Div 2 Playoffs - Matchday 9 Preview

Division 2 Playoffs

Group A - Sunday

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

Current Standings:
21 Roi Et
15 Phitsanulok
12 Nara Utd
9 Kasetsart
5 Luk Esan
4 Prachuap

Roi Et Utd confirmed promotion last weekend and now they only need a point at home to Phitsanulok to secure the top berth in Group A. Phitsanulok's surprise loss at Luk Esan last Sunday leaves them still needing three points to join Roi Et in the first division next year. The club from the northern region possess a superior H2H record over third placed Nara Utd. In addition to that, a home fixture against Prachuap in the final round leaves Phitsanulok strong favorites to accompany the White Squirrels in climbing up the tiers.
Nara Utd slipped up last weekend when the were held at home by lowly Prachuap. The Kolaks have two away matches to finish off their campaign with Kasetsart on Sunday followed by Roi Et next weekend.

Group B - Saturday

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

Current Standings:
17 Chiang Mai
12 NSRU
11 Ang Thong
10 Sukhothai
9 Udon Thani
7 Nakhon Nayok

With Chiang Mai already securing promotion, the big question now is who will join them. NSRU welcome the Division 1 bound club on Saturday and a win for the university side would leave them in prime contention to join the Lanna Tigers in making the leap up. However, failure to secure three points would open things up for the trio lingering closely in their footsteps.
Udon Thani can boast a 100% record of winning their three home games yet they'll be dismayed that they've collected zilch from five away trips. With two home games against Ang Thong and Sukhothai remaining, 15 points could be enough to secure promotion.
Sukhothai got of to a flying start in the group with two wins but it's been six games sine they last registered a success. Incidentally their last win was a 1-0 over this weekend's opponents Nakhon Nayok.

Weekend Review 23/24 November

League Cup Final

Ratchaburi 1-2 Buriram Utd

Buriram United came from behind to win the League Cup and hence made another clean sweep of the domestic trophies for the second time in three seasons.
Former Buriram man, Douglas Gardozo, headed Ratchaburi in front in the 10th minute. The Brazilian then turned from hero to villain when he was ordered off two minutes into the second half for elbowing Manuel Redondo in the face. The incident took place in the box and the Dragons were punished further when Osmar tucked his penalty into the bottom corner of the net.
From then on, there was only ever going to be one winner. The winning goal came in the 64th minute after Adisak easily beat his marker before slotting home. The matchwinner's day was slightly spoiled when he was given a second yellow card deep into injury time for needlessly playing on after the referee had whistled to stop the action. It didn't matter and Buriram picked up a handsome cheque for 5M Baht along with the trophy.

Division 2 Playoffs

Group A

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

Roi Et's away win at Kasetsart meant their fans were saying bye-bye to Division 2. Pradya's header from close range was the only goal for Roi Et as their large travelling support finally celebrated their elevation to the first division after their third attempt of negotiating the playoffs.
The shock of the day came at Luk Esan as they finally ended a barren 703 minute run of firing blanks. Vorraseth became the junior Police side's only scorer in the playoffs. It was even more surprising that Luk Esan beat Phitsanulok 1-0 as they played for over an hour of the match with ten men after Wanchalerm was dismissed.
Nara United blew a great chance to close in on Phitsanulok's failure as they were held 0-0 at home by Prachuap.

Group B

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

Chiang Mai booked their place in the first division after a 2-0 victory over Ang Thong. A goal from Chatchai in each half won the contest for the Lanna Tigers. Chiang Mai are six points ahead of third placed Ang Thong with two games left to play and their superior H2H over the Rice Warriors ends Chiang Mai's two year stint in the regional leagues.
The draw between Sukhothai and Paknampo NSRU keeps both in the hunt but NSRU will be happier with the point as it leaves them in second place. An unmarked Brruno headed home the opening goal in the 30th minute but Paknampo levelled 12 minutes into the second half with Suphachai's curled shot.
Udon Thani suffered their fifth away defeat losing 2-1 at Nakhon Nayok. Two goals in as many minutes gave the hosts a 2-0 half time lead. Udon did pull one back through Satja but the defeat has left them three points behind second placed NSRU with two games left. 

