Kasetsart
Phitsanulok v Prachuap
Roi Et Utd v Nara Utd

Group B

(Sunday 6 October)
Nakhon Nayok v Chiang Mai Utd
Paknampo NSRU v Ang Thong
Sukhothai v Udon Thani

(Sunday 13 October)
Ang Thong v Udon Thani
Chiang Mai v Paknampo NSRU
Sukhothai v Nakhon Nayok

(Saturday 19 October)
Ang Thong v Chiang Mai
Paknampo NSRU v Sukhothai
Udon Thani v Nakhon Nayok

(Saturday 26 October)
Chiang Mai v Udon Thani
Nakhon Nayok v Paknampo NSRU
Sukhothai v Ang Thong

(Sunday 3 November)
Ang Thong v Nakhon Nayok
Chiang Mai v Sukhothai
Udon Thani v Paknampo NSRU

(Sunday 10 November)
Nakhon Nayok v Ang Thong
Paknampo NSRU v Udon Thani
Sukhothai v Chiang Mai

(Sunday 17 November)
Ang Thong v Sukhothai
Paknampo NSRU v Nakhon Nayok
Udon Thani v Chiang Mai

(Sunday 24 November)
Chiang Mai v Ang Thong
Nakhon Nayok v Udon Thani
Sukhothai v Paknampo NSRU

(Saturday 30 November)
Nakhon Nayok v Sukhothai
Paknampo NSRU v Chiang Mai
Udon Thani v Ang Thong

(Saturday 7 December)
Ang Thong v Paknampo NSRU
Chiang Mai v Nakhon Nayok
Udon Thani v Sukhothai

Division 2 Playoffs Draw

Group A
Kasetsart
Luk Esan Thai Airways
Nara Utd
Roi Et Utd
Prachuap
Phitsanulok

Group B
Ang Thong
Sukhothai
Chiang Mai
Paknampo NSRU
Udon Thani
Nakhon Nayok

Teams will play each other home and away and the top two from each group will be promoted to the first division. The opening fixtures will be played on the 5th October.

In Group A Roi Et will start as favorites and they'll be hoping it's third time lucky after two failures in the last two seasons. Phitsanulok will fancy their chances of making it and nobody will relish travelling to Nara Utd. The other three sides can't be written off either.

There is no doubting that Chiang Mai are the side to beat in Group B.Udon Thani have shown in the League Cup that they have what it takes and Pakhampo will surely be in the hunt too. Similar to Group B, the other three sides are in with a decent shout too.

Fixtures to follow:

Sunday 22 September Review

TPL

Army Utd 0-0 Buriram Utd
Bangkok Utd 1-1 Bangkok Glass
Osotspa Saraburi 1-1 Police Utd
Pattaya Utd 3-0 Chainat

The Army v Buriram contest was a washout ending 0-0. The Thunder Castle had the better chances but couldn't make the vital breakthrough. The point maintains Buriram's five point lead over Muangthong as the season enters the home straight. 

Pattaya moved six points clear of the relegation placing with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Chainat. Marian Juhas headed the Dolphins ahead just after the half hour before Ajoku Obinna netted a rebound to make it 2-0 before the interval. Jeera rounded things off in the 77th minute shooting home from an acute angle.

In Din Daeng, Piyachart was red carded for BG after an altercation with Wittaya. Despite being a man down, it was Glass who took the lead in 31st minute when Flavien Michelini flicked home with the outside of his right boot. The ten men couldn't hold out as Naruphol followed in to level after a weak goalkeeping flap.

Kobenan gave Osotspa a third minute lead in their 1-1 draw with Police Utd. Michael Murcy crashed a penalty onto the crossbar yet his blushes were spared when Pinyo equalized with the last kick off the game.



Division 1
Bangkok FC 4-1 Siam Navy
Krabi 4-1 Rayong FC
Nakhon Ratchasima 3-2 Khon Kaen
PTT Rayong 2-2 Singh Tarua

The big game of the day ended 2-2 between PTT Rayong and Singh Tarua. Phaisan headed the hosts infront before Leandro canceled the lead out with a header of his own. The slapstick moment of the day ended with the unfortunate Decha sliding home Ivan's goalbound effort after a comedy of errors between goalkeeper and defence. Phaisan stabbed home from close range in the 71st minute to bag his second of the day and in doing so earned his side a point.

Lee Tuck got his picture back onto the TPL official top goal scorer list with a hat-trick against Siam Navy. His first was a crisp drive form 25 yards and he then netted two from the penalty spot. In between, Seksan was dismissed and Souleymane Coulibaly levelled for Navy. Anonio Pina added some gloss to the result in the 94th minute.

Rayong FC's survival bid took a severe dent as they were pounded 4-1 at Krabi while Nakhon Ratchasima won the bragging rights of the north-east with a 3-2 win over Khon Kaen. The attendance of 23,844 in Korat was the division's highest of the season.

Army United 0-0 Buriram United

The impending dark rainclouds in Bangkok burst open moments before the match was about to commence and it made conditions almost unplayable.

During the first half I could barely see the pitch as the rain was pelting down furiously. My recollection of the half was a decent shout from Aron da Silva for a penalty as he was bundled over in the box, and a lunging Suchao effort following a corner which he skied over at the back post.

Osmar spurned the best opening of the match ten minutes into the second half when he spooned over an Anawin cross from inside the six yard box.

Lindemann came closest for Army but his attempt landed on the roof of the net.

Kai Hirano could have won the contest late on for Buriram but he got stuck in a puddle as he tried to round the Army keeper and his shot landed ridiculously wide of the target.

