TPL
(Saturday)
Thai Port v Osotspa Saraburi
Chainat v Esan Utd
Pattaya Utd v Police
TTM v Chonburi
Chiang Rai Utd v Muangthong
BEC Tero v Army
(Sunday)
Samut Songkhram v Wuachon Utd
TOT v Buriram Utd
Bangkok Glass v BBCU
The majority of the TPL clubs return to competitive action for the first
time since the middle of June. For Buriram United, they haven't
had the luxury of hastily arranging friendlies to fill in the gap as they've had
to play catch up on missed games due to earlier AFC Champions League involvement. Whilst playing their four make up games, Buriram have only picked up four points and the buoyant optimism of 2011 is slowly disintegrating as their grasp on the TPL title has substantially loosened. The Thunder Castle travel to the capital for the third time in as many weeks as they visit TOT in Chaeng Wattana this Sunday. The other matches this Sunday evening are Samut Songkhram v Wuachon and Bangkok Glass v BBCU.
The top 2 of Muangthong United and Chonburi make the lengthy treks up north. The Kirins have the more difficult task as they'll have to contend with a passionate throng of Chiang Rai United supporters as the semi-built unimaginatively named "United Stadium" opens its doors for the first time. Meanwhile, Chonburi will be expected to beat TTM provided that they start with their strongest 11. TTM still have the unwanted record of being the only side in Thailand not to score a home goal this season.
Elsewhere on Saturday, the Army will roll into downtown Bangkok to encounter the red shirts of BEC Tero. The Fire Dragons have occupied the top 4 for several weeks now and the Army will displace them from the top 4 with a two goal or higher victory. Thai Port are aspiring to complete a hat-trick of wins in the TPL for the first time in over a year when they face a floundering Osotspa. The continued unavailability of the Thammasart means that the Police v Pattaya match has been switched to Nong Prue, and Chainat will be eyeing only their second home win of the year as they entertain an improving Esan United.
Division 1
(Saturday)
Pattalung v JW Rangsit
Ratchaburi v PTT Rayong
FC Phuket v Krabi
(Sunday)
Suphanburi v BangkokUtd
Sriracha v Korat
Raj Pracha v Saraburi
Chantaburi v Siam Navy
Bangkok FC v Khon Kaen
With 20 games left to play, the promotion race in Division 1 has thrown up six strong candidates with four of them facing off in Round 15. Table toppers Ratchaburi welcome fifth placed PTT Rayong while Bangkok United in second travel to Suphanburi in fourth.
Krabi in third make their shortest away trip of the season as they visit FC Phuket who have newly branded themselves as "the Islanders." Phuket also plan to unveil a new strip and logo when leg 2 begins at the end of this month.
Another match worth keeping an eye on is Sriracha in sixth against Korat who are one place below them in seventh. Last month, the Swatcats successfully advanced to the second round of the Toyota League Cup at the Blue Marlins expense to set up a lucrative tie with Muangthong United next Wednesday. A repeat of last month's victory would move Korat level on points with Sriracha.
Chantaburi's coach was quoted earlier in the week saying that coaching sessions are being held with only 3 or 4 players present. With rumours that players haven't been paid for 4-5 months, it makes you wonder how long it will be before the club folds. Nevertheless, next up for the Hares are Siam Navy. With 24 goals shipped in their last three games, keeping it to less than five would sadly be seen a reasonable achievement for Chantaburi.
Division 2 BKK
(Friday)
Rangsit FC v R-BEC
(Saturday)
Samut Prakarn Utd v Chamchuri Utd
North Bangkok v Kasem Bundit
Bangkok Christian v Luk Esan
Samut Sakhon v Rayong Utd
(Sunday)
Kasetsart v Thai Honda
Globex v Nonthaburi
Central Lions v Assumption Thonburi
Customs Utd v Krung Thonburi
Similar to Division 1, there are two big clashes this weekend involving promotion chasing teams. Leaders, Thai Honda aim to complete the double over a Kasetsart side that have only picked up one point from their last two outings. A defeat for the Emerald Nagas in this one would severely dent their play-off bid. Samut Sakhon v Rayong United will be a fiercely contested game and a draw wouldn't be too bad a result for either side.
R-BEC will play at the Leo Stadium on Friday evening against Rangsit FC while North Bangkok will entertain Kasem Bundit a few hundred meters along the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road 24 hours later.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Weekend Review 30 June - 1 July
TPL
Thai Port 2-1 Buriram United
Buriram United lost their second game of the week as they went down 2-1 to Thai Port. Early goals for Port gave them a two goal cushion with Buriram's only response being an injury time penalty. The result leaves the 2011 champions eight points off the pace at the top while Thai Port jumped two places to 14th spot.
