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

FA Cup - Last 16 Round Up

Muangthong Utd 2-0 Korat
PTT Rayong 0-0 Army Utd (Army won 3-1 on pens)
Chiang Rai Utd 2-2 Police (CRU won 5-4 on pens)
Songkla 0-1 Suphanburi
Buriram Utd 7-1 Ratchaburi
BEC Tero 3-1 Samut Songkhram
Bangkok Glass 1-0 Chainat
Ayutthaya 2-1 Thai Port

Ayutthaya dumped TPL Thai Port out of the FA Cup as the regional league side marched through to the quarter finals. A brace midway through the second half by Nuttapat saw the Ancient Warriors come from behind to complete a miserable week for the Klong Toei side. The win for Ayutthaya sets up a quarter final tie with Bangkok Glass who beat Chainat 1-0 with a late goal from their Japanese hitman, Saruta.

Buriram and BEC Tero will clash in the last 8 for what seems like their umpteenth match up in the last couple of seasons. The Dragons of Ratchaburi were more like poodles as they meekly rolled over and let the Thunder Castle rub their bellies in the 7-1 victory for Buriram. Goals from the foreign contingent of Koomson, Cleiton Silva and Arzu helped BEC beat Samut Songkhram 3-1.

Summer recruits, Rangel and Hermoza, eased Muangthong into the last eight with two second half goals against a negatively set up Korat side. Many of the Swatcat faithful wouldn't have expected to beat Muangthong, but they would have at least expected to have had a go. MTU will travel to Army in the next round as the Gentlemen Ranger's beat a misfiring PTT Rayong on spot kicks after a goalless 120 minutes.

The final tie in the quarters has Chiang Rai Utd hosting Suphanburi. CRU, despite playing the latter part of the contest with 10 men, twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Police before eventually finishing the Cops off in the penalty shoot out. Suphanburi beat Songkla 1-0 for the second time within the space of a few days to be Division One's only representatives left in the competition.

Last 8 Draw - October 3rd
Army Utd v Muangthong Utd
Ayutthaya v Bangkok Glass
Buriram Utd v BEC Tero
Chiang Rai Utd v Suphanburi

FA Cup - Wednesday 29th August

Muangthong Utd v Korat
PTT Rayong v Army Utd
Chiang Rai Utd v Police
Songkla v Suphanburi
Buriram Utd v Ratchaburi
BEC Tero v Samut Songkhram
Bangkok Glass v Chainat
Ayutthaya v Thai Port

Ayutthaya carry the hopes of the regional leagues when they host Thai Port in one of Wednesday's FA cup ties. The match will reunite Ayutthaya's current coach, Thongchai Sukkokee, with his previous club Thai Port. His time at the PAT was unconvincing although since arriving at Ayutthaya, he's worked wonders as the Ancient Warriors are currently leaders of the Central/East division. Incidentally, the duelling duo met in the League Cup last season in Thongchai's first match at the helm of Thai Port. The Bangkok side ran out 3-1 victors that day.
TPL leaders, Muangthong United, will probably play their second XI, yet being able to bring in the quality of Rangel and Saruch will still have the Kirins as odds on favorites against Korat. Cup holders, Buriram Utd, face Ratchaburi who have several players from wifey's Buriram FC team of last season. It will be interesting to see how many of them actually make an appearance in this match.
Bangkok Glass and BEC Tero will be looking at the FA Cup as a route to success after they've been dogged by inconsistent league campaigns. BG welcome Chainat for the second time in ten days while Tero's match against Samut Songkhram will be far more difficult than it would have been in the earlier weeks of the season.
Army were thrown an unanticipated lifeline after Trat were booted out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player in their penalty shoot out win. The Gong Tabok have a difficult task at PTT Rayong as do Police who travel up to Chiang Rai United.
The final tie is an all first division affair with Songkla hosting Suphanburi. The pair will be familiar with each other having met in the first division last Saturday. That match ended 1-0 to Suphanburi with an own goal being the deciding factor.

