Regional League Roll Call 2014

The 82 team regional league will have 6 divisions again. All will have 14 teams except the South and Central West which will have one less with 13.
Below are the listed teams for each region:

Bangkok

BCC Tero, Chamchuri Utd, Thai Honda, Rangsit FC, North Bangkok, Paknampo NSRU, Kasem Bundit, Raj Vithi Salaya, Customs Utd, Samut Prakan Utd, Assumption Utd, R-BAC, Rangsit University, Rayong Utd

Central West

Krung Thonburi, Luk Tapfah Pathum Thani, Globex TWD, Petchaburi, Futera Seeker, Muangkan Utd, Raj Pracha, Samut Sakhon, Singburi, Hua Hin City, Nonthaburi, JW-BU, Rajapruek College

Edit: The line up also includes Thonburi City

Central East

Kabin Utd, Thai Fleet, Chantaburi, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani MWA Utd, Prachinburi Utd, Phan Thong, Maptaphut Marine, Thai Airways Luk Esan, Samut Prakan FC, TG Rayong, Sa Kaeo City, Rayong FC

South

Trang, Pattani, Nara Utd, Phang Nga Mitraphap, Satun Utd, Chumpon, Nakhon Si Heritage, Phatthalung, Ranong, Surat FC, Yala, Hat Yai, Prachuap

North

Nakhon Sawan, Phrae Utd, Kampheang Phet, Uttaradit, Phichit, Lamphun Warriors, Uthai Thani Forest, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Sukhothai, Petchabun, Chiang Rai City, Tak,

North-East

Sisaket Utd, Udon Thani, Loei City, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Amnan Charoen Town, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Nong Bua Lamphu, Surin City, Sakon Nakhon Muangthai, Mukdahan City, Ubon Utd, Mahasarakham Utd

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

Kasetsart 3-0 Customs Utd

Kasetsart moved back into the playoff places with a comfortable 3-0 win over Customs Utd.

The opening goal

The first 30 minutes were rather dour. The game livened up when Arlindo lost his marker to head home a corner delivered by Suphan.

The home side improved with Jakkaphan hitting the post and Tanasrich should have done better as the Emerald Nagas took a 1-0 lead into the break.

Both sides were reduced to ten men shortly after the rain soaked interval with Somneuk and Teeradech dismissed after the referee took a belated interest in an off the ball scuffle between the pair.

Shortly before the hour, Chawin outpaced his marker to set up Dion Marc who kept his cool to double the advantage.

Customs pushed men forward to salvage the game, but they were then susceptible to the pacy counters led by Chawin and Dion Marc.

Chawin should have made it 3-0 but he hit the post after Mbella's pacy run.

The third goal came five minutes from time when Dion Marc sprang the offside trap in the centre circle and he rounded the keeper to finish off his unattended run.

The African began showboating and was smashed in the face by Jo's elbow for his troubles. The referee was right next to the incident and astonishingly gave both players a yellow card.

Kasetsart 0-2 North Bangkok

Kasetsart's promotion bid took a body blow after North Bangkok's hard earned 2-0 win

The home side looked the more likely to take the lead early on as North Bangkok's keeper had to be on his toes to make a couple of saves.

However, it was North Bangkok who took the lead on twenty minutes when a corner caught Jakarin out of position leaving Sathaporn with a free header at the back post.

Kasetsart lost their way after the goal and a double substitution was made on the half hour mark with Tahi Tiacoh and Chawin replacing the ineffective Manit and the unfortunate Essomba who was hooked to allow another foreigner to enter the fray.

Nothing seemed to change and the visitors had a great chance to make it 2-0 seconds after the restart. A swift break down the right found Sathaporn in the middle, but the goalscorer's shot was saved by Jakarin.

The Emerald Nagas played their final substitution with 35 minutes left replacing Thanasak with Yuranan.

Kasetsart tried to throw bodies forward with many players rotating positions. Their pressing was creating few clear cut chances and the closest they came was from a Jakkaphan chip that landed on the roof of the net.

North Bangkok were holding out relatively comfortably and they had two great chances to double their advantage before they eventually put the game beyond doubt in the last minute.

A swift counter from Sathaporn set up Nirud, but his shot was blocked by the keeper. With seven minutes left, Teerasak watched his shot roll agonisingly past the post after he'd been left unmarked inside the box.

In the last minute, Pathoomchai rattled home from a tight angle after a corner had only been partially cleared into his path.

The only bright spot for Kasetsart this weekend was that main rivals NSRU and Nonthaburi both dropped points. Some of Kasetsart's play in the final third was poor and they'll need to be more creative in this area if they are to reach the playoffs.

North Bangkok now have the 6-6-6 record of wins, draws and loses. With performances like this, I'd expect the win column will be higher than the loses come the end of the season.

Man of the Match: Sathaporn - His pace on the break caused Kasetsart problems

Kasetsart 3-0 Chamchuri United

Kasetsart strolled to a 3-0 victory over Chamchuri United to win the sunny Monday afternoon encounter.

The home side took the lead on 13 minutes when Chawin played a slide rule pass into the box for Dion Marc Sede who squared it to Augustine to bundle into the net.

Chamchuri's tactic was to get crosses into the box for the tall striking pairing of Narawich and Rittiporn while Kasetsart preferred passing the ball on the deck and hitting on the break.

Dion had a goal ruled out for offside before the lead was doubled for the hosts in the 40th minute. Chawin broke down the right and swept a low cross into the box. Nattapong in the Chamchuri goal blocked Dion as he was about to pull the trigger, but unfortunately for the keeper the ball rebounded to Jakkaphan on the edge of the box who rammed home to make it 2-0.

The away side made a couple of changes early in the second half, yet they made little difference. Jakarin in the Kasetsart goal could have pulled out a deck chair and smoked a cigar as he didn't have much action to preoccupy himself.

Dion and Chawin wasted gilt edged chances to secure the game before Dion did that in the 78th minute. A long throw in from the left somehow made it through a cluster of bodies to Dion at the far post who then drilled a shot into the bottom corner to wrap up the three points.

The game was done and dusted, but Kasetsart were reduced to 10 men near the end when Prakasit needlessly elbowed an opponent in the kisser while he was standing two meters in front of the referee.

Man of the Match: Chawin Srichan

Weekend Review 22-23 September

TPL
Pattaya 2-0 BBCU
Wuachon 2-1 Buriram Utd
Chonburi 3-1 Army
Muangthong Utd 2-1 Osotspa Saraburi
Chiang Rai Utd 0-1 TOT
TTM 2-3 Chainat
Samut Songkhram 3-2 Bangkok Glass
BEC Tero 0-2 Thai Port
Police Utd 0-1 Esan Utd

Thai Port submitted their best away result of the season as they beat BEC Tero 2-0 at the Supachalasai. Port had to soak up a lot of pressure but an early goal from Ri Myong Jun and a late one from Alex Ruella ensured the points headed back to Klong Toei. That win lifted TP out of the drop zone due to Police United losing at home to Esan Utd. Wuttichai's 83rd minute goal started off the Crimson Cops seven game home run with a defeat.
Chainat hit the 30 point mark with a 3-2 win at TTM. More importantly, they are five points above Police although the Hornbills have played one extra game.
Ludovick Takem was once again on the score sheet as Pattaya beat BBCU 2-0. That win for the Dolphins moves them onto 33 points which should more or less be enough to survive while BBCU probably need four wins from their last six to have any chance of staying in the TPL

Two recent additions in the summer transfer window from Brazil were both on hand as Muangthong and Chonburi maintained their strangleholds on first and second spots. Rangel's 76 minute goals was the difference as Muangthong edged out Osotspa 2-1 while Thaigo's brace helped Chonburi come from behind to defeat Army 3-1.
A crowd of over 7,000 in Songkla watched the club formerly known as Buriram FC beat Buriram United 2-1. The loss for the Thunder Castle leaves them eight points behind second placed Chonburi with the domestic cups now the priority for the 2011 TPL champs.

An own goal helped TOT win in Chiang Rai to stay in ninth while Samut Songkhram's 3-2 over Bangkok Glass moved them into tenth position.
 