Division 1
JW Rangsit 1-3 Suphanburi
Suphanburi edged to within one point of third placed Krabi with a 3-1 win at JW Rangsit. Despite playing two-thirds of the game against ten men, the Warriors struggled and needed two late goals to see off a stubborn JW Rangsit 3-1
Division 2 Bangkok
Thai Honda 1-0 Chamchuri Utd
Luk Esan 1-2 Rangsit FC
Krung Thonburi 1-4 Rayong Utd
Kasem Bundit 1-2 Samut Sakhon
Bangkok Christian 2-5 R-BEC
Nonthaburi 1-1 Central Lions
Samut Prakarn Utd 2-2 Customs Utd
North Bangkok 2-1 Globex
Assumption Thonburi 1-1 Kasetsart
It's as you were at the top after most of the top sides recorded wins. Thai Honda secured a tight 1-0 over 10 man Chamchuri while Samut Sakhon came from behind to win 2-1 Kasem Bundit. Rayong United and R-BEC enjoyed slightly more comfortably afternoons with Rayong United beating Krung Thonburi 4-1 while R-BEC won 5-2 at big brother BEC Tero's home as they easily disposed of the other tennents at the Thephasadin, Bangkok Christian. The Christian college must be sick of the sight of R-BEC as they have received two maulings from them this season. The other contest in the early weeks of the season ended 6-0.
Kasetsart were the only side in the top six to drop points as they drew 1-1 at improving Assumption Thonburi. North Bangkok claimed a 2-1 win over Globex to move level on points with Kasetsart. The Horsemen remain in sixth place.
AFC U-22 Asian Championship Qualifying
Thailand 2-4 DPR Korea
Thailand 4-0 Cambodia
Thailand 0-1 Laos
Thailand 1-1 China
Thailand v Hong Kong (3 July)
Thai Port 2-1 Buriram United
Buriram United lost their second game of the week as they went down 2-1 to Thai Port. Early goals for Port gave them a two goal cushion with Buriram's only response being an injury time penalty. The result leaves the 2011 champions eight points off the pace at the top while Thai Port jumped two places to 14th spot.
Division 1
JW Rangsit 1-3 Suphanburi
Suphanburi edged to within one point of third placed Krabi with a 3-1 win at JW Rangsit. Despite playing two-thirds of the game against ten men, the Warriors struggled and needed two late goals to see off a stubborn JW Rangsit 3-1
Division 2 Bangkok
Thai Honda 1-0 Chamchuri Utd
Luk Esan 1-2 Rangsit FC
Krung Thonburi 1-4 Rayong Utd
Kasem Bundit 1-2 Samut Sakhon
Bangkok Christian 2-5 R-BEC
Nonthaburi 1-1 Central Lions
Samut Prakarn Utd 2-2 Customs Utd
North Bangkok 2-1 Globex
Assumption Thonburi 1-1 Kasetsart
It's as you were at the top after most of the top sides recorded wins. Thai Honda secured a tight 1-0 over 10 man Chamchuri while Samut Sakhon came from behind to win 2-1 Kasem Bundit. Rayong United and R-BEC enjoyed slightly more comfortably afternoons with Rayong United beating Krung Thonburi 4-1 while R-BEC won 5-2 at big brother BEC Tero's home as they easily disposed of the other tennents at the Thephasadin, Bangkok Christian. The Christian college must be sick of the sight of R-BEC as they have received two maulings from them this season. The other contest in the early weeks of the season ended 6-0.
Kasetsart were the only side in the top six to drop points as they drew 1-1 at improving Assumption Thonburi. North Bangkok claimed a 2-1 win over Globex to move level on points with Kasetsart. The Horsemen remain in sixth place.
AFC U-22 Asian Championship Qualifying
Thailand 2-4 DPR Korea
Thailand 4-0 Cambodia
Thailand 0-1 Laos
Thailand 1-1 China
Thailand v Hong Kong (3 July)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thai Port 2-1 Buriram United
Two early strikes from Thai Port helped ease their relegation worries and consigned Buriram United to a first away TPL defeat of the season.
The Klong Toei side started with a positive line-up and it paid dividends as they were two up after a quarter of an hour.
The first goal was scored when Whoo Hyun slotted home after a free kick from the left wasn't cleared in nine minutes, and Sarawut finished off with his left peg following an intricate pass as the hosts coasted into an unexpected early 2-0 lead.
Buriram seemed a bit lethargic and the closest they came to a goal in the opening period was a Suriya shot which was blocked by Wanlop's leg.
The second half fightback from the Thunder Castle never materialized and Wanlop in the Thai Port goal was never really stretched. Buriram did however grab a consolation deep into injury time when Theerathon smartly netted a penalty kick. It was too little too late as Port held on for a memorable victory.
It was certainly a day of contrasts as I reckon that's the best Thai Port performance that I've seen since the 2010 Toyota League Cup Final which also coincidentally finished with Thai Port beating Buriram PEA 2-1. Today Port just looked that bit sharper as their players continually closed down opponents and defended stoutly against a weary Buriram United. The TPL champions lacked creativity and the amount of misplaced passes must have been alarming for the coaching staff sat on the Buriram bench.
The Klong Toei side started with a positive line-up and it paid dividends as they were two up after a quarter of an hour.