Weekend Preview 23/24 November

League Cup Final

Ratchaburi v Buriram Utd (Saturday 17:45)

The Thammasart Stadium hosts a rerun of last year's league cup final. The showpiece in 2012 was a non-event as a spectacle with Buriram cruising to a 4-1 victory against a Ratchaburi side that had no listed substitutes on their bench. Ratchaburi were down to their bare bones because they had eight Buriram loanees on their books who were ineligible for the final.
This time, the Dragons should have a full compliment to select from. Nevertheless, on current form it's hard to foresee them lifting the trophy and Buriram are strongly fancied to retain the cup for a third successive season. Another win for Buriram would earn their second treble in three years and it would clinch their eighth domestic trophy from the last nine available.
The Thunder Castle have yet to face TPL opposition in the tournament this year seeing off Luk Esan, Kalasin, Siam Navy, Udon Thani and Rayong FC on route to the final.
Ratchaburi started their trail at Prachinburi before edging out Lamphun Warrior. The Dragons then smashed seven goals against Khon Kaen to reach the quarter finals where they disposed of the much fancied Chonburi. In the semi finals, Ratchaburi were rather fortunate to squeeze past Nakhon Ratchasima on away goals.

Division 2 Playoffs

Group A - Saturday

Kasetsart v Roi Et Utd
Luk Esan v Phisanulok (Sunday)
Nara Utd v Prachuap

Roi Et will secure promotion if they are successful at Kasetsart on Saturday while Phitsanulok could also claim a first division spot if they win at Luk Esan and Naru Utd fail to beat Prachuap.

Group B - Sunday

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

With five points separating the top 5, there is still plenty to play for with three rounds of fixtures remaining. Chiang Mai have stumbled on the road in their last two games but they'll expect to get back to winning ways when they host Ang Thong. Three points for the Lanna Tigers would leave them on the brink of promotion. However, a loss would allow Ang Thong to join Chiang Mai on 14 points.
Udon Thani have lost all of their four away matches but they need to end that sequence by winning at bottom placed Nakhon Nayok.
Sukhothai haven't won in their last five attempts yet a win over Paknampo NSRU could see them jump back into the top 2 provided other results work in their favour. NSRU currently sit in second spot after two recent home wins.

Weekend Review 15-17 November

AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers - Group B

Friday

Thailand 0-3 Iran
Kuwait 0-0 Lebanon

Tuesday

Kuwait 3-1 Thailand
Lebanon 1-4 Iran

Current Standings (after 5 matches):
13 Iran
9 Kuwait
5 Lebanon
0 Thailand

Iran easily swept aside a lackluster Thai team with a 3-0 victory at the sparsely filled Rajamangala Stadium. The first half performance was one of the poorest displays in recent memory with soft defending gifting the Iranians a 2-0 lead. Iran seemed to take their foot off the gas after the break and Thailand improved but rarely tested the Iranian goalkeeper.
Substitute Puwadol was given a straight red card in injury time and shortly afterwards Iran added a third goal.

Edit: Results on Tuesday mean Iran and Kuwait qualify from Group B.

Div 2 Playoffs

Group A 

Pitsanulok 3-0 Nara Utd
Prachuap 2-2 Kasetsart
Roi Et Utd 4-0 Luk Esan

Results on Saturday left Roi Et and Phitsanulok certainties for promotion. The big clash of the round was comfortably won by Phitsanulok as they beat Nara Utd 3-0. Somlak gave the northern club the lead shortly after the half hour and that was doubled midway through the second half when Bani's drive found the bottom corner of the net. Gil Neves put the icing on the cake with a penalty in the last few minutes. The victory moves Phitsanulok four points ahead of third placed Nara Utd.
Roi Et are seven points clear of third place after they romped to a 4-0 victory over what appears to be a uninterested Luk Esan.  Erivaldo opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Kittisak doubled the advantage six minutes later. By half time it was game over when Erivaldo's penalty made it 3-0. The only goal of the second half came from Thongchai's header via a corner.
The 2-2 draw between Prachuap and Kasetsart extinguishes the Bangkok side's faint hopes of making it to Division 1.