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.

BB-CU 1-1 TTM

Rajamangala Stadium

A point respectively wasn't the desired outcome for either side as BB-CU and TTM drew 1-1 at a sparsely filled Rajamangala Stadium.

TTM had an early shout for a penalty with a strong hint of hand ball, but it was the hosts who took the lead on 22 minutes. A cross from the left flank was tamely palmed away by Won Yoo Hyun allowing Jacob Aikionbare to head over the Korean into the empty net.

On the half hour Pichet flicked a corner onto the top of the crossbar as BBCU almost doubled their advantage.

Within a couple of minutes, TTM drew level when sloppy defending left an unmarked Eakartit to smash home at the back post.

Game over for Pornchai

During the build up to the goal. BBCU's keeper, Pornchai, and Tassana of TTM collided and shortly after play resumed both left the field with injuries. I reckon there must have been 7 or 8 minutes of stoppage time in the first half yet the fourth official only awarded 3 minutes. The ref then blew the half time whistle after exactly 3 minutes while the game was stopped for a player receiving treatment. Even more surprisingly, the whistler had the second half resumed within exactly 15 minutes. With the exception of internationals and AFC games, it's very rare that we have 15 minutes intervals here in Thailand.

More injuries

The Big Bang almost retook the lead on 63 minutes when Jacob set up Syllla only for the TTM keeper to tip his shot around the post.

BBCU obviously weren't going to settle for a point and they brought on two attackers as the second half progressed. Pichit thought he had scored on 82 minutes but his effort was ruled out for offside by the linesman.

Despite the home side's efforts, it was TTM who almost snatched it deep into injury time when Pattana's shot raced across the goal.

Both sides appear destined for the first division unless something spectacular happens. Without Juninho, BBCU rely to much on crosses and set pieces, and their central defence is suspect. In all fairness to TTM, they try to pass the ball on the deck, yet they lack quality in several departments. Eakartit was lively in attack and Jung Hoo Jin and Sakda were solid defensively, but they have too many average players to suggest that they'll beat the drop.

Attendance: 295

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.

Toyota League Cup Draw - Last 8

Buriram Utd v BEC Tero
Bangkok Glass v Chonburi
Ratchaburi v Wuachon Utd
Muangthong Utd v TOT

Leg 1 - 5th September
Leg 2 - 12th September

TLC Last 16 - Review

Thai Port 0-2 Muangthong Utd
Bangkok Glass 3-1 Chiang Rai Utd
Suphanburi 1-3 BEC Tero
TOT 3-0 TTM
Ratchaburi 1-0 Pattaya Utd (AET)
Pattani 0-1 Wuachon Utd
Samut Prakarn Utd 0-1 Buriram Utd
Customs Utd 0-2 Chonburi (AET)

The three remaining regional league clubs all bowed out of the Toyota League Cup despite putting in brave efforts. Super sub, Thedsak, helped Chonburi negotiate a potential banana skin as his two goals in extra time saw the Sharks progress to the last eight at the expense of Customs. Honda's first half injury time header was enough to see Buriram United past Samut Prakarn United while Wanit won it for Wuachon as they beat Pattani 1-0 at a packed Rainbow Stadium.

It took first division Ratchaburi 120 minutes to dispose of Pattaya despite a couple of late scares while Suphanburi weren't so fortunate as they were undone by a proper Cleiton Silva hat-trick with one from the left, the right and the head.

Two late goals from Rangel helped Muangthong beat Thai Port 2-0 and three second half goals from TOT saw them extinguish TTM's cup bid. Bangkok Glass made it into the last eight with two latish strikes helping them to overcome Chainat 3-1.

The draw for the last 8 will take place this afternoon. 

Thai Port 0-2 Muangthong United

A late double from Paulo Rangel helped a second string Muangthong United book their place in the last 8 of the Toyota League Cup at the expense of Thai Port.