The first goal was scored when Whoo Hyun slotted home after a free kick from the left wasn't cleared in nine minutes, and Sarawut finished off with his left peg following an intricate pass as the hosts coasted into an unexpected early 2-0 lead.
Buriram seemed a bit lethargic and the closest they came to a goal in the opening period was a Suriya shot which was blocked by Wanlop's leg.
The second half fightback from the Thunder Castle never materialized and Wanlop in the Thai Port goal was never really stretched. Buriram did however grab a consolation deep into injury time when Theerathon smartly netted a penalty kick. It was too little too late as Port held on for a memorable victory.
It was certainly a day of contrasts as I reckon that's the best Thai Port performance that I've seen since the 2010 Toyota League Cup Final which also coincidentally finished with Thai Port beating Buriram PEA 2-1. Today Port just looked that bit sharper as their players continually closed down opponents and defended stoutly against a weary Buriram United. The TPL champions lacked creativity and the amount of misplaced passes must have been alarming for the coaching staff sat on the Buriram bench.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Weekend Preview 30 June - 1 July
TPL
Thai Port v Buriram United (Saturday)
Buriram United play their 21st competitive game of the season and they'll be hoping that they can overcome the fatigue which has seen them drop unexpected points in the last few weeks. The Thunder Castle maintain a formidable record away from home and they'll expect to have enough physical strength and character to collect three points in this match.
Meanwhile, Thai Port will be buoyed after winning their last match at BBCU 3-1 and a point from this game would be adequate enough to lift them out of the relegation zone. The Port Lions should have sufficient TPL knowledge to know that it's not all about setting your stall out to defend against the top sides. At some point they'll have to go on the offensive if they want to get something out of this game.
Division 1
JW Rangsit v Suphanburi (Sunday)
Suphanburi will start this game as favorites but they'll aware that JW Rangsit have picked up 10 of their 12 points at their military school base in Nakhon Nayok. JW surprisingly accounted for PTT Rayong at the school back in April as they beat them 3-1. Suphanburi already have new faces signed for leg 2, including Sutee Suksomkit from Bangkok Glass, and a win in this would close them to within one point of third placed Krabi.
Division 2 Bangkok
(Saturday)
Thai Honda v Chamchuri Utd
Luk Esan v Rangsit FC
Krung Thonburi v Rayong Utd
Kasem Bundit v Samut Sakhon
Bangkok Christian v R-BEC
Nonthaburi v Central Lions
(Sunday)
Samut Prakarn Utd v Customs Utd
North Bangkok v Globex
Assumption Thonburi v Kasetsart
There are only six points separating the top seven teams as the promotion challengers mount their offensive drives for the second leg of the season. The only clash involving two teams from the leading pack is Thai Honda v Chamchuri Utd. The earlier meeting between the pair went Chamchuri's way 2-1 as the Pinks proclaimed themselves as they early season pace makers.
Rayong United will expect three points at Krung Thonburi while Kasetsart and R-BEC travel to resurgent sides, Assumption Thonburi and Bangkok Christian. Assumption and Christian have started picking up points after atrocious starts to their campaigns. Samut Sakhon need bounce back at Kasem Bundit after their shock defeat to Nonthaburi last time out. The other side in the Top 7 in action is North Bangkok who welcome Globex to their Pathumthani home.
Thai Port v Buriram United (Saturday)
Buriram United play their 21st competitive game of the season and they'll be hoping that they can overcome the fatigue which has seen them drop unexpected points in the last few weeks. The Thunder Castle maintain a formidable record away from home and they'll expect to have enough physical strength and character to collect three points in this match.
Meanwhile, Thai Port will be buoyed after winning their last match at BBCU 3-1 and a point from this game would be adequate enough to lift them out of the relegation zone. The Port Lions should have sufficient TPL knowledge to know that it's not all about setting your stall out to defend against the top sides. At some point they'll have to go on the offensive if they want to get something out of this game.
Division 1
JW Rangsit v Suphanburi (Sunday)
Suphanburi will start this game as favorites but they'll aware that JW Rangsit have picked up 10 of their 12 points at their military school base in Nakhon Nayok. JW surprisingly accounted for PTT Rayong at the school back in April as they beat them 3-1. Suphanburi already have new faces signed for leg 2, including Sutee Suksomkit from Bangkok Glass, and a win in this would close them to within one point of third placed Krabi.
Division 2 Bangkok
(Saturday)
Thai Honda v Chamchuri Utd
Luk Esan v Rangsit FC
Krung Thonburi v Rayong Utd
Kasem Bundit v Samut Sakhon
Bangkok Christian v R-BEC
Nonthaburi v Central Lions
(Sunday)
Samut Prakarn Utd v Customs Utd
North Bangkok v Globex
Assumption Thonburi v Kasetsart
There are only six points separating the top seven teams as the promotion challengers mount their offensive drives for the second leg of the season. The only clash involving two teams from the leading pack is Thai Honda v Chamchuri Utd. The earlier meeting between the pair went Chamchuri's way 2-1 as the Pinks proclaimed themselves as they early season pace makers.