Given the conditions coupled with MTU's result yesterday, Buriram might grudgingly have accepted the 0-0 draw. For me the rain ruined a contest which I was looking forward to viewing. At this time of year, I suppose we have to accept that some games are going to be washouts.

Saturday 21 September Review

TPL

Saturday
BEC Tero 2-4 Chiang Rai Utd
Chonburi 5-1 Songkhla Utd
Samut Songkhram 1-1 Muangthong Utd

Only the most optimistic of Muangthong fans would consider the title race still to be alive after the champions dropped two points at lowly Samut Songkhram yesterday. Mark Babo capitalised on some soft defending to give the Raging Mackerels a 14th minute lead. MTU did level sixteen minutes from time when Chainarong headed home. The draw leaves Muanghthong four points behind Buriram and that could be extended to seven later today if Buriram are successful at Army United.

Anurak Srikerd got of to a flying start in his first game in the CRU hotseat with a 4-2 win at BEC Tero. The new coach had barely taken his seat in the dug-out when goals from Nix and Leonardo gave his side a 2-0 lead. Tero fought back after the interval with Cleiton netting twice, but Narul and Choklap ensured the former Phatthalung coach got off to a winning start. The Fighting Beetles are currently three points from safety.

Songkhla United must be wishing the season was over after they suffered a 5-1 drubbing at Chonburi. The returning Thiago Cunha opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Assumpcao doubled that lead three minutes later. Former Chonburi man Darko did pull one back before the break, but three second half goals courtesy of Thiago, Ajayi and a cheeky Therdsak penalty completed a miserable evening for the Fighting Bull.

Division 1

Saturday
Ayutthaya 3-3 Saraburi
Nakhon Pathom Utd 2-0 BBCU
Phuket 0-0 Trat
Rayong Utd 2-2 Air Force
TTM 2-1 Sriracha

A crowd of 275 watched bottom club Rayong United hold leaders Air Force to a 2-2 draw. Noppol's shot just crept over the line to give the Elephant Warrior the lead before Julius Oiboh's fine solo goal levelled in the 55th minute. Four minutes later, Anat restored the lead for RU but yet again Air Force fought back with a Zezinando thunderbolt. The draw ensures Air Force will remain at the top after this round of fixtures. Rayong United are still six points from safety.

The match of the day came at Ayutthaya as they shared six goals with neighbors Saraburi. The Red Knight took a 2-0 lead into the break with strikes from Yutthana and Nakarin. However, by the midway point of the second half it was all square as Durosinmi and Pongtep found the back of the net. Bernhard Henry restored the lead for Saraburi before Sathit curled a free kick home to equalise in the 87th minute. The point edges the Ancient Warriors three ahead of second bottom Rayong FC.

Elsewhere a brace from Nirut helped TTM beat Sriracha 2-1 while Ablorh and Houma were on target for Nakhon Pathom United as they beat BBCU 2-0. Phuket v Trat finished goalless.

Matchday 29 Preview

TPL

Saturday
BEC Tero v Chiang Rai Utd
Chonburi v Songkhla Utd
Ratchaburi P-P Sisaket
Samut Songkhram v Muangthong Utd

Sunday
Army Utd v Buriram Utd
Bangkok Utd v Bangkok Glass
Osotspa Saraburi v Police Utd
Pattaya Utd v Chainat
TOT v Suphanburi

After a run of six games which has seen Chiang Rai Utd collect only two points, the Fighting Beetles have turned to BG's Anurak Srikerd to save them from the drop. With six fixtures to fulfill plus the concluding last quarter from the abandoned Samut Songkhram match, it was deemed by the top brass that Henk Wisman's services weren't sufficient to prevent the club from taking the drop. The northerners have only won twice all season and they'll possibly need to win four of their remaining fixtures to have any realistic chance of staying up. Anurak has a tough start this Saturday with Tero (A), followed by Army (H) and Chonburi (A). They'll then conclude the Samut Songkhram game before three winnable contests against Ratchaburi (H), Pattaya Utd (A) and Bangkok Utd (H).

Another foreign coach enduring tough times is Franz Schwarzwalder of Songkhla United. Since the German replaced Jadet Meelarp at the end of leg 1, Songkhla have only collected six points from ten games, and have been scoring an average of 0.5 goals a game. Thankfully, the Fighting Bulls have enough points in the bank not to be dragged into relegation matters. Nevertheless, you will get long odds on them winning at Chonburi this weekend.

Also on Saturday, Muangthong could briefly reduce the gap on Buriram to two points should they win at Samut Songkhram. It won't be easy as the stadium in Samut Songkhram will be packed and playing on their notoriously soaked pitch at the peak of the rainy season makes it a lottery. This match was originally scheduled for Sunday but it was brought forward 24 hours at the request of Muangthong to give them extra time to prepare for next Wednesday's FA Cup semi final with Buriram

The bulk of the weekend action takes place on Sunday. Buriram are in Bangkok to visit Army Utd. The Thunder Castle will need no reminding that they spurned a 3-0 lead last year at the Royal Thai Army Stadium as Army fought back for a point. Army United are currently involved in the scrap for fourth place with Suphanburi and Bangkok Glass. The latter pair will also be in the capital with Suphanburi at TOT and Glass at Bangkok United.

If you cut the Osotspa v Police tie in half you would see 'mid-table' boldly printed inside of it. Eighth place Osotspa are currently four points ahead of Police who sit one place below them in ninth.
Pattaya's mini three game revival came to an end last week at Bangkok Glass. The visit of Chainat gives them a reasonable chance to get back on the winning trail.