Group B 

Ang Thong 1-1 Sukhothai
Paknampo NSRU 5-1 Nakhon Nayok
Udon Thani 2-1 Chiang Mai

If Group A is a forgone conclusion, Group B is anything but.
Udon Thani maintained their 100% home record after they consigned Chiang Mai to their first defeat. The away side started the brighter and they were rewarded in the 14th minute when Chatchai fired his shot inside the post. However, Satja drilled through a cluster of bodies to level shortly before the interval and Udon Thani's winner came nine minutes from time when Wiraphong curled home a free kick.
Paknampo NSRU moved into second place with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Nakhon Nayok. Rewit gave NSRU an early lead but that was wiped out in the 22nd minute when the unsuspecting Anurak was credited with an own goal after the ball bounced off his back following a goalkeeper fumble. It remained level until the midpoint of the second half but that changed when Rewit grabbed his second of the day. Tiene Moussa then headed into his own net before late goals from Camara Souleymane and Jaruwat completed the rout.
On Saturday, Ang Thong were seconds away from claiming a vital three points. Nuttawat had headed Ang Thong into a first half lead and it seemed as full time approached that the Rice Warriors had dug in for the win despite being under the cosh for the majority of the second half. Sukhothai didn't throw in the towel when Titi's 87th minute dismissal had them reduced to ten men. Instead the kept plugging away and they were rewarded in the 95th minute when Bruno headed a deserved leveller.
Chiang Mai remain top with 14 points with NSRU and Ang Thong on 11. They are closely followed by Sukhothai and Udon Thani on 9. Nakhon Nayok are well adrift at the bottom with 4. 

Weekend 15-19 November Preview

AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers - Group B

Friday

Thailand v Iran
Kuwait v Lebanon

Tuesday

Kuwait v Thailand
Lebanon v Iran

Current Standings (after 3 matches):
7 Iran
5 Kuwait
4 Lebanon
0 Thailand

As you can see from above, Thailand's task of qualifying is virtually dead and buried. Six points from the next two matches could shake things up, but that's as likely to happen as Shola Ameobi winning the EPL Golden Boot this season.
The national team's latest coach, Surachai Jaturapattarapong, won't have any of the SEA Games under 23 squad at his disposal while several of Winnie Schafer's favorites have also mysteriously vanished from the squad.
Rajamangala will host the Iran match before the squad fly out to Kuwait over the weekend.

Div 2 Playoffs

Group A - Saturday

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

The clash of the weekend comes at Phitsanulok as they welcome improving Nara United. The Violet Army have seen their favorites win all of their home games in the group yet two recent defeats on the road has seen Phitsanulok's substantial advantage whittled down to only one point. Nara United's foreign contingent has been largely responsible for their recent revival which has seen them win their last three matches. The winner of this match would head into the final straight as likely contenders to join Roi Et in the first division.
Roi Et will be much fancied to beat Luk Esan and another win would leave them on the cusp of securing promotion. Kasetsart are four points adrift of the top 2 and a win at Prachuap is essential if they are to keep their outside promotion hopes intact.

Group B - Sunday

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

As with Group A, the second placed side hosts the one below them in the standings. A home victory for Ang Thong over Sukhothai would move them five points clear of Sukhothai and it would almost certainly consign the northern club to another season of regional league football.
Paknampo NSRU are level on points with Sukhothai and they'll be looking to cash in on the Ang Thong v Sukhothai contest with a home victory over Nakhon Nayok who are currently propping up the table.
Udon Thani have won both of their home matches but they have a tough task preserving that 100% record when they welcome leaders Chiang Mai.