The niggly first half frustrated the Wednesday teatime crowd as the referee peppered the match with the awarding of several free kicks. The towering Rangel was making his presence felt up front for the visitors, and he should have done better from Ekkapoom's cross on 16 minutes, but he couldn't connect properly as his shot trundled wide. Minutes later the same man's unchallenged header was easily saved by Wanlop.

In first half injury time, Olan had the home side's best sighting on goal when he blazed a shot over from Steven Robb's cross.

The second half continued to be fiery and on 55 minutes there were no takers for Port as Sarawut fired a low drive across the Muangthong six yard box.  

Midway through the half, Wanlop saved a powerful header from Hermoza after he'd combined well with Jakkraphan.

A couple of minutes later, the whistle happy ref failed to spot a handball from Narat in the Thai Port box much to the fury of the MTU bench.

The home side then went close from an inswinging Thongchai free kick from the right, and Alex Ruella had an effort blocked close to the goal.

On 83 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken when a quick break from midfield by Jakkraphan found Rangel in the box and the big Brazilian's crisp low shot found the bottom corner of the net.

Late sub, Teerawut, twice came close to levelling for Port as full time approached. His dipping effort was tipped over the bar by Umarin, and seconds later, poor defending allowed him to lob the keeper, but his attempt bounced wide.

The home side continued to press but they were undone three minutes into added time as Barakat's precise pass found Rangel allowing him to coolly round a defender and the goalkeeper before slotting home to end the contest.

Thai Port have more pressing survival matters and falling out of the cup could benefit them in the long run. Although, I wouldn't have suggested that to any of the Klong Toei Army as they were leaving the stadium tonight. It's scary for me that Muangthong can rest so many first team regulars yet still progress to the quarter finals without really breaking sweat. Now that they're in the last eight, I wonder if they continue to play fringe players if they were to draw Buriram Utd or Chonburi?

TLC Last 16 - Preview

Thai Port v Muangthong Utd
Bangkok Glass v Chiang Rai Utd
Suphanburi v BEC Tero
TOT v TTM
Ratchaburi v Pattaya Utd
Pattani v Wuachon Utd
Samut Prakarn Utd v Buriram Utd
Customs Utd v Chonburi

All ties above are set to be played on Wednesday. The romantics amongst us will turn their attention towards the three regional league sides as they bid to cause a major upset. Last season, Phatthalung of the second division made it all the way to the semi finals of this competition before eventually falling to Thai Port. The trio of regional league sides will be aiming to emulate the Swiftlets feat of 2011.
The two clubs from the Bangkok region have drawn the plum ties with Buriram visiting Samut Prakarn United and Chonburi checking in at Customs. Last week the contest between the latter pair was switched to Ayutthaya 100 km away. Thankfully sensibility has prevailed after murmurings of disapproval were echoed by the traveling fans, so the tie will be played at Lat Krabang 54 as originally scheduled.  
Wuachon head down the coast to neighboring province, Pattani. The Queen Cannons are unbeaten at home in the league which indicates that the Fighting Bull is in for a tough ride at the Rainbow Stadium - I'm honestly not making these names up :)
The two remaining Division 1 sides, Ratchaburi and Suphanburi will be able to test their top flight credentials with TPL opposition visiting them. The Dragons host Pattaya while Suphanburi welcome BEC Tero. On current form, I'd expect to see at least one of the first division sides advance.
The pick of the three all TPL matches has to be Thai Port v Muangthong. The Port Lions have an abysmal recent record against the current TPL leaders, and to make the task even more difficult, they'll be without the services of a trio of MTU loanees.
That leaves us with Bangkok Glass v Chiang Rai Utd and TOT v TTM.
Predicting Bangkok Glass results is nigh on impossible yet I'm sure the Leo faithful would anticipate their favorites progressing over Chiang Rai Utd. TOT will start as favorites for their tie with TTM.