Division 1

Saturday
Ayutthaya v Saraburi
Nakhon Pathom Utd v BBCU
Phuket v Trat
Rayong Utd v Air Force
TTM v Sriracha

Sunday
Bangkok FC v Siam Navy
Krabi v Rayong FC
Nakhon Ratchasima v Khon Kaen
PTT Rayong v Singh Tarua

The main clash of this round takes place on Sunday between PTT Rayong and Singh Tarua. The Port Lions have been formidable at the PAT Stadium lately with eight successive wins. Away from home, they've lost their last four and their last away win came at TTM over three months ago. The month of September hasn't been kind to PTT Rayong with only one point amassed out of a possible nine. In saying that, a win over Singh Tarua would leave them with one foot firmly in the TPL door.
Elsewhere on Sunday, a win for Bangkok FC over Siam Navy would see them close the gap on at least one of the aforementioned sides. The Iron Bulls have lost their last two games to lower half opposition so they won't be taking Navy lightly.
Rayong FC's last trip to Krabi ended painfully in 2011 when a 93rd minute equalizer earned Krabi promotion from the regional leagues at the expense of the Wild Horses. Nonetheless, a win for Rayong FC this weekend would be their fourth league win on the trot and would consequently suck Krabi back into the relegation mire.
The Esan derby has more riding on it for Khon Kaen than Nakhon Ratchasima as the T-Rex are only five points above the relegation line while the Swatcats are only 90 minutes off a place in the final of the Toyota league Cup. They'll start as favorites for the second leg after they fought out a goalless draw in Ratchaburi.

On Saturday, it's bottom versus top as Air Force travel to Rayong Utd. On paper it seems like an away banker but it should be noted that Air Force have only won once on their last seven road trips and that Rayong FC have collected seven from the last nine points available.
It should be packed at Ayutthaya as they welcome near neighbors Saraburi. The Ancient Warriors are only two points above safety and a home win is vital.
The winner of the TTM v Sriracha contest would virtually be home and dry while the matches between Nakhon Pathom v BBCU and Phuket v Trat have little riding on them other than pride.

Buriram Utd 1-2 Esteghlal (agg 1-3)

Brave Buriram United put up a gallant effort as their AFC Champions League adventure came to an end. The Thai league leaders dominated the opening 45 minutes but a second half fightback from Estaghlal saw them win 2-1.

Buriram were trailing 1-0 from the first leg and they started the second leg with no recognized striker. That left them with no focal point upfront and their best attacking threats came down the flanks in the opening period. Suree's low cross from the right caused panic in the visitor's box before it was eventually cleared. Suchao was then blocked out as he tried to connect with Jakkrapan's deflected cross from the other wing.

At the other end, Siwaruk got his body behind a stinging effort from Andranik in the fifth minute, but apart from that he was a spectator for the first 45 minutes.

The 1-0 first leg advantage for the Iranian side was wiped out in the 37th minute when an unmarked Osmar rose highest to nod home Jirawat's corner. There was no doubting that the Thai side bossed the first period as they took a one goal advantage into the break. 

The visitors changed their formation and brought on captain Farhad Majidi for the second half. The sub came close with a header shortly after his introduction as Esteghlal looked more lively.

In the 53rd minute Esteghlal got the crucial away goal that they were looking for. Omranzadeh outjumped Suree at the back post to head home a precise cross from Andranik.

Fahrad almost scored a spectacular overhead kick five minutes later but Osmar was in the right position to block.

The game lulled for 15 minutes as the Iranian side sat back to defend their advantage. Buriram pushed Osmar forward and he tested Rahmati with a shot from the edge of the box. Minutes later the big Spaniard had another free header from a corner but this time it was deflected wide.

In injury time, Esteghlal won the game on the night when Andranik lashed in a screamer from 35 yards. Siwaruk had no chance as it ended 3-1 on aggregate

Esteghlal will now meet FC Seoul in the semi final next Wednesday. On tonight's evidence they don't appear good enough to be the champions of Asia but they'll fancy their chances against FC Seoul.

For Buriram it's been a major achievement reaching the last 8 of the competition. Tonight if they'd had a proper attacking outlet, it could have been a different story. It's now back to the bread and butter of the TPL and a trip to Army United on Sunday.

Sunday15 September Review

TPL

Chainat 2-0 Ratchaburi
Songkhla Utd 1-2 Army Utd
Suphanburi 3-0 Bangkok Utd

Suphanburi got back to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Bangkok United. Naphat headed the War Elephants into a 39th minute lead before late goals from from Sutee and Boskovic added a touch of gloss to the result.
Aron da Silva returned to Songkhla and bagged the winner in Army's 2-1 win. Tossawat fired the guests into the lead before Atitat levelled on the stroke of half time. Aron da Silva pounced on a defensive error to net the winner midway through the second period. Songkhla United are now nine without a win and only 1,921 locals were in attendance yesterday.
Sumanya scored directly from a corner to give Chianat an 18th minute lead over Ratchaburi. The Dragons had a great chance to level 12 minutes from time but Douglas blazed his spot kick over the bar. Somjet made it 2-0 five minutes into injury time to secure the three points for the Hornbills.

Division 1

BBCU 1-1 TTM
Khon Kaen 1-1 PTT Rayong
Rayong Utd 1-1 Nakhon Pathom Utd
Trat 1-1 Ayutthaya

Bizarrely all four Division 1 matches ended in 1-1 draws. Pipat's equalizer in the 42nd minute moved PTT Rayong seven points ahead of fourth placed Bangkok FC. For Khon Kaen they are five points above the drop zone.
Elsewhere at the foot of the table, Ayutthaya's draw at Trat edged them two points clear of Rayong FC while TTM's point at BBCU gives them a five point buffer. Rayong United's point at home to Nakhon Pathom United wasn't much use as they have a six point deficit to make up on third bottom Ayutthaya.

