TPL
(Saturday)
TOT v BBCU
Chainat v Osotspa Saraburi
Bangkok Glass v Army
Thai Port v Wuachon
BEC Tero v Chonburi
(Sunday)
Samut Songkhram v Muangthong
TTM v Pattaya Utd
Chiang Rai Utd v Police Utd
Esan Utd v Buriram Utd
This weekend marks the end of Leg 1 with match-ups this round being reversed next Wednesday due to the fixtures for Leg 2 being mirrored.
Muangthong will see their double header with Samut Songkhram as an opportunity to haul six points although the color of money may be the Kirins biggest enemy. According to sources, Samut Songkhram players have the lure of a 1M baht bonus from their sponsors if they can beat MTU in their next two games. The Mae Khlong players already pocketed a 500K perk for winning at Chonburi, so beating SMS may be more difficult than anticipated for Muangthong.
Chonburi produced a stunning comeback on Wednesday against Chainat to head the chasing pack. However, the pursuing group will take points off each other as BEC Tero host Chonburi and Bangkok Glass take on Army. Tero have lost their last seven TPL meetings with Chonburi while Army have never beaten Bangkok Glass in the TPL although they did mange to hold BG to 1-1 draws on both occasions last season.
Buriram United fans will make the rare trip eastwards as they travel to Ubon Ratchathani. Esan United haven't particularly caught the eye but they do sit in the top half of the league. In recent matches, Buririam have only collected five points from their last five fixtures while Esan Utd have doubled that total in their last five.
At the foot, there are plenty of clashes of interest which could reshape the bottom of the league table over the next few days. TOT, who haven't won in six, won't anticipate stretching that run to eight with two meetings against BBCU. Chiang Rai Utd and Police will both be looking for four points against each other as will Chainat and Osotspa. Thai Port's splendid win over Buriram appears to have been a one off exploit as they have failed to find the net in their last two TPL games. The Klong Toei side have struggled creatively without the injured Alex Ruella. Nevertheless, at least Port have scored some goals in front of their home support unlike TTM who have yet to break their duck. Pattaya are the latest side to face the TTM (mis)firing line.
Division 1
(Saturday)
Sriracha v Khon Kaen
Saraburi v Bangkok Utd
Air Force Utd v Raj Pracha
Chantaburi v PTT Rayong
(Sunday)
Siam Navy v Krabi
Bangkok FC v Suphanburi
Pattalung v Korat
Ratchaburi v JW Rangsit
FC Phuket v Songkla
As with the TPL, the Division 1 schedule has been flipped. After Wednesday night's games, the top 2 of Ratchaburi and Krabi have put some daylight between themselves and the rest. The Dragons have the easier couple of matches coming up as they take on JW Rangsit while Krabi face tougher tests against Siam Navy.
A few weeks ago, Suphanburi's coach said he'd step aside if his side weren't in the top 3 at the end of Leg 1. At this moment his job is safe by one point as the big spending side cling on to third place. Come Monday that might not be the case as the Warriors face Zico's resurgent Bulligans. Standing in line to replace Suphanburi are Sriracha, Bangkok United or PTT Rayong.
At the other end, with Chantaburi as good as gone, the next two clubs propping up the league, Raj Pracha and Air Force, have what could be described as a 12 pointer in the next few days. The struggling duo have a rich history within the Thai game and unless both show an upturn of form in leg 2, then they'll have uninspiring trips to Central Lions and Krung Thonburi looming next term. The other two sides filling up the bottom five are FC Phuket and JW Rangsit. The Islanders will stay in the south for the next two as they tussle with Songkla while as mentioned earlier, JW will most likely stay in the relegation spots after their encounters with leaders Ratchaburi.
Division 2 Bangkok
(Saturday)
Samut Prakarn Utd v Rangsit FC
Krung Thonburi v Central Lions
Nonthaburi v Kasem Bundit
Chamchuri Utd v Samut Sakhon
(Sunday)
Luk Esan v Customs Utd
Assumption Thonburi v Bangkok Christian
R-BEC v Globex
Thai Honda v North Bangkok
Rayong Utd v Kasetsart
The noteworthy contest this time out is Rayong United v Kasetsart. Back in the early weeks of the season when Rayong Utd were formerly known as Prachinburi Utd, they defeated Kasetsart 2-1 as last season's champions endured a sluggish start. Kasetsart have steadily improved and if they can get through this one undefeated you'd feel the momentum would be with them with a relatively easy schedule to follow.