Division 1
Phatthalung 3-3 Ratchaburi
Sriracha 3-0 Chantaburi
Suphanburi 2-0 Siam Navy
Khon Kaen 1-3 Krabi
Bangkok Utd 0-1 PTT Rayong
Raj Pracha 1-0 JW Rangsit
Bangkok FC 2-1 Air Force Utd
Saraburi 5-1 FC Phuket
Korat 2-2 Songkla

The match between Phatthalung and Ratchaburi was certainly an eventful one. The Dragons appeared to be heading for a routine victory with two early goals. The Swiftlets then defied the odds and fought back to take a 3-2 lead before Ratchaburi were awarded a late penalty. The game was subsequently delayed for roughly 20 minutes as objects rained down on the pitch because the home fans were venting their disapproval. Douglas eventually took the kick to level while the officials were left to face the fury of the disgruntled locals.
PTT Rayong kept their season alive with a 1-0 victory at Bangkok United. Josef Tirer's sweetly curled goal prevented Bkk Utd from making it a dozen unbeaten, but a bigger concern would be that the Angels plummeted to fourth spot. Suphanburi and Sriracha both moved up a notch after comfortable home victories. 

Krabi ended a harrowing week on a positive note with a 3-1 win at Khon Kaen. It was the Energy's first win in three while the defeat for the T-Rex leaves them with sobering prospects of back to back demotions. Khon Kaen fell into the bottom 5 after Lee Tuck's stoppage time winner helped the Bulligans jump out of the relegation zone.

Division 2 BKK
Thai Honda 1-2 Samut Prakarn Utd
Bangkok Christian 2-1 Rangsit FC
Central Lions 2-3 Kasem Bundit
Kasetsart 0-0 Luk Esan
Chamchuri Utd 0-0 Nonthaburi
Rayong Utd 1-1 R-BEC
Krung Thonburi 0-0 Assumption Thonburi
Customs Utd 6-0 Globex
Samut Sakhon 0-1 North Bangkok

With none of the top five winning on the last day, there were to be no changes to the final positions. The winner takes all clash between Rayong Utd and R-BEC ended in a 1-1 draw. It's was another regional league contest laced with unprofessionalism and thuggery. R-BEC took an early lead before Rayong Utd were reduced to 10 men in the first half. After the break, the home keeper punched an R-BEC player in the face after he took exception a challenge. As the referee was about to red card him, the whistler had to run for his life as a moron playing for Rayong Utd was going to rip his head off. Oh, and by the way, Rayong Utd scored a late goal to earn a 1-1 draw and claim second spot.
R-BEC were gutted at the final whistle, as they hadn't realized that Kasetsart had only drawn at home to Luk Esan. The Emerald Naga's failure to win means that R-BEC will face Pattani in a playoff this Wednesday in Songkla to see who will be the final 12th side in the Champions league. 

Weekend Preview 22-23 September

TPL
(Saturday)
Pattaya v BBCU
Wuachon v Buriram Utd
Chonburi v Army
Muangthong Utd v Osotspa Saraburi

(Sunday)
Chiang Rai Utd v TOT
TTM v Chainat
Samut Songkhram v Bangkok Glass
BEC Tero v Thai Port
Police Utd v Esan Utd

Police United begin a string of seven home games with the visit of Esan Utd kicking things off. It's been well documented that their Thammasart Stadium was unavailable for months after the flood, but rather than seek an alternative home venue, the TPL allowed Police to switch fixtures which is why we have this unparalleled fixture list.
Most pundits will be tipping Police to beat the drop with Thai Port, BBCU and TTM making the plunge into Division 1. Another side firmly enveloped in the relegation dogfight, Chainat, travel to Chiang Mai and need three points at TTM to move onto the 30 point mark. Thai Port make the crosstown trip to BEC Tero while BBCU travel to Nong Prue to face Pattaya. The Dolphin's Ludo has been on a rich vein of scoring form netting five goals in his last three games.

At the top, Muangthong must recover from their first set back of the season as they were ousted from the league cup by TOT on Wednesday. They take on an unpredictable Osotspa who'll be aiming to twist the knife into the league leader's wounded pride.
Chonburi also have a chance to put their midweek AFC Cup disappointments to bed as they welcome Army Utd while Buriram's trip to Songkla will see them face a weakened Wuachon who have several Buriram loanees on their books.

Chiang Rai Utd would move above TOT if they can beat them at the United Stadium while Samut Songkhram would just about book their TPL status for 2013 if they collect three points at home to Bangkok Glass.
 
Division 1
(Saturday)
Phatthalung v Ratchaburi
Sriracha v Chantaburi
Suphanburi v Siam Navy
Khon Kaen v Krabi
Bangkok Utd v PTT Rayong

(Sunday)
Raj Pracha v JW Rangsit
Bangkok FC v Air Force Utd
Saraburi v FC Phuket
Korat v Songkla

PTT Rayong's season hinges on their trip to Bangkok United this weekend. A loss in Din Daeng would leave them 9 points behind the Bangkok Angels and a possible 7 behind Suphanburi should they beat Siam Navy as expected. The curse of the Thai-Yeepun has long since vanished with United currently on a four game winning streak at home.
Fourth placed Sriracha can play their wild card this week with the visit of Chantaburi. The Hares have already bitten the dust and they'll be joined by Raj Pracha and JW Rangsit very shortly. That leaves a possible two from six to complete the quintet of sides demoted to the regional leagues.
Rumblings from the south indicate that Songkla FC will vanish into thin air should they be relegated and will possibly reappear as Songkla United in the TPL via the aid of a fighting bull originally from Buriram. This Sunday, Songkla make the long trip up to Korat with the clock on their 13 year existence slowly whittling down.
The other five teams in the mire are Saraburi, FC Phuket, Phatthalung, Khon Kaen and Bangkok FC. The form book says Saraburi should beat FC Phuket while Bangkok FC and Khon Kaen host mid-table opposition. Phatthalung have the most difficult task as they welcome high flying Ratchaburi.

Division 2 BKK
(Saturday)
Thai Honda v Samut Prakarn Utd
Bangkok Christian v Rangsit FC
Central Lions v Kasem Bundit
Kasetsart v Luk Esan
Chamchuri Utd v Nonthaburi
Rayong Utd v R-BEC
Krung Thonburi v Assumption Thonburi
Customs Utd v Globex
Samut Sakhon v North Bangkok

Here are the standings at the top as we enter the final game:
Thai Honda 71
Rayong Utd 66
R-BEC 64
Kasetsart 64
Samut Sakhon 62

Listed below are the possible permutations:
Thai Honda have already qualified for the playoffs as league winners.
The winner of Rayong United and R-BEC will claim second place.
A point would be sufficient for Rayong to finish second.
Rayong and R-BEC both have better head-to-head records over Kasetsart.
If Kasetsart beat Luk Esan they will finish third no matter the outcome of Rayong Utd v R-BEC.
For Samut Sakhon to finish third, they need R-BEC to lose and Kasetsart not to win. R-BEC beat Samut Sakhon on head-to-head but Samut Sakhon have a superior h2h over Kasetsart.

The top two automatically go into the playoffs while the third side will play the second placed club from the south in a one off tie in Songkla next Wednesday.

Weekend Review 15-16 September

TPL
Bangkok Glass 1-1 BEC Tero
BBCU 1-1 Police Utd
Osotspa Saraburi 4-2 Pattaya Utd
Buriram Utd 1-0 Thai Port
Army Utd 1-2 Muangthong Utd
Chainat 1-1 Samut Songkhram
TOT 1-0 TTM
Esan Utd 3-3 Chaing Rai Utd

Muangthong opened up a 13 point lead as they beat Army United 2-1. First half goals from Dagno Siaka and Barakat won it for the Kirins on a pitch that was more akin to water polo rather than soccer.
At the shallow end, a point apiece would have suited Police Utd more than BBCU as the Pathumthani side came from behind. Adisak gave the Big Bang an early lead but Surachat scored his second goal of the week at the Rajamangala levelling for Police on the 77th minute. Coincidentally, this was the same minute that Frank Achaempong buried Thai Port's hopes of sneaking a point with his strike proving to be the only goal of the contest. Ittipol was then red carded shortly afterwards for a wild kick into the midriff of the Buriram goalscorer.
Chainat remain afloat but they'll have been disappointed to have thrown away a first half lead against Samut Songkhram. Meanwhile, the last rights have been read on TTM after they lost 1-0 at TOT. The game was delayed for over an hour due to a rainstorm prior to kick off.
Elsewhere, Bangkok Glass and BEC Tero couldn't be separated after they drew 1-1 at the Leo Stadium while it was a day for the overseas contingent in Saraburi as all six goals were netted by foreigners as Osotspa beat Pattaya 4-2. Esan Utd and Chaing Rai equaled that six goal quota as they drew 3-3.