Rayong United will expect three points at Krung Thonburi while Kasetsart and R-BEC travel to resurgent sides, Assumption Thonburi and Bangkok Christian. Assumption and Christian have started picking up points after atrocious starts to their campaigns. Samut Sakhon need bounce back at Kasem Bundit after their shock defeat to Nonthaburi last time out. The other side in the Top 7 in action is North Bangkok who welcome Globex to their Pathumthani home.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Weekend Review 23-24 June
TPL
Buriram Utd 3-4 Chonburi
Army 2-2 TTM
The first ever game refereed by foreign match officials in the TPL ended with Buriram United ultimately losing a TPL game at the I-Mobile for the first time. The Japanese trio must have witnessed one of the greatest games in TPL history as Pipob Onmo was the hero of the day scoring a hat-trick in the thrilling 4-3 contest. The win for Chonburi moved them into second place seven points behind Muangthong with a game in hand, but in all reality the title is now Muangthong's to lose. Buriram are one point behind the Sharks on 26.
The other game saw Army United throw away a 2-0 lead as TTM came back to salvage a late 2-2 draw at the Army Stadium.
Division 1
FC Phuket 8-1 Chantaburi
JW Rangsit 2-1 Saraburi
My Collins Thesaurus has exhausted itself looking for synonyms of "hapless" to describe Chantaburi. The only bright spot for the Hares in Phuket was that they took the lead on two minutes before eventually shipping eight goals in the opposite direction. It's a certainty they are going down, but the biggest concern now is whether or not they'll see out the 2012 season. At this rate, I'd severely doubt it!! For Phuket, their goal barrage moved them out of the relegation zone on goal difference into 12th place one place above Saraburi who lost 2-1 at JW Rangsit.
Division 2
Rangsit FC 0-0 Globex
Bangkok Christian 0-0 Kasem Bundit
Krung Thonburi 1-1 Luk Esan
Rayong Utd 1-1 Thai Honda
Samut Prakan Utd 1-1 Central Lions
Samut Sakhon 0-2 Nonthaburi
Kasetsart 0-1 R-BEC
North Bangkok 3-1 Customs Utd
Chamchuri Utd 1-2 Assumption Thonburi
.
The coupon buster of the season saw table toppers Samut Sakhon lose 2-0 at home to Nonthaburi. Even the more fervent of Eka fans would never have seen this result coming although from what I heard it was a deserved win for Nonthaburi. The away wins for R-BEC at Kasetsart and Assumption at Chamchuri were also against the Sunday form book although some normality was restored as North Bangkok beat Customs 3-1.
Friday and Saturday however, witnessed five drawn matches. The contest between Rayong United and Thai Honda was a fiery one that finished 1-1. Coulibaly gave the Klaeng side the lead after they were awarded a hotly disputed penalty. Watcharapong levelled on 82 minutes before each side had a player dismissed. Sakarin reacted like a petulant brat when he was given his marching orders while the scary looking Singfa of Thai Honda accepted his second yellow with dignity. I'm sure the big man is used to early showers by now! The draw keeps Thai Honda above Rayong United according to some sources while others have Rayong above Honda in the table. There are currently conflicting league tables on the senior Thai football websites so it's rather confusing.
AFC U-22 Asian Championship Qualifying
Thailand 2-4 DPR Korea
Thailand v Cambodia (25 June)
Thailand v Laos (28 June)
Thailand v China (30 June)
Thailand v Hong Kong (3 July)
For daily updates on this tournament, you can check Thai League Football and/or listen to Matt Riley's Twenty Four Hours in Thai Football.
Buriram Utd 3-4 Chonburi
Army 2-2 TTM
The first ever game refereed by foreign match officials in the TPL ended with Buriram United ultimately losing a TPL game at the I-Mobile for the first time. The Japanese trio must have witnessed one of the greatest games in TPL history as Pipob Onmo was the hero of the day scoring a hat-trick in the thrilling 4-3 contest. The win for Chonburi moved them into second place seven points behind Muangthong with a game in hand, but in all reality the title is now Muangthong's to lose. Buriram are one point behind the Sharks on 26.
The other game saw Army United throw away a 2-0 lead as TTM came back to salvage a late 2-2 draw at the Army Stadium.
Division 1
FC Phuket 8-1 Chantaburi
JW Rangsit 2-1 Saraburi
My Collins Thesaurus has exhausted itself looking for synonyms of "hapless" to describe Chantaburi. The only bright spot for the Hares in Phuket was that they took the lead on two minutes before eventually shipping eight goals in the opposite direction. It's a certainty they are going down, but the biggest concern now is whether or not they'll see out the 2012 season. At this rate, I'd severely doubt it!! For Phuket, their goal barrage moved them out of the relegation zone on goal difference into 12th place one place above Saraburi who lost 2-1 at JW Rangsit.
