Bangkok FC 2-1 Krabi

Lee Tuck and Sarayoot were on target as Bangkok FC signed off the season with a 2-1 win over Krabi.

The match was supposed to have been played with no home fans present after crowd disturbances marred the final whistle last week against Sriracha. In my estimation, at least 1,000 of the official 1,239 attendance would have gone home happy after this contest!

On the rebound

Samuel Danquah should have opened the scoring early on before Sarayoot was tripped in the box by goal stopper, Theerawat. Lee Tuck's stuttering run up from the resultant spot kick didn't fool Theerawat as he blocked the Englishman's shot, but fortunately for the division's top goalscorer. the rebound fell comfortably into his path to be tucked away. The goal was his 23rd of the season and it ensured that Lee Tuck topped the Division 1 goalscoring chart.

Wrong way

On 34 minutes, the referee awarded his second penalty kick of the match when Christiano Lopes was adjudged to have been felled by Mika Chunuonsee in the box. The ex-Sriracha man dusted himself down and made no mistakes as he sent Naratip the wrong way to level.

The Energy should have gone ahead minutes later when Soukaphone jinked his way into the box, but his effort on goal was rifled over from yards out.

The hosts looked the more likely after the break as they targeted the left flank for several raids. Their persistence paid off on 71 minutes when Lee Tuck's cross from the left was headed in by Sarayoot.

Thaweepong and Bolarinwa Ayotomiwa came close to adding to the Bulligans lead, while Chaninthorn whistled a couple of free kicks inches wide for Krabi as the game finished 2-1 to Bangkok FC. At full time, there appeared to have been a red card flashed towards Rachanon as the teams departed the field.

At the end of the season, Bangkok FC finished 10th and five points clear of relegation. Overall they'd have settled for that one month ago, but when you consider the money that has been invested in the club by the owner, they really have underachieved.

Krabi on the other hand should be satisfied with a sixth placed finish although they will be disappointed that they couldn't maintain their promotion push after an excellent first leg of the season.

I'd say both clubs have a decent nucleus in their squads to build on for next term. With sensible investment, I can see the pair challenging for promotion next year.

JW Rangsit 3-2 Bangkok FC

JW Rangsit blitzed Bangkok FC with three late goals as they kept their mathematical hopes of survival alive. On reflection Bangkok FC will rue not wrapping the game up when they held a 1-0 advantage for a long period during the match.

JW Rangsit 0-1 Bangkok FC

It was a sluggish opening as both sides found it difficult to get any flow to their game on the sticky pitch. However, Lee Tuck swept home from Danquah's cross to give the guests the lead shortly before the half hour mark.

The Bulligans shaded the first half and they continued to press for a second goal after the break with Samuel Danquah squandering three reasonable opportunities. He blasted over twice from inside the box, and headed straight into the arms of Piraya after a pinpoint cross from Tuck.

JW Rangsit 1-1 Bangkok FC

The introduction of Andre Santos on 70 minutes was the catalyst that sparked the hosts into life. Within a couple of minutes, the substitute levelled when he guided home a cross from the left with his head.

JW Rangsit 2-1 Bangkok FC

Seconds later, Tameezee made it 2-1 to JW after he played a 1-2 with Leslie Ablorh to curtail any thoughts the Bulligans had of gathering three points.

Bangkok FC tried to find an equalizer but they were undone as Ablorh and Santos passed their way too easily through the Bangkok defence to set up Ratchapark who made the contest safe with a couple of minutes left on the clock.

Second half sub, Jo 5 Yards, had other ideas though pulling one back in injury time for the Iron Bulls but it was too little too late.

The victory lifted JW Rangsit to within six points from safety with five matches to go, yet virtually nobody envisages them staying in the first division. They've taken some notable scalps in one off contests this season with Suphanburi and PTT Rayong amongst the victims. With literally a dozen fans it's clear to see why they can't consistently match other sides in the league with bigger budgets.

Bangkok FC have their heads just above water in sixth bottom which shouldn't be the case given the amount of players they have with TPL experience. It's going to be touch and go whether or not they'll stay up but I think they'll just about do it.

Army United 1-3 Osotspa Saraburi

Dudu's hat-trick inspired Osotspa as they came from behind to earn a 3-1 win that ended Army's unbeaten start to the season.

Army had the better of the early exchanges and Sarayoot opened the scoring on 11 minutes as he bulleted home a header from a pinpoint Narong cross.

Osotspa were back in the game midway through the half when Dudu levelled from the spot. The penalty wasn't initially awarded after appeals for handball in the box. The tantrum thrown by Dudu seemed to sway the match officials as the referee eventually pointed to the penalty spot after consultation with his assistant. It was then the turn of Army players to vent their frustrations and the kick was eventually converted four minutes after the original incident had occurred.