Buriram Claim FA Cup & Div 2 Round-up

FA Cup Final

Bangkok Glass 1-3 Buriram Utd

Buriram United claimed their third successive FA Cup as they came from behind to beat Bangkok Glass 3-1 at the Thammasart Stadium.
It was a sluggish start from the cup holders and they fell behind in the 17th minute when Chatree's shot from the edge of the box nestled in the bottom corner of the net.
Buriram were level on the half hour when a trip from Teerathep on the edge of the box was punished and Osmar Ibanez netted from the penalty spot.
After the break, Buriram took a stranglehold of the midfield and they went ahead in the 53rd minute when Carmelo Gonzalez headed past Narit in the BG goal.
By this stage Glass were being run ragged at the back and it was game over on the hour when Hirano nodded home Carmelo's cutback.
Buriram comfortably saw the game out as Bangkok Glass finished the final with ten men after Goran Subara was shown a second yellow in the 80th minute.
Buriram now have a two week break before they have the chance to complete the final piece of the domestic treble. Only Ratchaburi stand in their way in the League Cup final. 

Division 2 Playoffs

Group A

Kasetsart 1-0 Phitsanulok
Nara Utd 2-0 Luk Esan
Prachuap 0-1 Roi Et Utd

Results on Saturday opened up Group A. Kasetsart's 1-0 win over Phitsanulok leaves them four points behind second placed Phitsanulok with four to play. Late comers to the university campus would have missed an unmarked Manit netting the only goal of the contest. Kasetsart's Rungrot was the hero of the day as he saved a second half penalty to deny Somlak.
A late double from Njobato Abel earned Nara United a 2-0 win over struggling Luk Esan. That three points moves the Kolaks one point off the promotion spots.
Roi Et won 1-0 at Prachuap to move three points clear of Phitsanoluk at the top. Erivaldo was yet again the match winner for the White Squirrels scoring the only goal of the match at the beginning of the second half.

Group B

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

Sukhothai and Chiang Mai fought out a pulsating 2-2 draw yesterday. A long range strike from Sittichai gave the hosts the lead after a quarter of an hour. The Fire Bats held that lead until midway through the second half before two goals in three minutes from Chiang Mai stunned the home support. Sukhothai drew level in the 76th minute when Sirisak headed home after the CM keeper had poorly misjudged a lofted ball into the box. Pornthep received a second yellow card as Chiang Mai finished the match with ten players.
The Lanna Tigers lead was cut to four points at the top after Ang Thong won 1-0 at Nakhon Nayok. Kampheng's 25 yard free kick in the 47th minute was the only goal a dominant Ang Thong could register. The Rice Warriors hit the bar three times and had two goals disallowed.
Paknampo NSRU ended a sticky patch with a 2-1 home victory over Udon Thani. The winning goal came on the hour with Thonwat curling a free kick directly into the net. NSRU and Sukhothai are two points behind Ang Thong.

Weekend Preview 9/10 November

FA Cup Final

Sunday

Bangkok Glass v Buriram Utd (Thammasart Stadium)

Since both clubs cocooned into their present day forms, Bangkok Glass have never beaten Buriram in 11 previous attempts. In fact, the 0-0 draw between the pair in July was the only time that Buriram have failed to win this showdown after they'd won the previous ten.
Buriram have dominated the domestic cup competitions recently and another win on Sunday would be their third successive FA Cup success. Their last defeat in this tournament came back in 2010 against Army.
Also the Thunder Castle have already bagged the TPL crown this season and victories in the FA Cup and League Cup would see them sweep the domestic treble for the second time in three seasons.
On route to the final Buriram have seen off Chainat, Samut Songkhram, Singh Tarua and pleasingly for them Muangthong United in the semi final. Bangkok Glass eliminated Chonburi in the third round with a 1-0 win after extra time. The Glass Rabbits then followed that up with narrow victories at Trat and Bangkok FC before they demolished Police United 5-2 at the Rajamangala Stadium.
The final also has some added spice with Bangkok Glass coach, Attaphol Buspakom, coming up against his former side. Attaphol was surprising axed minutes after Buriram secured their place in the AFC Champions League last 16. A dispute with the club owner saw him depart Buriram and he was quickly snapped up by Bangkok Glass. I'm guessing there will have been a sour taste left in Attaphol's mouth and winning the FA Cup would be sweet revenge for him.