Raj Vithi 1-4 Kasetsart

Kasetsart booked their place in the Division 2 playoffs with a 4-1 victory over Raj Vithi.

It only took four minutes for the university side to open their account when a quickly taken free kick from the halfway line caught the Raj Vithi defence and the linesman napping. An offside Jakkaphan broke down the right before he squared the ball across the box for Chawin to score.

The hosts eventually came into the game and Watcharin's free kick forced Rungroj to punch over. From the consequent corner, the same man headed narrowly wide.

In the 24th minute, it was 2-0 when Jakkaphan burst through the home defence too easily. The advancing keeper got to the ball first, but his clearance was ineffective and Chawit beat the defender in attendance to prod home.

Kasetsart were in cruise control but they shot themselves in the foot seven minutes before the break as Arlindo da Silva tripped Pairat on the edge of the box. Kim then tucked the penalty into the bottom right corner to reduce the deficit.

The big Brazilian defender made amends nine minutes into the second period when he rose highest in the box to head home Suphan's free kick.

Raj Vithi tried to fight back and Songkrod twice came close. First he snuck in at the back post and sidefooted just wide, and then his long range free kick was spectacularly tipped over the bar by Rungroj.

Chawin should have completed his hat-trick three minutes from time but he rattled his shot from eight yards onto the bar after he'd been set up by Dion Marc. He did however complete his treble in the last minute when he tapped home after the keeper had parried Dion Marc's shot into his path.

The win means Kasetsart will enter the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Last time, they were the whipping boys of their group. I can't see that happening again this time, but then again, I doubt Chiang Mai or Roi Et will be shaking in their boots at the prospect of facing Kasetsart.

Raj Vithi now go into hibernation for five months. The fact that they have no permanent home stadium, no shirt sponsor and more playing staff than fans makes it seem rather pointless to continue unless some investment is made.

Man of the Match: Chawin - Hat-trick hero

Kaset celebrate third goal

Saturday 14 September Review

TPL

Bangkok Glass 4-1 Pattaya Utd
Buriram Utd 2-0 BEC Tero
Chiang Rai Utd 0-3 Osotspa Saraburi
Muangthong Utd 2-1 TOT
Police Utd 0-1 Samut Songkhram

Time is surely running out on Chiang Rai United's TPL tenure after they were beaten 3-0 at the United Stadium by Osotspa Saraburi. The home side's defending was fairly shambolic as Kabfah, Anthony Moura and Chananan sent the bus load of Osotspa supporters home happy.
To make matters worse for CRU, Samut Songkhram grabbed an unexpected 1-0 win at Police United. Sittipan scored the only goal of the game in the 49th minute to move the Makerels seven points ahead of Chiang Rai United.
Pattaya's mini revival came to an end after they lost 4-1 at Bangkok Glass. The game was basically over in nine minutes as Leesaw and Lazarus gave BG a 2-0 lead. Suphasek and Korakod added two more in the second half while Efe Obode got Pattaya's goal.

It's as you were at the top with Buriram and Muangthong earning home wins. Adisak and Theerathon found the net for the Thunder Castle while it was Edivaldo and Teerasil for MTU. TOT did grab an injury time consolation and the match ended with Mario keeping goal for the last couple of minutes. 

Division 1

Rayong FC 1-0 Phuket
Saraburi 2-1 Air Force
Siam Navy 2-0 Nakhon Ratchasima
Singh Tarua 2-1 Krabi
Sriracha 2-0 Bangkok FC

The wheels are beginning to fall off Bangkok FC's promotion bid as they suffered their second successive 2-0 loss. Ivan Boskovic bagged a second half double for the Blue Marlins to move them onto 33 points. The Bulligans misery would have been compounded when a pair of Leandro goals inspired Singh Tarua to a 2-1 win over Krabi. It's now advantage to the former TPL side as they hold a three point cushion over the Bang Mot club.
Air Force would have breathed a sigh of relief at Bangkok FC's defeat as their 2-1 defeat at Saraburi still left them nine points clear of fourth spot. On a rain swept evening, Valery Djomon and Errol Stevens fired the Red Knights into an early lead before Hermann quickly pulled one back. Air Force had a controversial second half goal ruled out for offside as it finished 2-1 to Saraburi.

Rayong FC can't stopped winning with Chanatphol's penalty earning the plaudits over Phuket. The match officials yet again took center stage in a game at the Rayong Provincial Stadium. Kriangkrai had a headed goal chalked off which severely infuriated the Phuket players. Rayong's Anukorn was then given a second yellow card and he was shortly followed into the showers by Phuket's Thongchai. Ludo hit the bar for the Islanders as their winless streak moved onto seven matches.

Polawat received his third dismissal of the season as Nakhon Ratchasima lost 2-0 at Siam Navy. The sending off was sandwiched in between goals from Rafael Moretto and Souleymane Coulibaly.
 

Singh Tarua 2-1 Krabi

Singh Tarua recorded their eighth successive home win beating Krabi 2-1. Leandro was yet again the leading man as his double helped Tarua come from behind to claim three precious points.

Ali Diarra struck the crossbar in the second minute with an angled drive from an acute angle. At the other end, John Mary let rip from 30 yards and his strong shot wasn't far away.

In the 12th minute, Reichelt should have done better when a defensive error allowed him in on goal, but his shot was palmed wide by Chookiat.

Krabi's opener came slightly against the run of play in the 37th minute. Former Thai Port striker Valci Junior played in John Mary and the big man turned and powerfully prodded his shot home from fifteen yards.