The away side started playing with more confidence and freedom, and Army's keeper, Kosin, made a great double save to keep the score level.

As the interval approached, Army's rearguard were cut apart from a pass from Suradej, and Dudu slotted the ball under the keeper to give Osotspa a 2-1 lead. The half time whistle was greeted with jeers from the home fans towards the match officials as they left the field.

Army needed to up the stakes and as they pushed forward it gave the Saraburi side the chance to counter attack. Osotspa should have wrapped the game up twice late on when Zuke and Sarawut fluffed their lines after being clean through on goal.

But Osotspa weren't to be denied a third and Dudu completed his first hat-trick for the club when he easily shrugged off Suwittaya to hit the roof of the net with a rasping drive.

Most Army fans would have conceded that it was a fair win for the away side. Army started brightly but the stuffing seemed to be knocked out of them after the penalty and they never really recovered. Dudu was by far the best player on the park but his petulant whining and hissy fits make him the pantomime villain. It was noticeable that when he scored his first two goals, none of his team mates joined him as he celebrated alone in front of the away section.

As for the referee and linesmen, they need to be more assertive when making decisions. For the penalty award they were bullied by the players of both sides as uncertainty reigned. The referee having lost face then decided to yellow card every tackle after that to show he was the man in charge.

Army United 1-1 Chainat

TPL new boys Chainat were held as Matius Recio's 82nd minute goal earned a share of the points for Army United.

Team line-ups

Thanakorn handed Chainat the lead in the 22nd minute as his sweetly struck free kick beat Kosin in the Army goal.

Bjorn Lindemann had a shot tipped around the post and the German also clipped the bar from a corner as the home side pressed for an equalizer before the interval.

In the second half, both keepers had to be alert to make crucial saves. Sarayoot was denied on 63 minutes when Panupong made a great save with his right foot after good build up play from the Army. About five minutes later, Kosin got his fingers to a Michael Byrne drive to knock it past the post to keep the Bangkok side in the contest.

With time running out, Army brought on their Argentinian striker, Matius, and within minutes the big man levelled as he beat the offside trap to notch his first goal in Army colors.

Chainat fans

Over the balance of play 1-1 was a fair result. Army fielded several new players and there were plenty of positives. Chainat certainly weren't overawed playing their first ever TPL game and showed that they will comfortably cope with the higher standard of football. Also a mention must go to the fantastic support that Chainat got from their fans. At a rough estimate I'd say they brought 2,500-3,000 down to the capital. Very impressive stuff!!

Thai Port 0-2 Bangkok Glass (AET)

Bangkok Glass earned a chance to avenge their 6-2 thumping at Muangthong United a few weeks ago as they defeated Thai Port 2-0 after extra time in the third round of the Thai FA Cup.

The home side started with a 4-4-2 rather than their usual defensive 4-5-1 and early on they forced chances. Ekkapoom burst through within minutes of the opening whistle, but hit a week finish, and a Todsapol header from a corner went inches over the bar midway through the half.

Thai Port played some attacking football initially but they lost momentum after 3 quick successive stoppages in play to treat the injured Worawut.

BG would have been disappointed with their first half showing although the upped their game after the break. They dominated territory even if they never really tested Thai Port's 3rd choice keeper Narong.

As the game was heading for extra time, the contest notably livened up. Jacob Aikhionbare could have scored a late winner when he was clear through but he preferred to fall in the box rather than shoot. The ball incidentally fell nicely for Sarawut yet he shot wide. In injury time, Sarayoot twice made Narong pull off saves.

The game went into extra time and within a couple of minutes BG broke the deadlock. A long corner from the right was headed back across the goal and Glass' captain, Amnaj, nodded in the knock back.

Thai Port never looked like getting back into the contest and the game was wrapped up near the end of the extra period when Sarayoot netted a rebound after Peter Lang's shot had rebounded off the bar.

From Thai Port's point of view the opening half hour was encouraging, but they seemed to lack ideas once their creative period had ended. The absence of options from the bench also didn't help matters.

As for Bangkok Glass, they'll be happy with the result despite playing a bit negative in the opening period. Overall they probably deserved to advance to the next round, but they'll know they have to play better if they want to beat Muangthong next week.

Attendance: I thought I heard 5,400 but I could be wrong

Thailand 0-0 Jordan

Thailand and Jordon fought out a tepid 0-0 draw in front of a sparse crowd at the Rajamangala as they prepared for World Cup qualifiers next Tuesday.