Division 2 Playoffs

Group A - Saturday

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

Group B - Sunday

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

In Group A, Nara Utd have won their last two matches to hoist themselves into contention. They currently sit four points behind leaders Phitsanulok and Roi Et Utd and they'll be expected to overcome a Luk Esan side who haven't tasted success yet in five attempts. The leading duo have away games which they'll fancy taking three points from. Roi Et are at Prachuap and Phitsanulok visit Kasetsart.

Chiang Mai have beaten Sukhothai three times already this season and another win over the Fire Bats would leave them on the brink of promotion. The northern champions have a six point gap at the top with five games left to play. The other five teams are so closely bunched together with only three points separating the five of them. It's all to play for as Nakhon Nayok host Ang Thong while Paknampo NSRU welcome Udon Thani.

Sunday 3 November Review

TPL

Sunday

BEC Tero 4-1 Army Utd
Buriram Utd 2-1 TOT
Chiang Rai Utd 4-2 Bangkok Utd
Muangthong Utd 2-2 Chainat
Osotspa Saraburi 1-4 Chonburi
Police Utd 1-2 Pattaya Utd
Samut Songkhram 2-2 Ratchaburi
Sisaket P-P Bangkok Glass
Songkhla Utd 2-1 Suphanburi

Despite winning 2-1 at Police United, it's Pattaya United that will drop to the first division for next season. The 2-2 draw between Samut Songkhram and Ratchaburi moved the pair on to 30 points which is one more than the Dolphins who finished on 29. Two quick goals from Obinna Darlington midway through the first period gave Pattaya a two goal lead before Murcy quickly replied grabbing the Crimson Cops a consolation.
In Samut Songkhram, the Raging Mackerels also took an early 2-0 lead but Ratchaburi fought back with two goals of their own after the interval. Both sides were content with a point each and the last ten minutes resembled the infamous Germany v Austria World Cup tie in 1982.

Buriram finished off the season unbeaten after they beat TOT 2-1. Kai Hirano and Suchao were on target for Buriram while Carmelo Gonzalez was dismissed 20 minutes from time for striking an opponent. Muangthong's 2-2 draw at home to Chainat meant that Buriram finished seven points ahead of their foes. The seven point gap in the final standings gives a more realistic reflection on how easy their title success has been.

Elsewhere there were 4-1 wins for Chonburi and BEC Tero. The Fire Dragons 4-1 win over Army snatched them a top 6 finish as they edged out a dejected Army into seventh.
Songkhla signed off the season beating Suphanburi 2-1 while Chiang Rai United's 4-2 over Bangkok United made it six wins out of seven for caretaker boss Anurak Srikerd. When he arrived, the Fighting Beetles were rock bottom. However, the Glass Rabbits coach guided them to a creditable 11th placed finish and surely the top brass at Chiang Rai should be pulling out all the stops to keep him at the club.

Division 2 Playoffs

(Group B)

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


Chiang Mai are running away with Group B after they beat Sukhothai 2-1 yesterday. The Lanna Tigers had to come from behind after Sukhothai had taken a surprise third minute lead. Machuca replied with a thirty yard stunner before Chatchai curled home a second half free kick to move Chiang Mai six points clear at the top of the group.

The rest of the teams are all clustered together with only three points separating the five of them. Second half goals courtesy of Thammawut and Yemi Joseph moved Udon Thani up to six points as they beat Paknampo NSRU 2-0.
Ang Thong staged a late recovery to snatch a point against Nakhon Nayok. With twenty minutes remaining, Nakhon Nayok were 2-0 up but a brace from Kampaeng earned Ang Thong a valuable point. The Rice Warriors are joint second with Sukhothai on seven points while Nakhon Nayok prop up the group with four points.

