Thai Port moved into the top half of the TPL courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Chonburi.
The 4pm kick off started in Khlong Toei with barely a few hundred spectators inside the PAT Stadium. If the game had been played on a weekend, I'm sure the crowd for the opening of the match would have been quadrupled.
The game though was a decent throughout as both teams had numerous chances.
The best effort of the first half came shortly before the interval when Pipob's header from a Therdsak cross was fantastically blocked by Munze with his right leg.
Shortly into the second half, the home side's keeper was called upon again to beat away a Highuchi shot from close range with his right arm.
As the game entered the final third, Chonburi seemed to lose impotence upfront as Thai Port began to press for a winner. The threat of Ekkapoom was evident all game, and with 10 minutes left on the clock, the wee man was at the near post to nod in a Mongkol freekick.
The rest of the game was most noticeable for Chonburi's keeper Sintaweechai attempting to play centre forward for the Sharks as they desperately searched for an equalizer.
Tonight was one of those games that could have gone either way. Had it been played earlier in the season when Chonburi were on fine form, or even when Thai Port were going through their wretched run under Thongchai when he first took over, then I'm sure Chonburi would have won this game. Today though, Thai Port played with the spirit that has seen them take 10 points out of the last 12.
Attendance: 2*15 - I didn't hear correctly what the 2nd digit was :(
Showing posts with label Ekkapoom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ekkapoom. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Thai Port 3-2 Siam Navy
Thai Port beat Siam Navy 3-2 in an entertaining game that in all honesty wasn't one for the football purists. The 90 minutes were noticeable for the absence of Thai Port coach, Thongchai Sukkokee. Apparently he was "mai sabai" although I'm sure that wasn't the real reason for the bearded one's non attendance.
Within a couple of minutes, Navy could have been ahead, but Barbosa's effort hit the base of the post.
On 8 minutes, Thai Port ended their goal drought of almost 500 minutes when Ekkapoom squeezed a shot through the Navy keeper's legs from a narrow angle.
The much maligned, Kim Ba Wi, made an assist for Navy's equaliser. A clearance from Mario rebounded off the hapless Korean and Barbosa held him composure to even matters.
After the leveller, Navy were the better side. On 25 minutes Thai Port fortunately retook the lead. Ekkapoom's cross from the left was in my opinion deliberately punched by Jessada. Justice appeared to be done when his handball landed in his own net.
By the time the half time whistle had been blown, Thai Port were 2-1 up, but worryingly for Navy, they had used their 3 substitutes.
A few minutes after the break, Port were 3-1 up when Jacob found Ekkapoom, and he netted his second goal of the game.
The home side appeared to be holding out comfortably until Munze ran out from his line to collect a ball from a long hopeful punt. He must have thought he'd ran out of his box as he released the ball from his grasp too easily and his resultant blooper left Pisanil Zaa with the easy task off tapping the ball into the net.
The Klong Toei side held out for the victory despite surviving a couple of penalty claims. Ulrich Munze also redeemed himself by pulling off a couple of decent saves.
Thai Port are now 10 points above the drop zone. With only 8 games remaining, that should be just about enough to ensure TPL football for next season.
Siam Navy played some attractive stuff especially through their front pairing of Barbosa and Alex Ruela. However, defensively they look like they will leak goals.
Attendance: 1,800
Within a couple of minutes, Navy could have been ahead, but Barbosa's effort hit the base of the post.
On 8 minutes, Thai Port ended their goal drought of almost 500 minutes when Ekkapoom squeezed a shot through the Navy keeper's legs from a narrow angle.
The much maligned, Kim Ba Wi, made an assist for Navy's equaliser. A clearance from Mario rebounded off the hapless Korean and Barbosa held him composure to even matters.
After the leveller, Navy were the better side. On 25 minutes Thai Port fortunately retook the lead. Ekkapoom's cross from the left was in my opinion deliberately punched by Jessada. Justice appeared to be done when his handball landed in his own net.
By the time the half time whistle had been blown, Thai Port were 2-1 up, but worryingly for Navy, they had used their 3 substitutes.
A few minutes after the break, Port were 3-1 up when Jacob found Ekkapoom, and he netted his second goal of the game.
The home side appeared to be holding out comfortably until Munze ran out from his line to collect a ball from a long hopeful punt. He must have thought he'd ran out of his box as he released the ball from his grasp too easily and his resultant blooper left Pisanil Zaa with the easy task off tapping the ball into the net.
The Klong Toei side held out for the victory despite surviving a couple of penalty claims. Ulrich Munze also redeemed himself by pulling off a couple of decent saves.
Thai Port are now 10 points above the drop zone. With only 8 games remaining, that should be just about enough to ensure TPL football for next season.
Siam Navy played some attractive stuff especially through their front pairing of Barbosa and Alex Ruela. However, defensively they look like they will leak goals.
Attendance: 1,800
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
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
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
Sunday, September 25, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Thai Port 3-0 Pattalung
Thai Port more or less booked their place in the final of the Toyota League Cup final with a 3-0 victory over Division 2 South's Pattalung.
The result was harsh on Pattalung as for 75 minutes they more than held their own against their TPL opponents.
Thai Port opened the scoring in first half stoppage time from Worawut, and then two late goals from Ekkapoom and Jacob Aikionbare added the finishing gloss that painted over the cracks of another arduous performance.
In the first half, Ulrich Munze was the busier of the two keepers. The Pattalung number one didn't have much to do until he picked the ball out of the net just before half time.
The Swallows began to tire towards the end of the match and it was only then that Thai Port began to dominate.
In all credit to the TPL side, that's now their fourth clean sheet in a row and defensively they look solid. But if they do make the final, they would have to play either PEA, Muangthong or Chonburi. One has to wonder where the goals would come from if they wish to retain the trophy.
As for Pattalung, they can be proud of their effort tonight. They would probably swap a Toyota League Cup final appearance for promotion to Division 1 next season. If they play like they did this evening, they will certainly be strong contenders to win the Division 2 playoffs.
Also it has to be noted that the team from the south completely filled the away section at the PAT. That's fantastic considering they had to make roughly a 2,000km round journey. Most TPL teams can barely muster a couple of hundred fans.
The second leg will take place next Wednesday in Pattalung.
The result was harsh on Pattalung as for 75 minutes they more than held their own against their TPL opponents.
Thai Port opened the scoring in first half stoppage time from Worawut, and then two late goals from Ekkapoom and Jacob Aikionbare added the finishing gloss that painted over the cracks of another arduous performance.
In the first half, Ulrich Munze was the busier of the two keepers. The Pattalung number one didn't have much to do until he picked the ball out of the net just before half time.
The Swallows began to tire towards the end of the match and it was only then that Thai Port began to dominate.
In all credit to the TPL side, that's now their fourth clean sheet in a row and defensively they look solid. But if they do make the final, they would have to play either PEA, Muangthong or Chonburi. One has to wonder where the goals would come from if they wish to retain the trophy.
As for Pattalung, they can be proud of their effort tonight. They would probably swap a Toyota League Cup final appearance for promotion to Division 1 next season. If they play like they did this evening, they will certainly be strong contenders to win the Division 2 playoffs.
Also it has to be noted that the team from the south completely filled the away section at the PAT. That's fantastic considering they had to make roughly a 2,000km round journey. Most TPL teams can barely muster a couple of hundred fans.
The second leg will take place next Wednesday in Pattalung.
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