Div 2 Playoffs - The Final Standings

Group A

Luk Esan 1-0 Kasetsart
Phitsanulok 1-0 Prachuap
Roi Et Utd 3-1 Nara Utd

Final Standings:
25 Roi Et Utd
19 Phitsanulok
12 Kasetsart
12 Nara Utd
9 Luk Esan
5 Prachuap


Roi Et Utd and Phitsanulok finished just as they started with respective victories over Nara Utd and Prachuap. Diego Alves scored twice for the White Squirrels in their 3-1 victory over Nara Utd. In between his goals Ronnachai added a second for Roi Et while Francis Dumaka scored Nara's goal from a penalty kick.
A free kick from Gil Neves on the stroke of half time separated Phitsanulok and Prachuap while Luk Esan also only needed one goal to defeat Kasetsart.

Group B

Ang Thong 2-0 Paknampho NSRU
Chiang Mai 2-1 Nakhon Nayok
Udon Thani 0-1 Sukhothai

Final Standings:
20 Chiang Mai
17 Ang Thong
16 Sukhothai
15 NSRU
9 Udon Thani
7 Nakhon Nayok

The promotion showdown between Ang Thong and Paknampho NSRU ended in farcical circumstances. Ang Thong were awarded a 2-0 win after NSRU failed to return to the pitch after walking off in the 42nd minute. The Nakhon Sawan side were outraged when the referee awarded a penalty against them and then subsequently reduced them to ten players in the melee that followed. In NSRU's defence, it was a blatant dive for the spot kick and they did have a debatable offside ruling against them which prevented them taking a 1-0 lead. However, I can't defend them for throwing the towel in even if they thought the referee had been bought. In the football culture in which I grew up, you give it your best shot and fight to the end even if everything seems to be going against you. At least then you can walk away with your head held high. What Paknampho NSRU did was take the coward's way out. Not only did they let the players and fans down, they also did Sukhothai an injustice as they could have earned promotion had this game ended in a tie.

Anyway, Sukhothai's 1-0 win at Udon Thani wouldn't have been enough but I'm guessing news filtered through to them during the game about the shenanigans at Ang Thong. Sukhothai's winning goal came courtesy of a free kick from club captain Junsom.
Chiang Mai wrapped up the group title with a 2-1 victory over Nakhon Nayok. Chatchai was yet again on the scoresheet with a goal in each half for the Lanna Tigers. The visitors grabbed a late goal but it was a mere consolation.

To conclude the formalities, Chiang Mai will face Roi Et Utd over two legs to decide who wins the Champions league. The real issue of promotion has already been achieved but the two deciders give narcissistic, hi-so individuals connected with each club an opportunity to plaster their faces all over the relevant media landscape.

Div 2 Playoffs - Matchday 10

Group A - Sunday

Luk Esan v Kasetsart
Phitsanulok v Prachuap
Roi Et Utd v Nara Utd

Current Standings:
22 Roi Et Utd
16 Phitsanulok
12 Kasetsart
12 Nara Utd
6 Luk Esan
5 Prachuap

There will be no dramatic last day heroics in Group A as it's all done and dusted. In my opinion, it's been a formality since Matchday 2 that Roi Et and Phitsanulok would prevail from this pool.

Group B - Saturday

Ang Thong v Paknampho NSRU
Chiang Mai v Nakhon Nayok
Udon Thani v Sukhothai

Current Standings:
17 Chiang Mai
15 NSRU
14 Ang Thong
13 Sukhothai
9 Udon Thani
7 Nakhon Nayok

Throughout the playoffs, Group B has been far more rousing than Group A and plenty of last day furore is anticipated. With Chiang Mai safely promoted, Ang Thong and Paknampho NSRU will battle it out on Saturday for that last remaining golden ticket. The winner of this match will join the other three clubs in the division one bound glass elevator. However, if it's a tie between the dueling duo, Sukhothai could slip into the top 2 if they have beaten Udon Thani by at least three goals.
All matches will kick off at 4pm.

Div 2 Playoffs - Matchday 9 Review

Group A

Kasetsart 4-1 Nara Utd
Prachuap 0-0 Luk Esan
Roi Et Utd 1-1 Phitsanulok

Current Standings:
22 Roi Et
16 Phitsanulok
12 Kasetsart
12 Nara Utd
6 Luk Esan
5 Prachuap

Roi Et and Phitsanulok both had reasons to be cheerful after their 1-1 draw. The point was enough for Roi Et to claim top spot in Group A and for Phitsanulok they finally progressed from the playoffs at the third time of asking. Diego Alves had given Roi Et a first half lead but that was cancelled out when Sirichai headed home in the second period.
Kasetsart moved into third place after the beat Naru Utd 4-1 while a 0-0 stalemate between Prachuap and Luk Esan perfectly sums up their contribution to the group.

Group B

Nakhon Nayok 3-4 Sukhothai
Paknampho NSRU 2-0 Chiang Mai
Udon Thani 1-4 Ang Thong

Current Standings:
17 Chiang Mai
15 NSRU
14 Ang Thong
13 Sukhothai
9 Udon Thani
7 Nakhon Nayok

The three teams in pursuit of that elusive second promotion spot all won to set up a nail biting last weekend.
Ang Thong host NSRU next Saturday and the winner of the tie will secure promotion to the first division.
Paknampho NSRU took advantage of a Chiang Mai side who are already assured promotion with a 2-0 home victory. A first half Tanawat free kick and a second half penalty converted by Rewat earned the Nakhon Sawan club three vital points.
Ang Thong ended any lingering hopes Udon Thani had with an impressive 4-1 victory. A double apiece from Khampheng and Viliam ensured the Rice Warriors have their destiny in their own hands for the big showdown with NSRU on the final matchday.
The comeback of the day came at Nakhon Nayok. With ten minutes left, Sukhothai were trailing 3-1 and seemingly their season was ending prematurely. However, three late goals helped them turnaround the tie and it kept their slim hopes of sneaking into second spot alive. They need Ang Thong and NSRU to draw next weekend and in correspondence they have to win handsomely at Udon Thani.