Division 2
Rangsit FC 0-0 Globex
Bangkok Christian 0-0 Kasem Bundit
Krung Thonburi 1-1 Luk Esan
Rayong Utd 1-1 Thai Honda
Samut Prakan Utd 1-1 Central Lions
Samut Sakhon 0-2 Nonthaburi
Kasetsart 0-1 R-BEC
North Bangkok 3-1 Customs Utd
Chamchuri Utd 1-2 Assumption Thonburi
.
The coupon buster of the season saw table toppers Samut Sakhon lose 2-0 at home to Nonthaburi. Even the more fervent of Eka fans would never have seen this result coming although from what I heard it was a deserved win for Nonthaburi. The away wins for R-BEC at Kasetsart and Assumption at Chamchuri were also against the Sunday form book although some normality was restored as North Bangkok beat Customs 3-1.
Friday and Saturday however, witnessed five drawn matches. The contest between Rayong United and Thai Honda was a fiery one that finished 1-1. Coulibaly gave the Klaeng side the lead after they were awarded a hotly disputed penalty. Watcharapong levelled on 82 minutes before each side had a player dismissed. Sakarin reacted like a petulant brat when he was given his marching orders while the scary looking Singfa of Thai Honda accepted his second yellow with dignity. I'm sure the big man is used to early showers by now! The draw keeps Thai Honda above Rayong United according to some sources while others have Rayong above Honda in the table. There are currently conflicting league tables on the senior Thai football websites so it's rather confusing.
AFC U-22 Asian Championship Qualifying
Thailand 2-4 DPR Korea
Thailand v Cambodia (25 June)
Thailand v Laos (28 June)
Thailand v China (30 June)
Thailand v Hong Kong (3 July)
For daily updates on this tournament, you can check Thai League Football and/or listen to Matt Riley's Twenty Four Hours in Thai Football.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Army United 2-2 TTM
Giorgi Tsimakuridze scored a stoppage time equaliser as struggling TTM secured an unexpected point.Army went ahead on 18 minutes when slack marking allowed Danny Invinsible a headed goal following a cross from the right.
 |
| First half pressure from Army |
The away side were gifted a goal shortly after the interval when Army sloppily lost possession in the center of the park, and from the resultant break down the right, the cross into the box cannoned in off Army's Danny Blanco and goalkeeper Kosin to give TTM a lifeline.
 |
| Giorgi waiting for treatment |
Despite the goal, Army were on course to secure a welcome three points, but in the third minute of added time, Giorgi collected a half cleared corner on the edge of the box and rifled past Kosin to salvage a precious point for TTM.
Army will have been bitterly disappointed to have thrown away a two goal lead and will rue how easily they gifted TTM the first goal. Surely now their priority in the transfer window is to find a Thai striker who can replace the slot disappointinly vacated by Jo 5 Yards. Or as some have hinted, a decent coach!
The Thailand Tobacco Monopoly still remain at the fag end of the league table and on tonight's evidence in the first 45 minutes, that's the position they'll fill at the end of the season. Nevertheless, their fightback should offer them encouragement as they aim to claw back the four point gap between themselves and safety.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Weekend Preview 23-24 June
TPL
(Sunday)
Buriram Utd v Chonburi
Army v TTM
Last night's 0-0 draw at BEC Tero means that Buriram United can't afford anything other than three points when they host Chonburi on Sunday. Even now if they win their two make up games, the best that they can do is draw to within two points of Muangthong. Last season's two league and cup games between the duo ended with home wins on Buriram soil, although the Chonburi faithful will be quick to point out that the last two meetings at other venues have gone their way. The Sharks are still a good outside bet for the TPL crown and a win on Sunday would hoist them above Buriram into second place. They would still be seven points behind leaders MTU albeit with a game in hand.
The Home of Gentlemen welcomes the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly on Sunday evening as well. It would have made more sense for me to have played this match on Saturday evening so that the Army could attract more local football fans. I'm sure when Sunday comes, many potential spectators will take the easy option of sitting in front of the TV to watch the other match rather than traipsing along to the Army Stadium. Or is it just me that would like to watch both games?
Division 1
(Sunday)
FC Phuket v Chantaburi
JW Rangsit v Saraburi
FC Phuket have the chance to move out of the drop zone for the first time since the early weeks of the season. Their home game against Chantaburi should be a formality, providing the Hares turn up!
JW Rangsit have still to reach double figures in points yet they could haul themselves closer to safety if they won their couple of games in hand. This Sunday they take on Saraburi who are perched just outside the relegation placings.
Division 2
(Friday)
Rangsit FC v Globex
(Saturday)
Bangkok Christian v Kasem Bundit
Krung Thonburi v Luk Esan
Rayong Utd v Thai Honda
Samut Prakan Utd v Central Lions
(Sunday)
Samut Sakhon v Nonthaburi
Kasetsart v R-BEC
North Bangkok v Customs Utd
Chamchuri Utd v Assumption Thonburi
It's top versus bottom as leaders Samut Sakhon welcome Nonthaburi. The Proud Junk Ship have collected 25 out of a possible 27 points at home and have only conceded one goal in the process. The Eka on the other hand have collected a paltry 2 points from 24 on the road.