Division 1
PTT Rayong 2-1 Khon Kaen
Raj Pracha 0-1 Bangkok FC
Chantaburi 1-2 Saraburi
JW Rangsit 1-1 Korat
FC Phuket 1-1 Phatthalung
Ratchaburi 3-1 Air Force Utd
Krabi 0-1 Suphanburi
Songkla 0-3 Bangkok Utd
Siam Navy 1-2 Sriracha

It's as you were at the top of Division 1 as the top 5 all submitted victories. Leaders Ratchaburi came from a goal down to beat Air Force Utd 3-1. Bangkok Utd, Suphanburi, Sriracha all won on the road while a brace from Adisak kept PTT hanging on as they beat Khon Kaen 2-1.
The Bulligans moved a step closer to safety thanks to Solomon Okotu's penalty shortly before the interval. The loss for Raj Pracha extinguishes any lingering hopes of survival and it's now only a matter of time until they are officially doomed.

Division 2 Bangkok
R-BEC 6-1 Chamchuri Utd
Globex 3-2 Central Lions
Samut Prakarn Utd 2-2 Rayong Utd
Luk Esan 1-2 Samut Sakhon
Assumption Thonburi 3-0 Thai Honda
Rangsit FC 0-1 Customs Utd
Nonthaburi 0-0 Bangkok Christian
North Bangkok 1-1 Kasetsart
Kasem Bundit 1-3 Krung Thonburi

R-BEC's 6-1 demolition of Chamchuri moved them right back into contention with their destiny firmly in their own hands. The Tero youth squad have a winner takes all clash with Rayong United next Saturday as one of them bids to join Thai Honda in the play-offs. Rayong Utd secured a 2-2 draw at Samut Prakarn Utd with a late penalty equalizer which prompted the home supporters and staff to throw their toys out of the pram.
Kasetsart came from behind to pick up a precious point despite dropping a place to fourth. With Rayong Utd and R-BEC meeting next week, the university side will finish third provided they beat Luk Esan.
Samut Sakhon's 90th minute winner at Luk Esan kept their mathematical promotion dreams alive, albeit very slim ones.
Central Lions 3-2 loss at Globex ensures that the Lions will be leaving the regional leagues after only one season back. They'll join Nonthaburi in oblivion somewhere.

Weekend Preview 15-16 September & Midweek Results

TPL
(Saturday)
Bangkok Glass v BEC Tero
BBCU v Police Utd
Osotspa Saraburi v Pattaya Utd
Buriram Utd v Thai Port

(Sunday)
Army Utd v Muangthong Utd
Chainat v Samut Songkhram
TOT v TTM
Esan Utd v Chaing Rai Utd

Muangthong have found the Army Stadium a troublesome venue and they've failed to win there on their previous two TPL attempts. In the early days of last season, Army swept aside the Nonthaburi club 3-0 as they marched to the summit of the league. This will be Army's first home game in Bangkok since August 4th when they lost 3-1 to BEC Tero.
The significant clash at the bottom is 17th placed BBCU against Police Utd in 15th. The Thammasart favorites will begin a series of seven home matches after this one and you feel a point may be satisfactory. For BBCU a win is essential and failure to collect three points would leave them in a perilous position.
The club sandwiched inbetween BBCU and Police are Thai Port. The face a tough trip to Buriram although they will be buoyed by the fact that they beat the current champions at the PAT earlier in the season.
Chainat perch just above the relegation zone and will see the visit of Samut Songkhram as a chance to pull away from trouble. With 19 goals conceded in their last five and only one clean sheet in their last 11, attack would appear to be the best form of defence for the Hornbills. 
Most of us have already written TTM off. The Tobacco Monopoly visit TOT who will be looking to bounce back from last week's 4-0 drubbing at Samut Songkhram.
Elsewhere, the unpredictable duo of Bangkok Glass and BEC Tero will either fight out a 0-0 stalemate or a 5-5 thriller. Three points for Pattaya at Osotspa would pretty much guarantee their top flight status for another season and likewise Chiang Rai Utd will be sharing similar thoughts as they visit Esan Utd.

Division 1
(Saturday)
PTT Rayong v Khon Kaen
Raj Pracha v Bangkok FC
Chantaburi v Saraburi

(Sunday)
JW Rangsit v Korat
FC Phuket v Phatthalung
Ratchaburi v Air Force Utd
Krabi v Suphanburi
Songkla v Bangkok Utd
Siam Navy v Sriracha

Realistically it's two from four as Bangkok Utd, Suphanburi, Sriracha and PTT Rayong battle it out to join TPL bound Ratchaburi in the top flight.
PTT are hanging onto the coattails of the promotion race and they would move closer to the top three with victory over Khon Kaen on Saturday.  On the following day, the other three sides travel away from home. Bangkok United and Suphanburi head south with trips to Songkla and Krabi respectively while Sriracha make the short journey down the coast to Sattahip to take on Siam Navy.
Zico issued a war cry a earlier in the week saying that his side will fight until the death to avoid relegation. The Bulligans remaining eight games are mainly against lower league sides with a trip to Raj Pracha providing the first of eight cup finals for Bangkok FC.

Division 2 Bangkok
(Saturday)
R-BEC v Chamchuri Utd
Globex v Central Lions
Samut Prakarn Utd v Rayong Utd
Luk Esan v Samut Sakhon
Assumption Thonburi v Thai Honda
Rangsit FC v Customs Utd
Nonthaburi v Bangkok Christian
North Bangkok v Kasetsart
Kasem Bundit v Krung Thonburi

Promotion is now out of the hands of R-BEC and Samut Sakhon and all they can do now is hope that Rayong United and Kasetsart slip up. The pair in second and third have testing away games with Rayong Utd at Samut Prakarn Utd and Kasetsart at North Bangkok.
Thai Honda have already qualified for the playoffs and they'll be able to chop and change their starting 11 for their trip to Assumption.
With Nonthaburi already assured a dreaded bottom two finish, another loss for Central Lions at Globex would ensure that they join Eka in oblivion next year.


Toyota League Cup - Last 8 Second Leg
Chonburi 1 v 1 Bangkok Glass (BG won 2-1 on agg.)

BG progressed to the semi finals with a 2-1 aggregate win over Chonburi. Samual Ajayi's well taken goal a minute after the break was the crucial strike. Despite having the better of the match, Therdsak's late penalty was all the Sharks could muster as they bowed out of the Toyota League Cup.

International Friendly
Thailand 2-1 Laos

Teeratorn's late penalty spared Thailand's blushes as they came from behind to beat Laos 2-1 at a virtually empty Rajamangala Stadium. Laos took an early lead through Sopa Chaichana and smacked the crossbar as the underdogs held the lead for over an hour. Police United's Surachart pulled one back before Teeratorn netted from the spot after the Thais were awarded a softish penalty.
It was another unconvincing performance for the side show that appears to be playing second fiddle to domestic league and cup competitions.

Weekend Review 8-9 September & Midweek Fixtures

TPL
Thai Port 0-0 Bangkok Glass
Pattaya 2-1 Army Utd
Chonburi 4-2 Buriram Utd
Police Utd 1-0 Osotspa Saraburi
BEC Tero 4-2 Chainat
Muangthong Utd 2-0 Wuachon Utd
Chiang Rai Utd 2-0 BBCU
TTM 0-0 Esan Utd
Samut Songkhram 4-0 TOT

Chonburi completed the double over Buriram United with a 4-2 victory at the Chonburi Stadium. It was very much a day for foreigners as the seven goals were scored by overseas players while the game was refereed by Uzbek officials.
Goals from Rangel and Piyaphon kept Muangthong on course for the title as they beat Wuachon 2-0.
A crowd of almost 4,000 witnessed another Cleiton Silva hat-trick as the Fire Dragons saw off Chainat 4-2 in their first match under the guidance of SGE. The Hornbills must be having a nervous look over their shoulders as they are in danger of being swept into the drop zone.
Thai Port slipped into the bottom three after they were held to a goalless draw by Bangkok Glass. The Port Lions were the better side throughout and will look towards an 84th minute Bangkok Glass goal line clearance which they felt crossed the line.
At the Thammasart, Police United moved above Thai Port after a 78th minute goal from Tana earned them a 1-0 over Osotspa. The Crimson Cops certainly had the rub of the green as Osotspa had a perfectly good goal chalked off midway through the second period.
BBCU and TTM remain in trouble. The Pink Panthers lost 2-0 at a packed United Stadium while TTM fought out a scrappy 0-0 draw with Esan Utd.
Samut Songkhram eased to a 4-0 victory over TOT with Napat scoring and creating two. TOT were raging when officials failed to spot what they felt was a legitimate goal with the score at 1-0.
Ludovik Takem was the Dolphins saviour once again as his brace against Army moved the eastern seaboard club six points above the relegation placings. 