Both sides decided to rest star players and it showed as the friendly match lacked vigor and urgency at times.

Thailand had most of the play and the majority of their chances fell to Apipoo, The Osotspa man hit the post in the first half and had two good chances to open the scoring early in the second.

It was a quiet night for both Thai keepers as Sintaweechai in the first half and Kawin after the interval barely warmed their gloves.

Regardless of the game being largely uneventful, there were a lot of positives for Winnie to take out of this friendly. The back 4 were solid and the midfield infront protected them effectively.  Apipoo could have finished better, but it was pleasing that he surged forward from midfield into goal scoring situations. First half substitute, Piyapol, brought plenty of energy to the midfield, and it was a promising first cameo for Jamjuree's Sarawut. He looked pacy and skillful despite his slight frame.

On the other side of the coin, there were a couple of negatives in my opinion. If Winnie wants to play a 4-5-1 formation, he needs Teerasil to plough the lone striker role. Sarayoot needs someone to play off him when he's upfront. Chatree wouldn't be in my Bangkok Glass first XI and he seems a bit out of his depth at international level. Rangsan gets involved, but too many of his passes go astray. If Datsakorn is fit, I'd play him ahead of Rangsan.

Thailand will entertain Saudi Arabia and Jordan will travel Singapore next Tuesday in World Cup qualifiers.

Bangkok Glass 1-3 TOT

TOT earned are rare double as they beat Bangkok Glass 3-1 on a dull, drizzly night in Pathumthani.

The BG faithful were frustrated with another disappointing result, but I think a lot of credit should be given to TOT for a gutsy performance. If they play like this for the remainder of the season, they should finish outwith the bottom 3.

The first half started in a lively fashion. Glass almost took the lead in the first few minutes when a cross come shot from Saruta struck the edge of the crossbar.

The open play continued and it was TOT who took the lead on 14 minutes with a shot from outside the box from Kraisorn.

After the goal, TOT sat back and waited for Bangkok Glass to attack them. The tactic worked well as TOT looked lively on the counter attack.

On the stroke of half time, the away side doubled their lead. The ball seemed to ping around in the 6 yard box a few times before it ended up in the net. It was hard to see from the other end of the stadium who scored it, but the goal was credited to Noppol by the stadium announcer.

The Glass Rabbits thought they were back in the game when Sarayoot equalized on the hour. He swept in a low curling shot into the net after the ball had been crossed to him from the right after a pacy run by Saruta.

The majority of the 4,339 crowd thought that would be the turning point but it wasn't to be. TOT defended stoutly and the wrapped the game up in injury time when a Suriya shot sneaked into the bottom right hand corner.

TOT are still in the relegation zone, but are now only one point behind Siam Navy in 15th place. On this performance, they should be able to move safe from relegation danger.

Bangkok Glass unveiled their new 14m Baht scoreboard tonight. It is impressive, but sadly it won't produce improved performances on their artificial pitch.

Attendance: 4,339

Edit: With the benefit of watching TV replays, the second TOT goal has to go down as an own goal for Thritti.  There wasn't much he could do as an attempted clearance from Amnaj cannoned of him into the net.

TOT fans infront of the new scoreboard

BEC Tero 0-2 Bangkok Glass

 

The Bangkok Glass fans

Bangkok Glass moved above BEC Tero Sasana after a tough fought 2-0 victory at the Thephasadin Stadium.

The first half was an even affair with defences on top. The best chance of the opening period fell to BG's Sarayoot. The Thai hit man's shot clipped the bar from the edge of the box but he knows he should have done better as he had an unchallenged run in on goal.

BEC Tero started brightly in the second and only a point blank save from the BG goalie prevented  Akkarapol from opening the scoring.

Sutee

The turning point of the game was a cruel piece of luck for Bangkok Glass. Their second half sub, Sutee, was barely on the pitch for 5 minutes when an innocuous clash of heads in the box with Jetsada left the BG man sparked out. The game was held up for 7 minutes while the Thai international received treatment and he was eventually stretchered off. The injury looked serious and I hope that Sutee will recover quickly.

His replacement, Wichaya was only on the pitch for 2 minutes when he broke the deadlock after a neat move.

Almost immediately it was 2-0 for the Glass Rabbits as the unfortunate Jetsada headed an own goal. It looked like something you'd see in Sunday league football and you have to wonder if he was still suffering from the clash of heads with Sutee.

That was basically the end of the action as BG held out comfortably for the remaining quarter of an hour.

Bangkok Glass have been heavily criticised this season by their own support but today I thought they got it spot on tactically. If they can play like this every week, then there is no reason why they can't finish in the top 4.

Attendance: 4,885