Nevertheless, the hosts reasserted their authority seconds later when the referee awarded a penalty after Chookiat brought down Leandro. There was a strong hint of handball by the Brazilian in the build up to the penalty, but he wasn't bothered as he sent the Krabi keeper the wrong way to net his 17th league goal of the season.

The Krabi goal was breached again moments into the second half when Leandro capitalized on a howler from Chookiat. A weakly hit shot from Reichelt appeared to be heading wide, but for some reason the stopper dived to save it and he inadvertently fumbled the ball straight into the path of Leandro.

The other keeper's handling had been impressive but Watchara almost allowed Krabi back into the game just after the hour when he went walkabout. Fortunately for him, Seekit got himself back on the line to head John Mary's chip over the bar.

In the 75th minute, Valci Junior's shot from just inside the box crept agonisingly wide as the Andaman Eagles pressed for an equalizer.

However, it was Singh Tarua who looked more likely to add a third in the closing stages with Chookiat making a decisive block from Kroekiat while two minutes later Narongkrit cut inside and fired inches over the bar.

The victory for the Klong Toei side was made even sweeter with promotion rivals Air Force and Bangkok FC losing. Tarua now have a three point buffer over Bangkok FC for that last promotion spot. The big showdown between the pair comes on October 5th when the Bulligans welcome the Port Lions.

Man of the Match: Leandro - Another match winning brace

Matchday 28 Preview

TPL

Saturday
Bangkok Glass v Pattaya Utd
Buriram Utd v BEC Tero
Chiang Rai Utd v Osotspa Saraburi
Muangthong Utd v TOT
Police Utd v Samut Songkhram
Sisaket P-P Chonburi

Sunday
Chainat v Ratchaburi
Songkhla Utd v Army Utd
Suphanburi v Bangkok Utd

Buriram will rotate their starting 11 accordingly with preparation in mind for their second leg of AFC Champions League quarter final against Esteghlal next Wednesday. The depth of their squad has kept them alive on four fronts this season and even if they rest several first team regulars, I'd still expect them to take care of BEC Tero at the I-Mobile Stadium.
Likewise I can't see anything other than a home victory when Muangthong host TOT on Saturday. Geographically it is a derby, but in the eyes of the Muangthong fans, it's just another fixture. TOT halted their eight game losing slump last weekend when they drew 0-0 at home to Samut Songkhram.

The other Saturday matches see Bangkok Glass welcoming a Pattaya side that has won their last three games. Police United have scored 11 goals in their last four matches and they'll be odds on favourites to beat Samut Songkhram at the Thammasart Stadium. Chiang Rai United are four points from safety and they desperately need three points from their home contest with Osotspa Saraburi.

On Sunday, Suphanburi will be looking for their first win in six as they entertain Bangkok United. Last month Suphan were challenging Chonburi for third place. After a recent poor run, they War Elephants are battling not to be swept out of the top 6.
Ratchaburi's last four matches have only produced two goals and they have become a bit of a turn off for the neutral fan recently. The Dragons are still not over the finishing line and they travel to Chainat seeking points to move themselves closer to safety.
Songkhla haven't won for seven matches and their first leg form is what's keeping them out of a relegation dogfight. Their opponents Army United are unbeaten in their last four away trips and they'll fancy their chances of extending that sequence to five.

Division 1

Saturday
Rayong FC v Phuket
Saraburi v Air Force
Siam Navy v Nakhon Ratchasima
Singh Tarua v Krabi
Sriracha v Bangkok FC

Sunday 
BBCU v TTM
Khon Kaen v PTT Rayong
Rayong Utd v Nakhon Pathom Utd
Trat v Ayutthaya

After last week's 3-1 victory over PTT Rayong, it's almost safe to say that Air Force will be in the TPL next season. That leaves two from PTT Rayong, Singh Tarua and Bangkok FC to join them in the top flight. Singh Tarua are the only side with a home fixture and they'll be expected to take care of Krabi. PTT Rayong have lost their last two matches and they won't be feeling overly confident as they make they journey up to the north-east of Thailand to Khon Kaen. Bangkok FC were stunned last Sunday when they lost to TTM in their own backyard. The Iron Bulls travel to Sriracha to face a Blue Marlins side that has been blowing hot and cold recently. Air Force will remain top of the pile regardless of what happens in their match in Saraburi.

The relegation scrap took a bizarre twist last weekend with the bottom four sides all winning. The two Rayong clubs will believe that they can collect another three points from their matches at the Rayong Provincial Stadium this weekend. First up, Rayong FC welcome Phuket who were smashed 5-1 at Sriracha in their last game. Twenty-four hours later Rayong United hope to earn their third successive win when they host Nakhon Pathom United.
Since the start of the second leg, Trat have been averaging one point a game and Ayutthaya might take that from their trip to the east coast. The Ancient Warriors have a kind run-in so a draw in Trat wouldn't be a disaster. Elsewhere Siam Navy welcome Korat while TTM travel to BBCU.

Sunday 8 September Review

TPL

Bangkok Glass 2-0 Chiang Rai Utd
Chainat 2-3 Buriram Utd
Suphanburi 2-5 Police Utd
TOT 0-0 Samut Songkhram

Buriram stretched their lead to five points after their 3-2 win at Chainat. Sumanya gave the Hornbills an early lead before Suchao equalised following a miscued goal kick from Kritsakorn. Osmar calmly dispatched a penalty to give the away side a 2-1 lead at the break but Seon Power netted from close range in the 51st minute to level matters. The winning goal came in the 59th minute when Chappuis found the bottom corner with a low drive.

Up until a month ago, the season was proving to be a success for Suphanburi. However they've lost that winning feeling and yesterday they suffered a 5-2 home defeat to Police United. The Pathumthani side had five different scorers and they moved into the top half of the table following this victory.