Saturday 2 November Review

Division 1

BBCU 2-2 Rayong Utd
Khon Kaen 1-3 Ayutthaya
Krabi 1-2 TTM
Nakhon Ratchasima 3-0 Phuket
PTT Rayong 2-2 Bangkok FC
Rayong FC 5-3 Nakhon Pathom Utd
Siam Navy 0-0 Trat
Singh Tarua 2-1 Air Force
Sriracha 2-1 Saraburi

So it's Singh Tarua and PTT Rayong who'll be joining Air Force in the TPL while it's Rayong FC who'll be accompanying their near neighbours, Rayong United, back to the regional leagues.

With Bangkok FC needing a win at PTT Rayong to claim promotion, things were seeming good at half time as they lead through Tawin's header. However, Kirati levelled from close range seconds after the restart and Weerayut broke the Bulligans' hearts seven minutes from time as his header snuck in at the near post. Lee Tuck netted from the spot in stoppage time but it was too late.

The draw between PTT Rayong and Bangkok FC allowed Singh Tarua to climb above PTT to finish in second place. Sarawut's 93rd minute winner ensured that Tarua beat Air force 2-1. Leandro had earlier netted from the penalty spot before Kittipoom levelled in the 86th minute. 

Going into yesterday's matches, Rayong FC knew they needed to win and then hope that either TTM or Sriracha hadn't. The Wild Horses did their part with a 5-3 win over Nakhon Pathom Utd but unfortunately for them TTM and Sriracha both triumphed. Sriracha were thankful to Chonburi loanees Ivan Boskovic and Irfan Bachdim while TTM's Yodsak was their savior with a winner eleven minutes from time at Krabi.
To rub salts into Rayong FC's wounds, they finished level with Khon Kaen on points but went down due to having an inferior H2H record. Had goal difference been the deciding factor, the Wild Horses would have stayed up.

Division 2 Playoffs

(Group A)

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

After five matches, the big question now is can Nara Utd catch the runaway duo of Phitsanulok and Roi Et Utd. The pair moved onto 12 points after narrow 1-0 home victories. Diego's early goal was enough for Roi Et Utd while Sirichai's scrappy goal in the downpour won it for Phitsanulok.

Nara United's 1-0 win at Luk Esan keeps them four points off the pace at the top. Francis Dumaka was on the scoresheet again as his long range strike was the only goal of the contest.

Kasetsart, Luk Esan and Prachuap can basically start preparing for another season in the regional league

Singh Tarua 2-1 Air Force

A nervy Singh Tarua booked their place for the 2014 TPL with a 2-1 victory over a lackluster Air Force.

At half time, the signs weren't looking good for the majority of the bumper crowd inside the PAT Stadium. Bangkok FC were 1-0 up at PTT Rayong while Tarua couldn't penetrate the Air Force rearguard after bossing the play in the opening 45 minutes.

However, an equalizer for PTT in Rayong eased the tension before Singh Tarua were awarded an extremely soft penalty on the hour. A composed Leandro stepped up to slot past Warut in the Air Force goal.

The hosts continued to control the contest but with four minutes left a scuffed effort was clipped in by Kittipoom to silence the Klong Toei Army.

In the 93rd minute, Singh Tarua regained the lead when substitute Sarawut outjumped his marker to nod home Ali Diarra's cross.

Seconds later, the celebrations commenced as the referee blew the final whistle. That was the cue for fireworks and flares to be set off and several fans invaded the pitch to share their joy with the players. It was even touching to see the Tarua and Air Force supporters mutually bond at the end as they applauded each other. How different that would have been had Singh Tarua not been promoted!!

The duo now have just over three months to prepare for life in the top flight. Both clubs have a decent nucleus of talent in their squad but several new recruits will need to be brought in for them to survive.