Thai Honda would almost certainly kill off North Bangkok's promotion bid if they beat the Horsemen on Sunday while R-BEC should be too strong for Globex. Samut Sakhon haven't been firing on all cylinders lately and they may have to settle for another solitary point as they travel to Chula Uni's Chamchuri.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Wednesday 18th July - Preview
TPL
Chonburi v Chainat
Chiang Rai Utd v Pattaya
Chonburi aim to bounce back from their disappointing 2-1 loss to Samut Songkhram last Saturday. The Sharks currently sit eight points behind runaway leaders Muangthong, and three points are necessary for Chonburi to keep things interesting at the top. Surprisingly, their opponents, Chainat, are unbeaten on the road with three wins and four draws from their seven away fixtures. Last time out Chainat beat BBCU 1-0 at the Rajamangala despite not playing particularly well.
I'd imagine Chiang Rai United and Pattaya will be disappointed when they look at their positions in the league table. The Fighting Beetles would have been aiming for a top half finish this season after they easily consolidated their top flight status in their maiden TPL season. Just now CR Utd are currently in 13th position. Pattaya had a storming second half to the season last year and they defied all expectations to finish in a lofty fourth position. The most optimistic of Dolphin fans wouldn't have been expecting to challenge for the title this season, but they would have been hopeful of keeping tabs with sides like Army and BG. Currently Pattaya are in the lower half of the table although they could move back into the top half with a victory at the United Stadium.
Division 1
Siam Navy v Bangkok FC
Krabi v Chantaburi
Songkla v Ratchaburi
JW Rangsit v Air Force
Raj Pracha v Pattalung
Korat v Saraburi
Khon Kaen v Suphanburi
It's been a dramatic week for Pattalung FC. Last Thursday, the club was reported to have been abolished by the owner yet on the following day, he had a change of heart and decided to keep the club afloat. Since then the club has been frantically trying to find players eligible for leg 1 to field a team of 11 for Wednesday's match at Raj Pracha. For Raj Pracha it's also been a difficult few weeks with rumours of unpaid salaries and news that their coach will step down / be fired after leg 1 has finished. Troubled times indeed!!
Meanwhile, heads at the top of the table will turn southwards as leaders Ratchaburi travel to Songkla and second placed Krabi should be a nailed on certainty for three points as they host a beleaguered Chantaburi.
In the north east, we have the Khao Yai derby as the neighbouring provinces of Korat and Saraburi meet for the first of their double headers this month. Another adjacent province to Korat - Khon Kaen - sees the T-Rex get it on with Suphanburi.
Zico aims to make it two wins out of two for his Bangkok FC outfit, but he'll be up against a Siam Navy side which has shown steady improvement in recent weeks. The final tie has the ex-tennats of the Thupatemi, JW Rangsit, hosting the temporary, homeless owners of the Thupathemi, Air Force United, at a military school in Nakhon Nayok town.
Chonburi v Chainat
Chiang Rai Utd v Pattaya
Chonburi aim to bounce back from their disappointing 2-1 loss to Samut Songkhram last Saturday. The Sharks currently sit eight points behind runaway leaders Muangthong, and three points are necessary for Chonburi to keep things interesting at the top. Surprisingly, their opponents, Chainat, are unbeaten on the road with three wins and four draws from their seven away fixtures. Last time out Chainat beat BBCU 1-0 at the Rajamangala despite not playing particularly well.
I'd imagine Chiang Rai United and Pattaya will be disappointed when they look at their positions in the league table. The Fighting Beetles would have been aiming for a top half finish this season after they easily consolidated their top flight status in their maiden TPL season. Just now CR Utd are currently in 13th position. Pattaya had a storming second half to the season last year and they defied all expectations to finish in a lofty fourth position. The most optimistic of Dolphin fans wouldn't have been expecting to challenge for the title this season, but they would have been hopeful of keeping tabs with sides like Army and BG. Currently Pattaya are in the lower half of the table although they could move back into the top half with a victory at the United Stadium.
Division 1
Siam Navy v Bangkok FC
Krabi v Chantaburi
Songkla v Ratchaburi
JW Rangsit v Air Force
Raj Pracha v Pattalung
Korat v Saraburi
Khon Kaen v Suphanburi
It's been a dramatic week for Pattalung FC. Last Thursday, the club was reported to have been abolished by the owner yet on the following day, he had a change of heart and decided to keep the club afloat. Since then the club has been frantically trying to find players eligible for leg 1 to field a team of 11 for Wednesday's match at Raj Pracha. For Raj Pracha it's also been a difficult few weeks with rumours of unpaid salaries and news that their coach will step down / be fired after leg 1 has finished. Troubled times indeed!!
Meanwhile, heads at the top of the table will turn southwards as leaders Ratchaburi travel to Songkla and second placed Krabi should be a nailed on certainty for three points as they host a beleaguered Chantaburi.