Division 1
Bangkok FC 1-3 Ratchaburi
Air Force Utd 3-0 FC Phuket
Saraburi 2-1 Siam Navy
Sriracha 1-0 Krabi
Phatthalung 2-2 Chantaburi
Suphanburi 3-0 PTT Rayong
Khon Kaen 0-0 Songkla
Bangkok Utd 2-0 JW Rangsit
Korat 2-2 Raj Pracha

Ratchaburi's push for the title continued as they eased to a 3-1 against Bangkok FC. Three first half goals put the Dragons firmly in the driving seat as the Bulligan's woes continued. The big spending Bang Mot club are now four points from safety.
Bangkok United made it 10 unbeaten and remain on course to join Ratchaburi in the TPL. They beat JW Rangsit 2-0 while Suphanburi make up the top three. The Warriors earned an impressive 3-0 win over promotion rivals PTT Rayong.
Sriracha more or less called time on Krabi's promotion bid with a goal from Berlin in their 1-0 victory over the Energy.
Chantaburi's first division status finally bit the dust even though they achieved an encouraging 2-2 draw at Phatthalung. An injury time goal ended the Hares 15 game losing streak and kept up their unbeaten record against Phatthalung this season. Dropping four points against Chantaburi could prove costly for the Swiftlets come the end of the season.

Division 2 BKK
Assumption Thonburi 1-0 Samut Prakarn Utd
Central Lions 2-1 Rangsit FC
Kasetsart 5-1 Kasem Bundit
Thai Honda 1-0 Luk Esan
Rayong Utd 1-0 Nonthaburi
Krung Thonburi 2-3 R-BEC
Samut Sakhon 4-1 Globex
Bangkok Christian 0-1 Customs Utd
Chamchuri Utd 2-1 North Bangkok

Thai Honda claimed the league title after their 1-0 home win over Luk Esan. Rayong Utd and Kasetsart look set to join Honda in the playoffs as they kept pace with home wins. If either of Rayong Utd or Kasetsart slip up R-BEC and Samut Sakhon will be ready to pounce.The top five in Division 2 all won this weekend.

Toyota League Cup - Last 8 Second Leg
Chonburi (0) v (1) Bangkok Glass (Tuesday)

BG take a slender 1-0 lead to the Chonburi Stadium. Last season away goals counted double, so one goal from the Rabbits could be enough as the Sharks would then need to hit the back of the net three times

International Friendly
Thailand v Laos (Wednesday)

It's understandable that Winfried Schaefer wants to prepare his Thai squad for the forthcoming AFF Suzuki Cup later in the year, but in reality unless a half decent European or South American side is on show, then it's difficult to aspire fans and players at the business end of the season. Laos will provide the opposition at the Supachalasai as Thailand will field a side without any Bangkok Glass or Chonburi players due to their cup tie 24 hours earlier.

EDIT: This game will be played at the Rajamangala and not the Supachalasai as earlier scheduled.

Weekend Preview 8-9 September

TPL
(Saturday)
Thai Port v Bangkok Glass
Pattaya v Army Utd
Chonburi v Buriram Utd
Police Utd v Osotspa Saraburi
BEC Tero v Chainat

(Sunday)
Muangthong Utd v Wuachon Utd
Chiang Rai Utd v BBCU
TTM v Esan Utd
Samut Songkhram v TOT

Many would have anticipated back in March that this Chonburi v Buriram Utd clash would have been billed as a title showdown rather than a tussle for second place. The AFC campaigns have contributed towards tiredness for Buriram and Chonburi, and mix that with some uninspiring foreign signings (in my opinion), then it's evident why the pair are lagging behind Muangthong. This will be the fourth meeting of the season between the duo and a home win would move Chonburi eight points clear of Buriram with eight left to play.
The other Saturday games have a big focus on the relegation dogfight. Chainat will slip unnoticed into the Thephasadin as the newly appointed (insert title) Sven Goran Eriksson will be the focus of the media attention. Nobody will be expecting the Hornbills to win but they could have a surprise up their sleeves for the former Leicester City manager. Last time these pair met it was "the goal that never was" that provided the match talking point.
Police United and Thai Port have home games from which a point would generally be a satisfactory return. However, as we are arriving at the business end of the season, both sides probably need four wins to secure their top flight status and they need to start earning them sooner rather than later. Thai Port will have Worakorn Wichanarong back in the dugout after rumours that he'd been fired were untrue. Apparently he was ill so that's why he missed the Pattaya match last Saturday.
The final match on Saturday is Pattaya v Army. The Dolphins have opened up a nice little five point cushion on BBCU in 16th and will come into this game feeling slightly more at ease. This match will be the last in the sequence of six TPL away games for Army. In the previous five, they've won two, drawn two and only lost one.

On Sunday, Muangthong take on an off color Wuachon who haven't scored in three or won in five TPL outings.
After 25 matches, TTM have only 16 points and with nine left to play, they'll need to double their current points total plus add a cherry on top if they wish to remain in the top division. It will be difficult for TTM against Esan Utd who are unbeaten in six games.
The match between Samut Songkhram and TOT in Mae Klong promises to be a tight one while Chiang Rai Utd will see the visit of BBCU as a chance to reignite their home form after they've failed to find the net during their last two TPL matches at the United Stadium. 

Division 1
(Saturday)
Bangkok FC v Ratchaburi
Air Force Utd v FC Phuket
Saraburi v Siam Navy
Sriracha v Krabi
Phatthalung v Chantaburi

(Sunday)
Suphanburi v PTT Rayong
Khon Kaen v Songkla
Bangkok Utd v JW Rangsit
Korat v Raj Pracha

This is a pivotal weekend with the four sides currently going for that third promotion spot pitting their wits against each other. Third placed Suphanburi host fourth placed PTT Rayong. Suphanburi have lost their last two home matches, surprisingly one to JW Rangsit in the league and another to BEC Tero in the TLC Cup. PTT Rayong's last six have seen them win four and lose two. Breaking that down their winning ratio is two out of three, and as Meatloaf's lyrics suggest, "two out of three ain't bad."
The Energy's battery has been running low and a loss at Sriracha would almost see them discharge themselves from the promotion race. The Blue Marlins need to bounce back after they were humbled at lowly Saraburi last week.
Second placed Bangkok United should make it ten unbeaten with the visit of JW Rangsit, while Ratchaburi travel to a Bangkok FC side whose only win in their last 10 was against Chantaburi.
While on the subject of Chantaburi, they will officially be relegated to the regional leagues if they lose to Phatthalung. The hound dog has finally caught up with the Hares' Division one status and is about to eat it for dinner.

Division 2 BKK
(Saturday)
Assumption Thonburi v Samut Prakarn Utd
Central Lions v Rangsit FC
Kasetsart v Kasem Bundit
Thai Honda v Luk Esan
Rayong Utd v Nonthaburi

(Sunday)
Krung Thonburi v R-BEC
Samut Sakhon v Globex
Bangkok Christian v Customs Utd
Chamchuri Utd v North Bangkok

The top three of Thai Honda, Rayong Utd and Kasetsart all have what could be described as home bankers this weekend. Finishing in the top 2 is important as clubs will want to avoid the lottery of a possible play-off to enter the 'real' play-offs. A win for Thai Honda over Luk Esan would confirm them as Division 2 Bangkok champions for 2012.
R-BEC and Samut Sakhon will be ready to pounce should Rayong Utd or Kasetsart fail to collect their win bonus.