Chiang Rai United remain deep in trouble after late goals from Subara and Lazarus Kaimbi helped Bangkok Glass to a 2-0 win. TOT and Samut Songkhram both earned a point but there was very little to excite the crowd of 1,055 in Laksi.

Division 1

Ayutthaya 2-1 Krabi
Bangkok FC 0-2 TTM
BBCU 1-0 Siam Navy
Trat 1-3 Rayong FC

It was a day when teams at the foot of the table claimed vital wins. Not many would have predicted TTM's 2-0 win at Bangkok FC prior to kick off. Yoo Hong Youl took advantage of some slack defending to give TTM the lead on the half hour and the Korean confirmed the win ten minutes from time with his second.

Rayong FC rounded off a memorable week with a 3-1 victory at Trat. Goals from Choi Kun Sik, Apinan and Nuttawat ensured the Wild Horses completed their third successive win. However, Rayong FC still remain four points from safety after Ayutthaya beat Krabi 2-1. Daniel Melo's goal eight minutes from time won a fiery contest which had three sending offs.

Bouba Abbo's 71st minute lob consigned Siam Navy to their first defeat in nine matches. Navy can still breath easily though as they hold a seven point advantage over second bottom Rayong FC.

Ayutthaya 2-1 Krabi

Ayutthaya came from behind in an ill-tempered contest to win a hard fought victory over Krabi. There were three goals and three dismissals, and a plethora of tetchy confrontations throughout the match.

The Andaman Eagles took the lead midway through the first half when Ittiphol pounced from close range after Sirichai could only parry John Mary's header into his path.

The hosts equalised in the 39th minute when Watcharapong converted from the spot after Rachanon was adjudged to have been felled by Liade Michel in the box.

After the break, the visitors applied great pressure and Sirichai was called upon to make a host of saves. The Ayutthaya stopper made blocks denying John Mary and Anuwat while Ittiphol had a couple of chances that were inches wide of the target.

The winning goal came eight minutes from time when Daniel Melo was on hand to sweep in following a precise pass from Wittiwat.

With five minutes left, both sides had a player sent off after an off the ball altercation. Krabi's Sornchai took exception to a challenge from Nuttapat and swung at his opponent to express his displeasure. The Ayutthaya man retaliated and both were sent for an early shower.

In injury time, Krabi's goalscorer, Ittiphol, joined them when he was given a second yellow for a swipe at Durosinmi's legs.

On the balance of play, Ayutthaya were slightly fortunate to claim three points, but it was vital victory considering the Rayong duo and TTM all won this weekend. From what I saw, The Ancient Warriors will probably stay up thanks to league reconstruction. Had the original quota of four sides being demoted been applied, then I wouldn't feel so hopeful.
Valci Junior wasn't playing for Krabi and his threat in the box was certainly missed.

Man of the Match: Sirichai - Several fine saves

Saturday 7 September Review

TPL

Bangkok Utd 0-0 Osotspa Saraburi
Muangthong Utd 1-1 Chonburi
Pattaya 2-1 BEC Tero
Ratchaburi 0-0 Army Utd

The torrential afternoon downpour eased off before the match and by the end of the ninety minutes Muangthong's title bid had done the same. It all started so brightly as Mario's deflected volley opened the scoring as the crowd were still filtering into the stadium. The Sharks rallied and deservedly equalized on the hour when Adul fired home from 20 yards. The hot headed Datsakorn saw red 14 minutes from time and Chonburi had a decent penalty shout late on as it finished 1-1. A win for Buriram in Chainat today would leave Muangthong trailing the Thunder Castle by five points.

There was more late drama at Nong Prue as they Dolphins snatched a late winner for the second successive week. Dyachenko gave Pattaya the lead before Lucas Gaucho levelled from a tight angle. Darlington left BEC Tero quaking in the 90th minute as he bagged the winner. The victory lifted Pattaya six points above the solitary relegation place.

The games in Ratchaburi and Din Daeng ended goalless and both games will be quickly forgotten by anybody who was in attendance.

 

Division 1

Saturday
Air Force 3-1 PTT Rayong
Nakhon Pathom Utd 3-2 Nakhon Ratchasima
Rayong Utd 2-1 Khon Kaen 
Singh Tarua 2-0 Saraburi
Sriracha 5-1 Phuket

Division 1 produced five home wins yesterday with the most significant coming at Air Force. Their 3-1 win over PTT Rayong moved them four points clear at the top of the table.The Airmen were 2-0 up within 14 minutes with goals from Herman and Kittipoom. Tirer scored a free kick to pull one back ten minutes from time but Zezinando confirmed the win four minutes later.
Singh Tarua moved back into third after beating Saraburi 2-0. The recalled Jerry Amara got the first in the 38th minute before he exhibited one of the most acrobatic goal celebrations ever seen. Sarawut scored late on to wrap up the points.
Nakhon Ratchasima's 3-2 loss at Nakhon Pathom all but ended their promotion hopes. The Swatcats shot themselves in the foot conceding two penalties and were 3-0 down by the 75th minute. Nakhon Pathom held on despite two late goals for Korat. Incidentally, all five goals were scored by foreign imports.
The season can't end quick enough for Phuket as they suffered a 5-1 mauling at Sriracha. Berlin and Bachdim claimed a double each while Patipat was the only home grown player to find the net.
Rayong United are finally off the bottom after they beat Khon Kaen 2-1. Poramat's brace ensured the majority of the 285 in attendance went home happy.

Ratchaburi 0-0 Army Utd

It ended 0-0 as Ratchaburi and Army United fought out an uninspiring draw.