Form team Kasetsart take on an R-BEC side that hasn't travelled well while the tie of the weekend has to be third placed Rayong United against Thai Honda in fourth. Both sides have topped the table recently but they have both unexpectedly dropped points against lowly opposition too.
AFC U-22 Asian Championship Qualifying
Thailand v DPR Korea (23 June)
Thailand v Cambodia (25 June)
Thailand v Laos (28 June)
Thailand v China (30 June)
Thailand v Hong Kong (3 July)
For daily updates on this tournament, you can check Thai League Football and/or listen to Matt Riley's Twenty Four Hours in Thai Football.
(Sunday)
Buriram Utd v Chonburi
Army v TTM
Last night's 0-0 draw at BEC Tero means that Buriram United can't afford anything other than three points when they host Chonburi on Sunday. Even now if they win their two make up games, the best that they can do is draw to within two points of Muangthong. Last season's two league and cup games between the duo ended with home wins on Buriram soil, although the Chonburi faithful will be quick to point out that the last two meetings at other venues have gone their way. The Sharks are still a good outside bet for the TPL crown and a win on Sunday would hoist them above Buriram into second place. They would still be seven points behind leaders MTU albeit with a game in hand.
The Home of Gentlemen welcomes the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly on Sunday evening as well. It would have made more sense for me to have played this match on Saturday evening so that the Army could attract more local football fans. I'm sure when Sunday comes, many potential spectators will take the easy option of sitting in front of the TV to watch the other match rather than traipsing along to the Army Stadium. Or is it just me that would like to watch both games?
Division 1
(Sunday)
FC Phuket v Chantaburi
JW Rangsit v Saraburi
FC Phuket have the chance to move out of the drop zone for the first time since the early weeks of the season. Their home game against Chantaburi should be a formality, providing the Hares turn up!
JW Rangsit have still to reach double figures in points yet they could haul themselves closer to safety if they won their couple of games in hand. This Sunday they take on Saraburi who are perched just outside the relegation placings.
Division 2
(Friday)
Rangsit FC v Globex
(Saturday)
Bangkok Christian v Kasem Bundit
Krung Thonburi v Luk Esan
Rayong Utd v Thai Honda
Samut Prakan Utd v Central Lions
(Sunday)
Samut Sakhon v Nonthaburi
Kasetsart v R-BEC
North Bangkok v Customs Utd
Chamchuri Utd v Assumption Thonburi
It's top versus bottom as leaders Samut Sakhon welcome Nonthaburi. The Proud Junk Ship have collected 25 out of a possible 27 points at home and have only conceded one goal in the process. The Eka on the other hand have collected a paltry 2 points from 24 on the road.
Form team Kasetsart take on an R-BEC side that hasn't travelled well while the tie of the weekend has to be third placed Rayong United against Thai Honda in fourth. Both sides have topped the table recently but they have both unexpectedly dropped points against lowly opposition too.
AFC U-22 Asian Championship Qualifying
Thailand v DPR Korea (23 June)
Thailand v Cambodia (25 June)
Thailand v Laos (28 June)
Thailand v China (30 June)
Thailand v Hong Kong (3 July)
For daily updates on this tournament, you can check Thai League Football and/or listen to Matt Riley's Twenty Four Hours in Thai Football.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Air Force United 0-2 Krabi
An early and a late goal were enough to give Krabi a 2-0 victory over first division strugglers Air Force at the Thupathemi Stadium.
Thaweephong stroked home from close range for the Energy in ten minutes after Devala Gorrick had twice blocked previous attempts.
With about ten minutes left, a low cross from the right channel was flicked on by Lopes to set up Aran who gleefully netted to end the contest.
In between the goals, Annan's fierce first half shot for Air Force flew inches wide while Krabi almost doubled their lead in the second period with an inswinging free kick that stuck the crossbar.
Air Force's hopes of salvaging an unlikely late point were dashed as Theerawat saved a late penalty from Kouassi Yao Herman to complete a disheartening night for the Airmen.
Both sides' seasons now hinge on how they perform in the transfer window. Air Force to me, look about 50/50 whether or not they'll stay up. The same could be said of Krabi as they bid to enter the TPL. The addition of loan signing John Mary could be the final piece in the jigsaw. Only time will tell!!
Thaweephong stroked home from close range for the Energy in ten minutes after Devala Gorrick had twice blocked previous attempts.
With about ten minutes left, a low cross from the right channel was flicked on by Lopes to set up Aran who gleefully netted to end the contest.
In between the goals, Annan's fierce first half shot for Air Force flew inches wide while Krabi almost doubled their lead in the second period with an inswinging free kick that stuck the crossbar.
Air Force's hopes of salvaging an unlikely late point were dashed as Theerawat saved a late penalty from Kouassi Yao Herman to complete a disheartening night for the Airmen.
Both sides' seasons now hinge on how they perform in the transfer window. Air Force to me, look about 50/50 whether or not they'll stay up. The same could be said of Krabi as they bid to enter the TPL. The addition of loan signing John Mary could be the final piece in the jigsaw. Only time will tell!!