Wednesday 5 September - TLC & Div 2 Results

Toyota League Cup Last 8 - 1st Leg
Ratchaburi 2-0 Wuachon Utd
Buriram Utd 1-1 BEC Tero
Bangkok Glass 1-0 Chonburi
Muangthong Utd 1-2 TOT

It was a night for the underdog as the pre-game favorites suffered disappointing results.
A 98th minute penalty from Takahiro gave TOT an unexpected half point 2-1 lead over Muangthong. By all accounts, it was a deserved win for the Hello Boys over their near neighbors.
A first half goal by Ajayi was the difference between Bangkok Glass and Chonburi while the Brazilian connection were on hand for Ratchaburi as they sailed into a 2-0 first leg lead over Wuachon.
Sven made his first non-appearance of his tenure as BEC earned a respectable 1-1 draw at Buriram United


Division 2 BKK
R-BEC 4-2 Luk Esan

The Tero junior side kept their promotion bid alive with a 4-2 victory over the Police United youth side, Luk Esan. R-BEC are two points behind third placed Kasetsart with three games left. 

Division 2 North
Chaing Mai FC 1-0 Phrae Utd

Chiang Mai left it late with an 87th minute penalty edging out Phrae United. With three games left to play, the Lanna Tigers can relax now and save their energy for the long drawn out Div 2 Champions League.

Wednesday Preview - 5 September

Toyota League Cup Last 8 - 1st Leg
Ratchaburi v Wuachon Utd
Buriram Utd v BEC Tero
Bangkok Glass v Chonburi
Muangthong Utd v TOT

These are the first leg ties of the quarter finals. The second legs were supposed to have been played next week but most have to be rescheduled to accommodate the national teams latest uninspiring friendly.
I suppose that we have to start off by focusing on the Sven hype and the media circus he's created at BEC Tero. The Swede who replaced Robert Pro Kruger (according to some international media sources!!) reportedly won't be involved for this cup tie, yet he should be taking notes as Buriram and BEC have another three meetings in different competitions lined-up in the next few weeks. The former England manager's appointment might inspire a few BEC players but I'll still put my money on Buriram Utd being victorious.
The Sharks have gotten back to winning ways after a sticky patch and might fancy that they've got enough in their tank to beat BG despite having a tight schedule in September. Glass did put Chonburi out of this cup two years ago and then lost to Siam Navy in the next round. The previous sentence pretty much sums up the inconsistentcy of the Pathumthani club.
The tie between Ratchaburi and Wuachon is too close to call. The TPL bound Dragons have lost their last two while Wuachon haven't looked the same side since a couple of their loanees returned to their parent clubs.
Normally you stick your mortgage on Muangthong beating TOT over two legs, but with several fringe players set to start for the 'Thong, TOT might have a sniff of a chance. 

Division 2 BKK
R-BEC v Luk Esan

This match has been rescheduled after it was abandoned last month. Nothing less than three points will do for R-BEC as they bid to close the five point gap to third placed Kasetsart.

Division 2 North
Chaing Mai FC v Phrae Utd

With a top three finish already guaranteed my calculator says that Chaing Mai will be crowned champions of Division 2 North if they beat Phrae Utd. A win would open up a nine point gap over NSRU with three to play and the Lanna Tigers would win the league due to having a superior head to head record over the Nakhon Sawan club.

Weekend Review 1-2 September

TPL
Thai Port 2-4 Pattaya
Buriram Utd 1-0 TTM
Samut Songkhram 0-0 Chiang Rai Utd
BEC Tero 2-2 Police Utd
Bangkok Glass 1-2 Muangthong Utd
Chainat 0-3 Chonburi
Wuachon 0-0 TOT
Esan Utd 1-1 Army Utd
BB-CU 0-0 Osotspa Saraburi

Muangthong claimed another important scalp as they beat Bangkok Glass 2-1 at the Leo Stadium. Teerasil was yet again on the scoresheet for MTU as he scored the opening goal. Muangthong remain 10 points clear of Chonburi who comfortably won at Chainat 3-0. Sukree chipped in with a second half double after Suttinan had given the Sharks a first half lead. Chainat's Sumet was dismissed for a cowardly stamp on Pipob after they striker had been felled.

The alarm bells are blaring at the PAT after Thai Port lost 4-2 at home to Pattaya United. The boys from Klong Toei were extremely charitable at the back as the clinical Pattaya attack gratefully accepted their donations.
Port remain just above the drop zone as BBCU and Police could only draw. The game at the Rajamangala ended 0-0 between BBCU and Osotspa while I'm guessing that Police United would have been reasonably satisfied with their point at managerless BEC Tero. The Pathumthani side twice came from behind levelling with goals from Tana and Daniel Cortes.
TTM remain rooted to the bottom with a 1-0 loss at Buriram Utd. By all accounts, Buriram weren't firing on all cylinders, yet despite Theeratorn missing a penalty they did enough to edge out TTM 1-0. The sloppy nature of the Buriram goal highlights why TTM will almost certainly be in Division 1 next season.

The 39 seconds clip on Siam Sport suggests it was a 0-0 borefest between Samut Songkhram and Chaing Rai Utd, while Wuachon v TOT ended with the same outcome. Kim Tae Young and Diego Gaston were the scorers as Esan Utd drew 1-1 with Army Utd.

Division 1
PTT Rayong 2-0 Bangkok FC
Siam Navy 2-1 JW Rangsit
Chantaburi 2-3 Raj Pracha
FC Phuket 1-1 Korat
Saraburi 3-0 Sriracha
Air Force 1-0 Khon Kaen
Krabi 0-0Songkla
Ratchaburi 1-2 Bangkok United
Phatthalung 0-0 Suphanburi

Ratchaburi suffered their first home defeat of the season with a 2-1 loss to in form Bangkok United. It appeared to be business as usual for the Dragons when Abbo gave them a 5th minute lead. Whatever Sasom said at half time obviously worked as United were 2-1 up within ten minutes of the restart courtesy of a Paul Ekollo brace. The Angels held on to claim second spot and sit a half dozen points behind Ratchaburi.
The other two Sunday games in the south both ended 0-0 between Phatthalung v Suphanburi and Krabi v Songkla. Suphanburi dropped to third while Krabi are three points and places behind the Warriors in sixth.

The Blue Marlins good run came to a shuddering halt after they were sent packing at 3-0 at Saraburi while PTT Rayong had to play the patience card before they eventually saw off Bangkok FC to move back into 4th place.

The basement battle went the way of Raj Pracha as they earned their first away win this season. Raj claimed a late winner to beat 10 man Chantaburi 3-2. The Crowns are now nine points from safety with nine to play while Chantaburi could officially be relegated next weekend depending on how the results pan out.

Division 2 BKK
Rangsit FC 2-1 Samut Sakhon
Kasem Bundit 1-2 Chamchuri Utd
Customs Utd 1-1 Central Lions
Luk Esan 0-1 Rayong Utd
R-BEC 0-1 Thai Honda
Nonthaburi 1-3 Assumption Thonburi
North Bangkok 5-1 Bangkok Christian
Globex 0-0 Kasetsart
Samut Prakarn Utd 2-0 Krung Thonburi

Thai Honda can breath a sigh of relief after they booked a play off berth after their 1-0 win at R-BEC. A second half long distance free kick which appeared to touch nobody on the way through to goal was the difference as R-BEC virtually kissed their promotion hopes goodbye.
Rayong Utd look odds-on to join Honda in the end of season competition while stuttering Kasetsart in third have the points in the bag which should just about see them over the finishing line.
At the bottom, if there is to be relegation as has been rumoured for months now, then it's time to bid farewell to Nonthaburi and Central Lions.

Weekend Preview 1-2 September

TPL
(Saturday)
Thai Port v Pattaya
Buriram Utd v TTM
Samut Songkhram v Chiang Rai Utd
BEC Tero v Police Utd

(Sunday)
Bangkok Glass v Muangthong Utd
Chainat v Chonburi
Wuachon v TOT
Esan Utd v Army Utd
BB-CU v Osotspa Saraburi

As we enter the finishing straight of the season, Muangthong United have galloped ahead of the rest of the pack holding a ten point advantage with ten games left to play. This weekend they travel over to Bangkok Glass where Muangthong have a pretty dismal record in the TPL. In three previous goes, the Kirins have failed to score and have only registered one point from their trips to Thanyaburi.
If BG can pull it off, Chonburi and Buriram will need to cash in to keep any distant title ambitions smouldering. Buriram might as well throw in the towel if they can't beat TTM at home while Chonburi have a slightly more tricky tie at Chainat. Earlier in the season, the Sharks staged a breath taking comeback to defeat Chainat 4-3 at the Chonburi Stadium.