Ratchaburi started without recent signings Jhon Obregon and Jose Cordero but it was them who were the slightly better side in the first half.

Prayad headed just over early on while Douglas turned and shot in the box forcing Todsaporn to parry his shot wide of the post.

Army were denied by the woodwork shortly before the break when Jung Myung Oh's curled free kick hit the bar.

The second half wasn't particularly lively and from the hour mark the contest had 0-0 written all over it.

Bjorn Lindemann found the side netting five minutes from time shortly before Todsaporn produced the 'super save' of the match when he tipped over Attapong's left footed curler.

After last week's volatile match with Bangkok Glass there were few theatrics in Ratchaburi as the match concluded with very little to note. It was a day when defences were on top as they easily snuffed out the attacking threat of their opponent.

Man of the Match: Henri Joel - Solid performance

FA Cup Semi Final Draw

Buriram Utd v Muangthong Utd (Thammasart)
Police Utd v Bangkok Glass (Rajamangala)

Both matches will start at 7pm on 25 September.

The final will be played on 10 November at the Supachalasai.

Matchday 27 Preview

TPL

Saturday
Bangkok Utd v Osotspa Saraburi
Muangthong Utd v Chonburi
Pattaya v BEC Tero
Ratchaburi v Army Utd

Sunday
Bangkok Glass v Chiang Rai Utd
Chainat v Buriram Utd
Sisaket P-P Songkhla Utd
Suphanburi v Police Utd
TOT v Samut Songkhram

The Muangthong Utd v Chonburi clash has rather predictably been overhyped in the build up this week and has been billed as "Super Big Match Super Big Day." On Muangthong's "Road to Glory" campaign, apparently "this is the match we are waiting for."
In reality, Chonburi have underachieved this season and it's basically been a two horse title race between Buriram and MTU since the start.
Muanghthong are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Chonburi and their last defeat to the Sharks came on Xmas Day 2011. Internet sources indicate that this match has already been sold-out.

Leaders Buriram United travel to Chainat hoping to maintain their 100% winning TPL record over the Hornbills. They'll have to do it without head coach Scott Cooper who left his post last weekend for personal reasons. Spaniard Guillermo Oriol Gil is the latest man in the dug-out.
For Chainat, they'll be hoping Mbengono Yannick's impressive form continues after his arrival from Hungarian side Debreceni VSC in the mid-season transfer window. The Cameroonian has netted six times already since joining the Pink Rangers.

Chiang Rai Utd remain in the solitary relegation spot after their match at Samut Songkhram was abandoned last Saturday. With CRU leading 1-0, the home fans took exception to the performance of the referee and the match was stopped after crowd trouble erupted. The decision by the TPL to play out the last quarter of the match at a neutral venue in Bangkok wasn't a satisfactory verdict for the Fighting Beetles.There are rumours that they might not show up for the rescheduled match.
Nonetheless, Chaing Rai have a tough trip to Bangkok Glass this weekend while Samut Songkhram have a winnable match at TOT. The Telephone Boys have 24 points and probably need another two wins to guarantee survival. At this moment in time, I can't see them achieving this and they may need to look to the misfortune of others to help them stumble over the safety line.
Pattaya have been playing well lately although they haven't collected as many points as they possibly should have. BEC Tero visit Nong Prue this Saturday while Army make the trip to Ratchaburi. The Dragons are still too close to the drop zone for comfort and need a couple more wins to secure survival.
Bangkok United are almost home and dry and a win over Osotspa Saraburi would move them onto 29 points. 
Police United currently sit on 30 points and they travel to an injury hit Suphanburi who haven't found they net in almost 400 minutes of league football.

 

Division 1

Saturday
Air Force v PTT Rayong
Nakhon Pathom Utd v Nakhon Ratchasima
Rayong Utd v Khon Kaen 
Singh Tarua v Saraburi
Sriracha v Phuket

Sunday
Ayutthaya v Krabi
Bangkok FC v TTM
BBCU v Siam Navy
Trat v Rayong FC

It's first versus second as Air Force host PTT Rayong. Air Force are unbeaten at home while PTT have yet to lose on the road. The reverse fixture ended 0-0 in Rayong and another low scoring match is expected.

The visit of TTM to Bangkok FC should see the Iron Bulls maintain their three point advantage over fourth placed Singh Tarua. The Port Lions slipped up last week at Rayong FC but they'll be glad to be back on home turf. Tarua aim to rack up their seventh successive home win as Saraburi drop in at the PAT Stadium. Fifth placed Nakhon Ratchasima have a tough trip to Nakhon Pathom and need to keep on winning and hope that the two sides above them slip up. They'll be without Noah Chivuta as he is on international duty with Zambia.

As with the TPL, the Division 1 safety target is probably around 30 points. The two Rayongs would be dead and buried had reconstruction not came to their potential rescue. Rayong FC have four points to make up on third bottom Ayuthaya while Rayong Utd have six. The Elephant Warriors (Rayong Utd) entertain the T-Rex (Khon Kaen) while the Ancient Warriors (Ayutthaya) welcome the Andaman Eagles (Krabi). The Wild Horses (Rayong FC) make a rare journey east to face the White Elephants (Trat).

Sunday 1 September Review

TPL

Bangkok Utd 2-1 TOT
Osotspa Saraburi 1-2 Buriram Utd
Pattaya 1-0 Suphanburi
Ratchaburi 0-1 Bangkok Glass

Scott Cooper's brief tenure as Buriram head coach ended yesterday morning and it was Spaniard Guillermo Oriol Gil who was given the seat next to the big man. It didn't take long for Buriram to open the scoring in Saraburi when Carmelo latched onto Suree's cross with a diving header. Osotspa fought back and were rewarded with an equalizer in the 52nd minute through Apipoo. Seconds after Osotspa finished celebrating, they were behind again as Osmar calmly converted a penalty. The 2-1 win moved Buriram three points clear of Muangthong with eight left to play.