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| Look at the second from right. The mascot is as tall as the Krabi player. |
Monday, June 18, 2012
Weekend Review 16-17 June
TPL
TTM 0-2 Buriram Utd
First half goals from Achaempong and Ekkachai helped Buriram United ease to a 2-0 victory over TTM. The result preserved Buriram's perfect away record and moved them into second place above BEC Tero. Incidentally the pair will meet at the Thephasadin on Wednesday evening as they both bid to catch up on leaders Muangthong United.
As for TTM, only 2,246 spectators turned up to witness the tobacco monopoly's sixth successive blank at home. At this moment in time, I can only envisage one outcome for them at the end of the season.
Division 1
Bangkok Utd 2-0 Khon Kaen
FC Phuket 2-1 Bangkok FC
Songkla 0-0 Pattalung
Two goals from Romain Gasmi helped Bangkok United beat Khon Kaen 2-0. A torrential downpour at kick off meant the game was delayed for roughly 30 minutes. The first goal was certainly attributed to the weather conditions as Piyawat in the Khon Kaen goal let a cross from Gasmi slip from his grasp into his own net. He wasn't particularly clever for the second either as he clumsily charged into Sompong, allowing Gasmi to convert the resultant spot kick. That win cemented the Angels into second position two points behind Ratchaburi.
FC Phuket won only their second game of the season beating Bangkok FC 2-1. The win didn't lift them out of the relegation zone, but it did bring them to within touching distance of safety. Pattalung's 0-0 draw at Songkla was good enough to move them into the refuge zone although they could fall back into the bottom five on Wednesday evening if Air Force get a point from their match with Krabi.
Div 2 (BKK)
Luk Esan 0-1 Chamchuri Utd
R-BEC 5-0 Central Lions
Assumption Thonburi 1-0 Rayong Utd
Samut Prakarn Utd 0-1 Samut Sakhon
Kasem Bundit 2-1 Customs Utd
Globex 0-2 Bangkok Christian
Thai Honda 2-2 Krung Thonburi
North Bangkok 2-3 Rangsit FC
Nonthaburi 1-4 Kasetsart
The shock of the weekend had to be leaders Rayong United's loss to lowly Assumption Thonburi. That defeat left the league leadership up for grabs and Samut Sakhon duly accepted it as they edged out Samut Prakarn Utd 1-0.
Kasetsart are in the play off places for the first time this season after they won 4-1 at Nonthaburi. Thai Honda dropped to fourth after they were unexpectedly held to a 2-2 draw by Krung Thonburi.
R-BEC finally rediscovered their early season winning ways as they tamed the Central Lions 5-0 and Chamchuri enjoyed an away success at Luk Esan winning 1-0 despite finishing the rain soaked contest with only 9 players.
TTM 0-2 Buriram Utd
First half goals from Achaempong and Ekkachai helped Buriram United ease to a 2-0 victory over TTM. The result preserved Buriram's perfect away record and moved them into second place above BEC Tero. Incidentally the pair will meet at the Thephasadin on Wednesday evening as they both bid to catch up on leaders Muangthong United.
As for TTM, only 2,246 spectators turned up to witness the tobacco monopoly's sixth successive blank at home. At this moment in time, I can only envisage one outcome for them at the end of the season.
Division 1
Bangkok Utd 2-0 Khon Kaen
FC Phuket 2-1 Bangkok FC
Songkla 0-0 Pattalung
Two goals from Romain Gasmi helped Bangkok United beat Khon Kaen 2-0. A torrential downpour at kick off meant the game was delayed for roughly 30 minutes. The first goal was certainly attributed to the weather conditions as Piyawat in the Khon Kaen goal let a cross from Gasmi slip from his grasp into his own net. He wasn't particularly clever for the second either as he clumsily charged into Sompong, allowing Gasmi to convert the resultant spot kick. That win cemented the Angels into second position two points behind Ratchaburi.
FC Phuket won only their second game of the season beating Bangkok FC 2-1. The win didn't lift them out of the relegation zone, but it did bring them to within touching distance of safety. Pattalung's 0-0 draw at Songkla was good enough to move them into the refuge zone although they could fall back into the bottom five on Wednesday evening if Air Force get a point from their match with Krabi.
Div 2 (BKK)
Luk Esan 0-1 Chamchuri Utd
R-BEC 5-0 Central Lions
Assumption Thonburi 1-0 Rayong Utd
Samut Prakarn Utd 0-1 Samut Sakhon
Kasem Bundit 2-1 Customs Utd
Globex 0-2 Bangkok Christian
Thai Honda 2-2 Krung Thonburi
North Bangkok 2-3 Rangsit FC
Nonthaburi 1-4 Kasetsart
The shock of the weekend had to be leaders Rayong United's loss to lowly Assumption Thonburi. That defeat left the league leadership up for grabs and Samut Sakhon duly accepted it as they edged out Samut Prakarn Utd 1-0.
Kasetsart are in the play off places for the first time this season after they won 4-1 at Nonthaburi. Thai Honda dropped to fourth after they were unexpectedly held to a 2-2 draw by Krung Thonburi.