At the other end, Thai Port just about have their heads above water, but with half of their remaining fixtures against the top 5, three points are a must against Pattaya on Saturday. TP fans have become frustrated with their coach's negative team selections and the constant chopping and changing of defensive personnel. News last night confirmed that Worakorn Wichanarong was sacked by Thai Port. No replacement has been named as we speak.
The visitors Pattaya are another side that's endured a fluctuating season with a lack of goals being their biggest downfall to date. The signings of Ludo and Dyachenko should address that although I'm positive many of the Klong Toei fan base won't be to concerned to see recent acquisition Phudit in the Dolphin's starting line-up.
If Port lose on Saturday, BB-CU could move out of the relegation places with victory over the improving Osotspa. The Saraburi club have won four out of five to establish themselves in the top half.
Police United dropped to second bottom last week and with a rare away game scheduled, the cops might be satisfied with a point at BEC knowing that they have a multitude of home fixtures to follow.

The winner of Samut Songkhram v Chaing Rai Utd would buy themselves some daylight from the drop zone while Wuachon v TOT and Esan Utd v Army games complete the round up this weekend.

Division 1
(Saturday)
PTT Rayong v Bangkok FC
Siam Navy v JW Rangsit
Chantaburi v Raj Pracha
FC Phuket v Korat
Saraburi v Sriracha
Air Force v Khon Kaen

(Sunday)
Krabi v Songkla
Ratchaburi v Bangkok United
Phatthalung v Suphanburi

It's first against fourth as Ratchaburi's unbeaten home record will be put to the test by the form team of the moment, Bangkok United. In their last eight games, the Angels have won six and drawn two to move within inches of the promotion trio.
The other two Sunday games in the south will have a great baring on who's going to the TPL too. Suphanburi play their third game of the week down south with a trip to Phattalung after twice facing Songkla earlier in the week. Since the halfway point, Krabi's form has been very mid-table, and with a tough run in to follow, it's vital the the Energy beat Songkla.

Sriracha could temporarily move into second place if they win or draw at Saraburi on Saturday. The Blue Marlins have won four on the trot scoring 11 times while Saraburi have lost their last three which has seen them drop into the relegation places. Last weekend, Sriracha beat PTT Rayong and the oil side dropped down to fifth. PTT host Bangkok FC who are mirrored at fifth from the foot.
The game which peculiarly interests me is the wooden spoon clash between Chantaburi, with 14 straight losses and zero wins all season, against Raj Pracha who have picked up one solitary point from the last 27 available. There is no doubting that both sides will be in the regional leagues next season, but surely this is one that they both must be desperate to win.

Division 2 BKK
(Friday)
Rangsit FC v Samut Sakhon

(Saturday)
Kasem Bundit v Chamchuri Utd
Customs Utd v Central Lions
Luk Esan v Rayong Utd

(Sunday)
R-BEC v Thai Honda
Nonthaburi v Assumption Thonburi
North Bangkok v Bangkok Christian
Globex v Kasetsart
Samut Prakarn Utd v Krung Thonburi

The end of the Bangkok regional league has snuck up upon us as we enter its last month. Thai Honda have a six point lead with four to play and victory at R-BEC would virtually ensure them a place in the play-offs while it would leave the Tero youth side contemplating another season in the regional league. The other three promotion contenders make road trips. Samut Sakhon have a tough trip to Rangsit on Friday evening while Rayong Utd travel to Luk Esan on Saturday and Kasetsart a day later to Globex.

Current table with 4 games to play:
1 Thai Honda 65
2 Rayong Utd 59
3 Kasetsart 59
4 Samut Sakhon 56
5 R-BEC 55

Weekend Results 25-26 August

TPL
Buriram Utd 3-2 Bangkok Glass
Esan Utd 2-1 Samut Songkhram
BBCU 1-1 TTM
Osotspa Saraburi 4-1 Chiang Rai Utd
Police Utd 0-1 Army Utd
Wuachon Utd 0-0 Pattaya Utd
Chonburi 2-2 Muangthong Utd
Chainat 2-0 Thai Port
TOT 1-1 BEC Tero

Muangthong United fought back twice in the "Super Big Match" to grab a 2-2 draw at the packed Chonburi Stadium. The point leaves the Nonthaburi club ten points clear with ten to play.

Chainat were the big winners at the bottom as they defeated fellow strugglers Thai Port 2-0. Whoo Hyun was ordered off for Port early in the second half and shortly afterwards Narongchai and a Narat own goal gave the Hornbills their second home win of the campaign.
Police United remain in deep trouble after they lost 1-0 at home to Army. A 47th minute goal from Jakkrapong was enough to give Army their second 1-0 away win of the week. Pattaya picked up a useful point at Wuachon while cellar dwellers BBCU and TTM still remain in the thick of the relegation mire after they shared a 1-1 draw at the Rajamangala.
BEC Tero moved back into fourth after they drew 1-1 at TOT. Radoljub Paunovic and Amorn were the first half goalscorers.

On Saturday, Buriram United and Bangkok Glass produced five first half goals with the Thunder Castle taking a 3-2 lead. The second half was played in driving rain with no other goals to report. It was also a washout at Esan Utd as they beat Samut Songkhram 2-1. Mark Burchill's 84th minute winner earned the three points for the home side.
Chiang Rai United's defence failed to show up for the match at Osotspa as they were 3-0 down after 30 minutes. Uilian did pull one back for the northern club after the break, but Kaimbi restored the three goal advantage as it finished 4-1.

Division 1
JW Rangsit 0-2 Khon Kaen
Songkla 0-1 Suphanburi
Krabi 2-0 Saraburi
Siam Navy 1-0 Phatthalung
Chantaburi 0-2 Air Force Utd
FC Phuket 0-1 Ratchaburi
Raj Pracha 0-1 Bangkok Utd
Korat 2-2 Bangkok FC
PTT Rayong 1-2 Sriracha

The promotion clash between PTT and Sriracha went the way of the Blue Marlins. Anuwat provided Sriracha with their late winner as they leapfrogged PTT into third. Pace setters, Ratchaburi, and Bangkok United both enjoyed 1-0 away wins. The Dragons goal came through Douglas late in the first half while BU were yet again thankful for top scorer, Gasmi.
An own goal was the difference as Suphanburi also won 1-0 at Songkla while Krabi kept pace with the top group with a 2-0 home win over Saraburi. JW Rangsit's recent mini revival came to a halt as they lost to two second half Khon Kaen goals. 
The Bulligans are still in relegation danger after they blew a two goal lead at Korat. Prompong delighted the majority of 8,344 crowd as he equalized in injury time.

Division 2 BKK
Thai Honda 2-0 Kasem Bundit
Assumption Thonburi 0-1 Luk Esan
Krung Thonburi 4-1 Nonthaburi
Samut Prakarn Utd 2-1 R-BEC
Chamchuri Utd 0-0 Rangsit FC
Kasetsart 2-1 Customs Utd
Samut Sakhon 1-1 Bangkok Christian
Central Lions 2-4 North Bangkok
Rayong Utd 1-1 Globex FC

Thai Honda earned a routine 2-0 win over Kasem Bundit to maintain their lead at the top. They hold a six point advantage over Rayong Utd and Kasetsart. R-BEC and Samut Sakhon lost ground with disappointing results.

Weekend Preview 25-26 August

TPL
(Saturday)
Buriram Utd v Bangkok Glass
Esan Utd v Samut Songkhram
BBCU v TTM
Osotspa Saraburi v Chiang Rai Utd

(Sunday)
Police Utd v Army Utd
Wuachon Utd v Pattaya Utd
Chonburi v Muangthong Utd
Chainat v Thai Port
TOT v BEC Tero

Chonburi and Muangthong cross swords again this Sunday. The Sharks face a difficult challenge in containing the current table toppers, but will take heart from Buriram's performance last weekend at the SCG that showed Jokanovic's team are far from invincible. Nevertheless, the feeling is that anything other than three points for Chonburi would almost certainly end the title race with the trophy destined to land in Nonthaburi.

At the foot of the table, there are two crucial games involving the two at the bottom of the pit and the pair of sides currently occupying the two spots just above the drop zone. TTM have been drinking at the Last Chance Saloon for awhile now and defeat at second bottom BBCU would prompt the call for last orders on TTM's top flight status.
Chainat's recent slump must have alarm bells ringing. In their last eight games, the Hornbills have only taken a paltry three points and worryingly have shipped 28 goals during this decline. Their opponents, Thai Port, have been threatening to break into some decent form, but have been falling short of fulfilling that promise at the final hurdle.
Games between Police Utd and Army Utd are usually tight and I'd expect this one to go the same way. The appearance of ex Army crowd favorite, Leandro dos Santos, could spicen things up as the Crimson Cops aim to build on their first home win last week.
The other side in the thick of the relegation battle, Pattaya Utd, make the long trip down to Songkla to face Wuachon. The Dolphins have only collected five points from nine away matches and this needs to be improved if they want to avoid demotion to the first division.