With only one side to be relegated due to the TPL expanding to 20 teams, Pattaya United took a giant step to safety with a 1-0 win over Suphanburi. The Dolphin's 92nd minute winner came courtesy of an own goal when Pairote headed over his own advancing keeper into a vacant net.

Phudit's header gave TOT the lead at Bangkok United but it couldn't prevent them from losing their eighth successive match. Goals from Paul Ekollo and Romain Gasmi ensured the Angels fought back to move above TOT in the standings.

Teerathep's late strike was the only goal of the match as Bangkok Glass won 1-0 at Ratchaburi. BG would have been slightly perturbed that Jerkovic's first half goal was ruled out for offside when it clearly wasn't. The game got a bit feisty after the interval when there was an ugly punch-up in the Bangkok Glass goal mouth. In the aftermath, the referee red carded Henri Joel and BG's keeper Kritsana.

Division 1

Air Force 1-0 Trat
Bangkok FC 2-0 BBCU
PTT Rayong 0-2 Siam Navy

Air Force are back to the summit of the table after a 1-0 win over Trat. Their stoppage time winner had a slice of luck to it as Supakorn's 35 yard thunderbolt freekick rebounded off the crossbar and back into the net off the unfortunate head of Trat's keeper Watcharapol.

Souleymane Coulibaly was on target twice as Siam Navy won 2-0 at PTT Rayong. The defeat dropped PTT to second while Navy moved ten points clear of the drop and extended their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Bangkok FC are looking favorites to claim the third promotion slot after they beat BBCU 2-0. Goals after the interval from Watson and Jaturong moved the Iron Bulls three points clear of Singh Tarua. 

Saturday 31 August Review

TPL

BEC Tero 2-0 Songkhla Utd
Chonburi 2-1 Chainat
Police Utd 2-2 Muangthong Utd
Samut Songkhram A-A Chiang Rai Utd

Muangthong United couldn't salvage another 3-2 win as they dropped two points at Police United. A large travelling support watched Dagno Siaka head their favorites into the lead but the joy didn't last long as Chumpol's header made it 1-1. A Djurovski penalty restored the lead in the 54th minute but yet again Police replied with a close range Murcy goal grabbing the hosts a point in the 87th minute. Rangsan was shown a second yellow in stoppage time as it finished 2-2. The Sisaket situation effectively leaves Muangthong and Buriam level on 55 points. The Thunder Castle have a game in hand and a superior head-to-head record over the Nonthaburi club.

Chonburi completed the double over Chainat with another 2-1 win. Leandro Assumpcao was restored to the starting lineup and he fired the Sharks into a first half lead. Jetsadakorn's 90th minute header sealed the win before Yannick replied seconds later for the Hornbills.

In Minburi, BEC Tero eased to a 2-0 win as Songkhla United continue to freefall. Since Jadet left to take up the coaching reigns at Pattaya, the southern club have struggled. Matters weren't helped when Kone Seydou gifted Tero a 19th minute lead. Sho Shimoji added a second with four minutes left to make it seven without a win for Songkhla.

The match between Samut Songkhram v Chiang Rai Utd was abandoned in the 65th minute after home fans reacted angrily to a penalty decision that wasn't awarded for their team. The moronic behavior means that fines and bans will follow accordingly for Samut Songkhram.

Division 1

Krabi 1-1 Khon Kaen
Nakhon Pathom Utd 2-2 Saraburi
Nakhon Ratchasima 3-2 Sriracha
Phuket 2-2 Ayutthaya
Rayong FC 2-1 Singh Tarua
TTM 1-2 Rayong Utd


It looked like it was going to be plain sailing for Singh Tarua when Kroekrit's goal gave them an early lead at struggling Rayong FC. However, 90 minutes later the Klong Toei side were furious with the match officials after they lost 2-1. Sirisak equalized midway through the first half while Samart was sent off for elbowing an opponent six minutes from time. Alongkorn's injury time winner was suspiciously offside and to rub salts into the Tarua wounds, Christen had a goal chalked off moments later despite TV replays showing it was clearly onside.The win for the Wild Horses ended their ten game winless streak while Tarua fans will be praying for three away wins later today.

Elsewhere at the bottom, Lasule scored twice for Rayong United as they won 2-1 at TTM while Ayutthaya threw away a 2-0 lead in Phuket to draw 2-2. First half strikes from Nuttipat and Durosinmi had the Ancient Warriors in control before the Islanders fought back through Alex and Eakathit.

Nakhon Ratchasima kept their lingering promotion hopes alive with a 3-2 victory over Sriracha. A crowd of just under 15,000 watched Korat sweep into a 3-0 lead by the 50th minute. A delicious chip from Noah Chivuta opened the scoring before Saruch doubled the lead before the break. Satoshi Nagano's close range goal appeared to have wrapped up the points before a couple of long range strikes reduced the deficit. Prasit wasn't convincing for either of Sriracha's goals and the keeper then gave away a penalty with two minutes left. Fortunately for Prasit, Berlin blasted his spot kick over the bar.

It was a lively encounter between Nakhon Pathom and Saraburi as the hosts twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw. There was a massive scuffle 15 minutes from time involving most of the players and various staff which resulted with Bernard Henri and Jarupong being red carded. It was a bit more peaceful in Krabi as it finished 1-1 with Khon Kaen. The second half brightened up after a half time floodlight failure. John Mary was first to get his name on the scoresheet and four minutes later Christ Mbondi levelled matters.