Thai Port 0-1 Buriram PEA

Franck Ohandza scored the only goal of the game as Buriram PEA moved 11 points clear at the top of the TPL with a victory at Thai Port.

It could have been a different outcome if Thai Port hadn't missed a first half penalty.

PEA held the lion's share of possession and territory in the first half. The closest they came to scoring was a Clarence Bintang shot that rattled the crossbar. Sarif also had a good chance, but missed the target from close in when he really should have done better.

On 34 minutes, the PAT Stadium erupted with delight when the home side were awarded a penalty. Ekkapoom had gotten away from Ekwalla Herman and was clear through on goal. The big defender hauled him down just inside the box and a penalty was awarded. If the game had have been played in Europe, Herman would surely have been red carded. In Thailand though, they seem to be a bit more relaxed with the last man rule.

Anyway, Worawut stepped up to take the spot kick. His body language didn't suggest he was confident. His kick was low and straight down the middle. Sivaruck, in the PEA goal, dived to his left but his trailing foot blocked the penalty.

Shortly after the break, PEA brought on Franck Ohandza. The Cameroon under-20 international has been suffering from injury lately. His return to the first team proved pivotal as he scored the winner on 58 minutes. A cross from the left wasn't dealt with by the ever reliable Moise, and the ball landed into the path of Ohandza. The sub struck it firmly into the bottom right hand corner of the goal to open the scoring.

Thai Port eventually changed to a 4-4-2 bringing on Phudit and Kim Dong Chan. The Port Lions did have a brief late flurry on the Thunder Castle goal, although at the same time PEA could have added to their tally.

At the final whistle, the PEA players were delighted with the win. They deserved it, while the majority of the Klong Toey Army seemed happy to applaud their own team off the pitch.

One thing I couldn't work out today was the referee's time keeping. In the second half there were 5 substitutions, and at least 5 stoppages for injuries. Add to that a 4 minute halt in play when the linesman in front of the Thai Port fans called for play to be stopped. I'm not sure if it was for abuse, or if something had been thrown at him. While on the subject of thrown objects, something appeared to strike Sivaruck on the head and that caused another minute to be held up in play. I'd guess there should have been 10 minutes injury time. The 4th official held up the board with only 6 minutes and the referee then proceeded to allow less than 5. The ref should be thankful that he wasn't greeted by a fuming, beetroot faced Alex Ferguson rant at the final whistle.