Elsewhere, Buriram host Bangkok Glass while the Osotspa v Chiang Rai Utd match has mid-table written all over it.
BEC Tero begin life without head coach, Andrew Ord, after the Englishman lost his position earlier in the week. The Fire Dragons make the short trip up Vipavadee Road to TOT.
The last match has Esan Utd against in form Samut Songkhram who will reportedly receive another bonus payment if they win in Esan.

Division 1
(Saturday)
JW Rangsit v Khon Kaen
Songkla v Suphanburi
Krabi v Saraburi
Siam Navy v Phatthalung
Chantaburi v Air Force Utd

(Sunday)
FC Phuket v Ratchaburi
Raj Pracha v Bangkok Utd
Korat v Bangkok FC
PTT Rayong v Sriracha

Ratchaburi have a healthy nine point advantage over the four teams log jammed between second and fifth on 46 points. The Dragons travel to the Phuket Islanders who have edged away from the drop zone after winning their last three games 1-0.
The big clash of the weekend sees PTT Rayong host fellow eastern seaboard side, Sriracha. In the reverse fixture, PTT won 2-0 and the Petroleum Authority will be hoping for something similar this time. Suphanburi were stunned last week when they were beaten by lowly JW Rangsit. The Suphanburi Warriors make the long trip to Songkla as they bid to keep in touch at the top. Bangkok United will be expecting to win at struggling Raj Pracha. The club based at Salaya have only picked up two points from the last 27 available, and as a consequence they've been cut adrift at the bottom with Chantaburi.
Unexpectedly, big payers, Bangkok FC, are plummeting towards Division 2 after a recent run of poor results. Their only victory in their last eight was a 2-1 success over Chantaburi. Next up for the Bulligans is Korat away shortly followed by PTT (A) and Ratchaburi (H).

Division 2 BKK
(Saturday)
Thai Honda v Kasem Bundit
Assumption Thonburi v Luk Esan
Krung Thonburi v Nonthaburi
Samut Prakarn Utd v R-BEC
Chamchuri Utd v Rangsit FC

(Sunday)
Kasetsart v Customs Utd
Samut Sakhon v Bangkok Christian
Central Lions v North Bangkok
Rayong Utd v Globex FC

With the exception of Thai Honda, the top sides have been dropping points lately. The Speed Kings have a four point cushion at the top and with the visit of Kasem Bundit, they should maintain that advantage. R-BEC have a testing fixture at Samut Prakarn Utd on Saturday while the stuttering trio of Kasetsart, Samut Sakhon and Rayong Utd have home fixtures on Sunday.

Weekend Review 18-19 August

TPL
Muangthong United 1-1 Buriram Utd
Pattaya Utd 0-2 Chonburi
Police Utd 2-0 Wuachon Utd
Chiang Rai Utd 0-1 Army Utd
TTM 1-2 Osotspa Saraburi
Samut Songkhram 1-0 BBCU
BEC Tero 0-1 Esan Utd
Thai Port 0-0 TOT
Bangkok Glass 5-3 Chainat

A late afternoon rain storm turned the SCG Stadium into a swimming pool and there was no alternative other than to postpone the match 24 hours to Sunday evening. When the action did eventually take place, Frank Achaempong gave Buriram an early lead but his strike was cancelled out shortly after the break from a Gjurovski penalty. MTU were reduced to ten players when Piyapong received a second yellow conceding a penalty. Kawin saved the spot kick from Suchao but the hosts were fortunate when Buriram had a goal ruled out for offside in injury time as it ended 1-1.
Thiago Cunha set up one and scored another as Chonburi earned a deserved 2-0 win at Pattaya while it was a day of firsts for Chiang Rai United and Police. Tatree's goal shortly before the interval was enough to halt Army's six game winless streak and it also ended CRU's unbeaten home record. Early and a late strikes ensured Police finally celebrated a home win as they beat Wuachon 2-0.

The enigma of Bangkok Glass continues as they beat Chainat 5-3 in a thrilling match at the Leo Stadium. Ajayi and Saruta weighed in with two apiece as Chainat conceded their 12th goal in two games. Glass moved above BEC Tero into fourth after the Fire Dragons lost a late goal to lose 1-0 at home to Esan Utd. Samut Songkhram's recent revival continued with a 91st minute goal helping them overcome BBCU 1-0. Port and TOT cancelled each other out while TTM moved a step nearer Division 1 losing 2-1 at home to Osotspa.

Division 1
Bangkok FC 0-1 FC Phuket
Ratchaburi 2-1 Chantaburi
Suphanburi 1-2 JW Rangsit
Bangkok Utd 2-0 Korat
Saraburi 1-3 PTT Rayong
Air Force Utd 1-1 Siam Navy
Sriracha 4-0 Songkla
Khon Kaen 2-0 Raj Pracha
Phatthalung 1-0 Krabi

The Chantaburi Hares came within two minutes of spectacularly ending their 12 match losing sequence. It took an 89th minute winner to spare Ratchaburi's blushes as they opened up a nine point lead at the top.
A late free kick from JW Rangsit produced the shock of the weekend as they came from behind to beat high flying Suphanburi 2-1. The loss for the Warriors means there are now four teams tied in second with 46 points. PTT Rayong are hitting form at the right time with their 3-1 win at Saraburi moving them above Suphanburi while the double act of Gasmi and Sompong again provided the ammo for Bangkok United as they saw off Korat 2-0. Sriracha brushed aside Songkla 4-0 while Krabi lost the southern derby at Phatthalung to fall three points off the pace.

The monsoon theme continued to play havoc to Division 1 Bangkok Saturday fixtures. Siam Navy had two players sent off in their soaking 1-1 draw at Air Force. Renato scored one and was then ordered off for two yellows while Tinnapob saw red for headbutting Gorrick. For the second year running, the Bangkok FC v FC Phuket fixture was abandoned due to heavy rain.This time it was a more pleasant outcome for the Islanders as they won 1-0 once the game was resumed on Sunday morning.

Division 2 BKK Results & Fixtures
Bangkok Christian 1-0 Central Lions
Globex 0-1 Chamchuri Utd
Samut Prakarn Utd 2-0 Luk Esan
Kasem Bundit 1-1 Rayong Utd
Customs 0-0 Samut Sakhon
R-BEC 0-0 Assumption Thonburi
North Bangkok 3-1 Krung Thonburi
Nonthaburi 1-2 Thai Honda
Rangsit FC v Kasetsart (Monday)

Thai Honda were the only winners out of the promotion bunch as they beat Nonthaburi 2-1. Kasetsart will make up ground if they can beat Rangsit FC tonight.

Weekend Preview 18-19 August & Midweek Results

TPL
(Saturday)
Muangthong United v Buriram Utd
Pattaya Utd v Chonburi
Police Utd v Wuachon Utd
Chiang Rai Utd v Army Utd

(Sunday)
TTM v Osotspa Saraburi
Samut Songkhram v BBCU
BEC Tero v Esan Utd
Thai Port v TOT
Bangkok Glass v Chainat

There is no doubting which game takes the star billing this weekend as undefeated Muangthong host current TPL champions, Buriram United. Even the most ardent of Buriram supporters must concede that they won't retain their title this year. Nevertheless, losing this one is not an option for players and fans alike at the Thunder Castle, and beating Muangthong at the SCG would be the highlight of their season to date.
Chonburi hold the honor of being the only TPL side in action on Saturday without the word "United" attached to their name. The Sharks visit nearby rivals Pattaya who've submitted impressive performances in their last two outings.
Surprisingly, Police sit second from bottom and in seven previous attempts they've yet to register a home win this term. Whilst on the subject of home records, Chiang Rai are the only other side apart from Muangthong yet to taste defeat at home. They should extend their unbeaten run to 11 as they welcome an off form Army.