R-BEC finally rediscovered their early season winning ways as they tamed the Central Lions 5-0 and Chamchuri enjoyed an away success at Luk Esan winning 1-0 despite finishing the rain soaked contest with only 9 players.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Weekend Preview 16-17 June
TPL
TTM v Buriram Utd (Sunday)
Buriram United have been playing with supreme confidence away from home in the TPL with a 100% winning record from three games. Meanwhile, TTM haven't found the net at home in five attempts and their stale brand of football has yet to arouse the Chiang Mai public. Surely there will be only one winner in this match!!
Division 1
(Saturday)
Bangkok Utd v Khon Kaen
(Sunday)
FC Phuket v Bangkok FC
Songkla v Pattalung
The Bangkok Angels have the chance to close within two points of leaders Ratchaburi and more importantly, they can open a four point gap on fourth placed Suphanburi if they can defeat the T-Rex on Saturday evening in Din Daeng.
Songkla should fancy their chances of beating an imploding Pattalung club who have been asset stripping themselves during the last couple of weeks. The Swiftlets currently occupy the fifth relegation spot and flying back into the safety net doesn't seem conceivable at this point. Another team from the south in relegation danger and financial dire straits are FC Phuket. They'll meet a Bangkok FC team which did the double over them last season scoring 9 goals in the process.
Div 2 (BKK)
Luk Esan v Chamchuri Utd
R-BEC v Central Lions
Assumption Thonburi v Rayong Utd
Samut Prakarn Utd v Samut Sakhon
Kasem Bundit v Customs Utd
(Sunday)
Globex v Bangkok Christian
Thai Honda v Krung Thonburi
North Bangkok v Rangsit FC
Nonthaburi v Kasetsart
The Bangkok region of the second division enters its second leg with Toyota League Cup giant killers Kasetsart and Customs Utd back in league action. Kasetsart produced the shock of the league cup when they hammered Esan United 4-0 while Customs knocked out BBCU 3-2. This weekend, Kasetsart have no room for complacency as they visit struggling Nonthaburi. Customs have a more difficult task at mid-table Kasem Bundit.
League toppers, Rayong United, begin the second stage with a winnable game at Assumption Thonburi while the other Thonburi side, Krung Thonburi, travel to third placed Thai Honda who caused the mighty Muangthong a brief scare last weekend when they took the lead against the TPL leaders before eventually being pipped 2-1 in the league cup.
Samut Sakhon in second visit a Samut Prakarn Utd side that had a storming second half last season and just fell short of reaching the play-offs at the final hurdle. For me, the Crab Devils are already too far off the pace to make a similar burst this season.
TTM v Buriram Utd (Sunday)
Buriram United have been playing with supreme confidence away from home in the TPL with a 100% winning record from three games. Meanwhile, TTM haven't found the net at home in five attempts and their stale brand of football has yet to arouse the Chiang Mai public. Surely there will be only one winner in this match!!
Division 1
(Saturday)
Bangkok Utd v Khon Kaen
(Sunday)
FC Phuket v Bangkok FC
Songkla v Pattalung
The Bangkok Angels have the chance to close within two points of leaders Ratchaburi and more importantly, they can open a four point gap on fourth placed Suphanburi if they can defeat the T-Rex on Saturday evening in Din Daeng.
Songkla should fancy their chances of beating an imploding Pattalung club who have been asset stripping themselves during the last couple of weeks. The Swiftlets currently occupy the fifth relegation spot and flying back into the safety net doesn't seem conceivable at this point. Another team from the south in relegation danger and financial dire straits are FC Phuket. They'll meet a Bangkok FC team which did the double over them last season scoring 9 goals in the process.
Div 2 (BKK)
Luk Esan v Chamchuri Utd
R-BEC v Central Lions
Assumption Thonburi v Rayong Utd
Samut Prakarn Utd v Samut Sakhon
Kasem Bundit v Customs Utd
(Sunday)
Globex v Bangkok Christian
Thai Honda v Krung Thonburi
North Bangkok v Rangsit FC
Nonthaburi v Kasetsart
The Bangkok region of the second division enters its second leg with Toyota League Cup giant killers Kasetsart and Customs Utd back in league action. Kasetsart produced the shock of the league cup when they hammered Esan United 4-0 while Customs knocked out BBCU 3-2. This weekend, Kasetsart have no room for complacency as they visit struggling Nonthaburi. Customs have a more difficult task at mid-table Kasem Bundit.
League toppers, Rayong United, begin the second stage with a winnable game at Assumption Thonburi while the other Thonburi side, Krung Thonburi, travel to third placed Thai Honda who caused the mighty Muangthong a brief scare last weekend when they took the lead against the TPL leaders before eventually being pipped 2-1 in the league cup.
Samut Sakhon in second visit a Samut Prakarn Utd side that had a storming second half last season and just fell short of reaching the play-offs at the final hurdle. For me, the Crab Devils are already too far off the pace to make a similar burst this season.
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