Man of the match: Warut Metmusik - Safe handling

Matchday 34 Preview

TPL

Sunday

BEC Tero v Army Utd
Buriram Utd v TOT
Chiang Rai Utd v Bangkok Utd
Muangthong Utd v Chainat
Osotspa Saraburi v Chonburi
Police Utd v Pattaya Utd
Samut Songkhram v Ratchaburi
Sisaket P-P Bangkok Glass
Songkhla Utd v Suphanburi

The final weekend in correspondence with the majority of the season will hardly set the pulses racing for the neutral observer. The only issue remaining with consequence is the filling of the solitary relegation place. Pattaya United are three points adrift at the bottom and they need to win at Police United and then rely on results elsewhere going in their favor if they are to remain in the TPL. Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi and Songkhla Utd are all locked on 29 points and the best outcome for Pattaya would be for Ratchaburi to win the derby at Samut Songkhram. If Samut Songkhram lost and Pattaya won then the Dolphins would survive.

The TPL crown went to Buriram last weekend and I'm sure celebrations will be in full flow at the Thunder Castle when they host TOT. Even though it took Buriram until the penultimate weekend to clinch the title, the championship race was won at a canter for them. Second placed Muanghtong have played well below par this year yet they still managed to finish miles infront of Chonburi in third who themselves will finish well ahead of Suphanburi in fourth. From my own point of view, I'm hoping other challengers will emerge for the TPL title race in 2014 or we could end up the Celtic/Rangers scenario with Buriram and Muangthong continuing to dominate the TPL for the impending future.

Division 1

Saturday

BBCU v Rayong Utd
Khon Kaen v Ayutthaya
Krabi v TTM
Nakhon Ratchasima v Phuket
PTT Rayong v Bangkok FC
Rayong FC v Nakhon Pathom Utd
Siam Navy v Trat
Singh Tarua v Air Force
Sriracha v Saraburi

In contrast, there is still plenty to play for in Division 1 at both ends of the league ladder. Six clubs enter the last round of fixtures with their destiny still undecided for 2014. By 8pm Saturday evening, four of them will be celebrating while two of them will be solemnly reflecting on their woes.
With Air Force already crowned champions, there are two remaining berths left to fill for the TPL promotion train. The PTT Rayong v Bangkok FC contest is simple to explain. If Bangkok FC win they go to the TPL whereas a win or draw for PTT Rayong will send them up. A loss for PTT could still see them promoted providing that Singh Tarua don't beat Air Force United.
The Klong Toei side are guaranteed promotion if they beat Air Force. If Tarua did lose, they'll still be promoted if Bangkok haven't won at PTT Rayong.

63 PTT Rayong
62 Singh Tarua
61 Bangkok FC

In the relegation scrap, it's one from Rayong FC, Sriracha and TTM who'll be accompanying Rayong United to the regional leagues next season.
Rayong FC currently occupy that unwanted placing and anything other than a home win against Nakhon Pathom Utd will see them relegated. However a win would keep them in the first division provided one of Sriracha or TTM hasn't won.
For Sriracha a victory keeps them up while a draw or a defeat would send them down if Rayong FC have beaten Saraburi.
A win for TTM would halt their second successive demotion. A point in Krabi  could be enough provided neither Sriracha or Rayong FC has won. TTM do have a better H2H over Sriracha so a TTM loss with a Rayong win and a Sriracha draw would send the Blue Marlins down.

35 TTM
34 Sriracha
33 Rayong FC

Division 2 Playoffs

(Group A - Saturday)

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

(Group B - Sunday)

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

The playoffs approach the halfway stage as we've reached Matchday 5. This weekend's fixtures will then be reversed next time out as the runners turn towards home.

In Group A three home victories would open up a seven point gap at the top for Roi Et Utd and Phitsanulok. The closest challengers to the top pair, Kasetsart and Nara Utd, are four points behind and six points over the next two games are probably required if they are to be taken seriously as promotion candidates.

In the regional league northern section, Chiang Mai completed the double over Sukhothai. A repeat of that over the next two games would almost ensure that the 700th Anniversary Stadium will be welcoming Nakhon Ratchasima and BBCU next season.
The rest of the pack is tight and the double headers between Ang Thong v Nakhon Nayok and Udon Thani v NSRU will make or break the prospects' final outcome.