On Sunday, the hair salons along the Rangsit - Nakhon Nayok Road will be pleased that Bangkok Glass have a home fixture. The Glass Rabbits performance at TOT last week was insipid and failure to beat a Chainat side that hasn't won for seven matches makes you wonder how long it will be until the current coach's number is up.
Samut Songkhram v BBCU is a must win for both sides while Thai Port also can't afford anything other than three points on Sunday. TOT have done better than expected this season, yet nevertheless it's still one the Klong Toei faithful would have pencilled in three points from.
Last time Esan Utd beat BEC Tero 4-0 and the Fire Dragons will be out to restore some pride as they return to the Thephasadin. Time is quickly running out for TTM as they are seven points from safety with twelve games to go. Another crowd of three figures is expected for the visit of Osotspa.

Division 1
(Saturday)
Bangkok FC v FC Phuket
Ratchaburi v Chantaburi
Suphanburi v JW Rangsit
Bangkok Utd v Korat
Saraburi v PTT Rayong
Air Force Utd v Siam Navy

(Sunday)
Sriracha v Songkla
Khon Kaen v Raj Pracha
Phatthalung v Krabi

On paper, the top 2 of Ratchaburi and Suphanburi have straight forward home games with Ratchaburi aiming to make it an unlucky 13 straight defeats for Chantaburi.

The four teams in the last promotion place face varying degrees of opposition. Bangkok United play their third successive Saturday home match as they welcome Korat. PTT Rayong travel to Saraburi while Sriracha will be expecting three points from their hosting of Songkla. The southern derby, between Phatthalung and Krabi is usually eventful and let's hope both sets of fans behave themselves.

At the bottom, a tough run of fixtures has seen Khon Kaen drop into the relegation zone. The T-Rex weren't expected to jump back to the TPL at the first attempt, yet in saying that, not many anticipated them fighting for survival at the foot of the league. Three points against a desperate Raj Pracha would most likely see Khon Kaen back into safety.

Division 2 BKK Results & Fixtures
(Wednesday)
Thai Honda 3-2 Rangsit FC
Assumption Thonburi A-A Kasem Bundit
R-BEC A-A Luk Esan
Central Lions 2-3 Samut Sakhon
Samut Prakarn Utd 1-0 Nonthaburi
Kasetsart 1-1 Bangkok Christian
Krung Thonburi A-A Globex
Rayong United 2-2 North Bangkok
Chamchuri Utd 2-1 Customs Utd

The three matches at Assumption, Krung Thonburi and R-BEC were abandoned as a heavy rain storm swept across the capital on Wednesday afternoon.

(Saturday)
Bangkok Christian v Central Lions

(Sunday)
Globex v Chamchuri Utd
Luk Esan v Samut Prakarn Utd
Kasem Bundit v Rayong Utd
Customs v Samut Sakhon
R-BEC v Assumption Thonburi
North Bangkok v Krung Thonburi
Nonthaburi v Thai Honda

(Monday)
Rangsit FC v Kasetsart

Midweek Results
(FA Cup)
TTM 1-1 Korat (Korat won 3-2 on pens)
Samut Songkhram 1-0 Raj Pracha
PTT Rayong 1-1 Esan United (PTT won 4-3 on pens)
Khon Kaen 0-1 Chiang Rai Utd
Songkla 2-1 Bangkok Utd

International Friendly
Thailand 5-1 TPL All Stars

Thailand earned a morale boasting win over the TPL All Stars with goals from Teerasil, Sumanya, Chatree, Mongkol and Adul.

Weekend Review 11-12 August & Midweek Fixtures

TPL
Buriram Utd 7-2 Chainat
TOT 3-2 Bangkok Glass
Esan Utd 2-1 Thai Port
BBCU 2-2 BEC Tero
Osotspa Saraburi 0-1 Samut Songkhram
TTM 2-2 Army Utd
Wuachon 2-2 Chiang Rai Utd
Chonburi 1-0 Police
Muangthong 3-2 Pattaya

It's was a high scoring Saturday with no fewer than 21 goals being scored in four matches. Buriram United enjoyed their biggest win of the season as they thumped Chainat 7-2. Ekkachai weighed in with a hat-trick as Chainat had Kraikiat dismissed shortly before the interval. It should be noted that the Hornbills were already 3-0 down by this stage.
BEC Tero managed to erase some of the misery of Wednesday's capitulation to Osotspa as the Fire Dragons earned a 2-2 draw with BBCU. Juninho's 78th minute penalty grabbed a point for the Pink Panthers and it maintained his goal per game ratio with five from five now.
The Esan Utd v Thai Port match was a lively encounter which left Port fans tearing their hair out at the end. Both sides missed penalties before Watson made it third time lucky when his spot kick gave the Bangkok side the lead on the hour. Within a couple of minutes, Esan Utd were reduced to 10 men yet they fought back against the odds with two quick goals around the 80 minute mark to complete the double over Port.
As reported earlier, Bangkok Glass shot themselves in the foot again as careless defending cost them dearly at TOT. The Hello Boys won 3-2 and moved onto 28 points.

The action on Mother's Day saw Muangthong maintain their 12 point lead with a tight 3-2 victory over Pattaya. Chonburi and Samut Songkhram both ground out 1-0 wins. The Sharks stay in second place while Samut Songkhram, by their standards, are up to the giddy heights of 14th place. Their goal was scored by Bireme Diouf who appears to have found a new lease of life since returning from Chonburi.
The final two games both ended 2-2. Chiang Rai fought back twice at Wuachon to earn a point as did Army who repeated a similar feat up in Chiang Mai. The game at TTM was lucky to be played out as the pitch resembled something that Tom Daley would dive into.

Division 1
Bangkok Utd 2-1 Bangkok FC
Korat 2-1 Khon Kaen
Raj Pracha 0-4 Suphanburi
Songkla 2-1 Saraburi
JW Rangsit 1-2 Sriracha
PTT Rayong 2-0 Phatthalung
Krabi 3-1 Air Force Utd
Siam Navy 0-3 Ratchaburi
Chantaburi 0-1 FC Phuket

Ratchaburi scored three late goals courtesy of their foreign contingent to earn an encouraging win over Siam Navy while Suphanburi etched themselves into second spot with a comfortable walk in the park at Raj Pracha. Yuki Bamba scored twice as the Warriors won 4-0.
For the second successive Saturday, Bangkok United came from a goal behind to win 2-1. Bolarinwa gave the Bulligans an early lead and it should have been two shortly before the interval. Lee Tuck appeared onside but a poor call from the linesman meant his goal was chopped off. As with last week, Sompong was the match winner with two goals in the second half.
Krabi, Sriracha and PTT Rayong all enjoyed Sunday wins to complete a clean sweep for the top 6.
At the bottom, Songkla came from behind to claim a vital three points as they beat Saraburi 2-1. It was a miserable trip for Saraburi who had Dai Min Yoo ordered off after two yellows, the second of which was for diving. JW Rangsit, Raj Pracha and Chantaburi all lost again.

Division 2 BKK
Rangsit FC 1-0 Rayong Utd
Kasem Bundit 0-0 Samut Prakarn Utd
Globex 2-1 Luk Esan
Customs Utd 2-3 Thai Honda
Bangkok Christian 2-2 Chamchuri Utd
North Bangkok 0-1 Assumption Thonburi
Central Lions 1-4 Kasetsart
Samut Sakhon 2-1 Krung Thonburi
Nonthaburi 2-3 R-BEC

Rayong United's Friday night defeat opened the door to the promotion set, and they all took advantage with wins. There are now only two points separating the top 4 with Samut Sakhon three points further adrift. The action comes thick and fast at the moment with a full round of fixtures on Wednesday evening.

Midweek Fixtures - Wednesday
(FA Cup)
TTM v Korat
Samut Songkhram v Raj Pracha
PTT Rayong v Esan United
Khon Kaen v Chiang Rai Utd
Songkla v Bangkok Utd

Division 2 Bangkok
Thai Honda v Rangsit FC
Assumption Thonburi v Kasem Bundit
R-BEC v Luk Esan
Central Lions v Samut Sakhon
Samut Prakarn utd v Nonthaburi
Kasetsart v Bangkok Christian
Krung Thonburi v Globex
Rayong United v North Bangkok
Chamchuri Utd v Customs Utd

International Friendly
Thailand v Foreign All Stars

This warm-up match for Thailand's AFF Suzuki Cup quest will be played at the Supachalasai Stadium. Predictably, the Thai squad is mainly made up from Muangthong, Chonburi and Buriram United players. The All Star squad is far from the strongest available, but nonetheless I'm sure the foreigners on show will be anxious to demonstrate that they have superior football skills to their hosts.