In the north east, we have the Khao Yai derby as the neighbouring provinces of Korat and Saraburi meet for the first of their double headers this month. Another adjacent province to Korat - Khon Kaen - sees the T-Rex get it on with Suphanburi.
Zico aims to make it two wins out of two for his Bangkok FC outfit, but he'll be up against a Siam Navy side which has shown steady improvement in recent weeks. The final tie has the ex-tennats of the Thupatemi, JW Rangsit, hosting the temporary, homeless owners of the Thupathemi, Air Force United, at a military school in Nakhon Nayok town.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Weekend Review 14-15 July
TPL
Chonburi 1-2 Samut Songkhram
BBCU 0-1 Chainat
Buriram Utd 2-2 Police
Muangthong 3-0 TTM
Wuachon Utd 1-2 BEC Tero
Army 1-0 Thai Port
Osotspa Saraburi 1-3 Bangkok Glass
Esan Utd 1-1 TOT
Muangthong United were the big winners this weekend as their comfortable 3-0 win over TTM saw them move eight points clear at the top. Closest challengers Chonburi and Buriram United slipped up as the Sharks lost 2-1 at home to lowly Samut Songkhram while the Thunder Castle twice threw away a goal advantage as they were held 2-2 by Police United at the New I-Mobile stadium.
The chasing pack of BEC Tero, Bangkok Glass and Army all enjoyed victories to close the gap between second and sixth to just three points. BEC and BG both had away day successes while Army edged out Thai Port 1-0 in Din Daeng.
Below the top six, only seven points separate ten clubs between Esan United in 7th and Samut Songkram in 16th. Chainat bought themselves some space as they won 1-0 at BBCU and Esan United came from behind to earn a 1-1 with TOT to stretch the telephone boys winless run to six games.
Division 1
PTT Rayong 6-0 FC Phuket
Air Force Utd 0-1 Songkla
Sriracha 4-0 Bangkok Utd
Sriracha's 4-0 pummelling of Bangkok United saw them leapfrog the Bangkok Angels into fourth place. Sasom's side have came up short in the last two weeks as they've suffered heavy losses to promotion rivals Sriracha and Suphanburi.
PTT Rayong kept in touch of the top five as three goals in each half left Phuket firmly embedded in the scrap zone at the bottom. Air Force United's first league game at North Bangkok University was a largely forgettable one as they lost 1-0 to mid-table Songkla.
Division 2 BKK
Krung Thonburi 2-1 Chamchuri Utd
Luk Esan 1-0 Central Lions
Assumption Thonburi 1-1 Samut Sakhon
Nonthaburi 1-1 Rangsit FC
Rayong Utd 0-0 Customs Utd
Thai Honda 2-1 Bangkok Christian
Kasem Bundit 0-1 Globex
R-BEC 4-0 North Bangkok
Samut Prakarn Utd 1-2 Kasetsart
It appears to be any three from five as the Bangkok region promotion chase livens up. R-BEC posted the biggest win of the weekend as they beat North Bangkok 4-0. Thai Honda and Kasetsart both enjoyed 2-1 wins while Samut Sakhon earned a reasonable point at improving Assumption Thonburi. Rayong United will consider their home stalemate with Customs as two points dropped as they relinquished their holding on the top spot.
Chonburi 1-2 Samut Songkhram
BBCU 0-1 Chainat
Buriram Utd 2-2 Police
Muangthong 3-0 TTM
Wuachon Utd 1-2 BEC Tero
Army 1-0 Thai Port
Osotspa Saraburi 1-3 Bangkok Glass
Esan Utd 1-1 TOT
Muangthong United were the big winners this weekend as their comfortable 3-0 win over TTM saw them move eight points clear at the top. Closest challengers Chonburi and Buriram United slipped up as the Sharks lost 2-1 at home to lowly Samut Songkhram while the Thunder Castle twice threw away a goal advantage as they were held 2-2 by Police United at the New I-Mobile stadium.
The chasing pack of BEC Tero, Bangkok Glass and Army all enjoyed victories to close the gap between second and sixth to just three points. BEC and BG both had away day successes while Army edged out Thai Port 1-0 in Din Daeng.
Below the top six, only seven points separate ten clubs between Esan United in 7th and Samut Songkram in 16th. Chainat bought themselves some space as they won 1-0 at BBCU and Esan United came from behind to earn a 1-1 with TOT to stretch the telephone boys winless run to six games.
Division 1
PTT Rayong 6-0 FC Phuket
Air Force Utd 0-1 Songkla
Sriracha 4-0 Bangkok Utd
Sriracha's 4-0 pummelling of Bangkok United saw them leapfrog the Bangkok Angels into fourth place. Sasom's side have came up short in the last two weeks as they've suffered heavy losses to promotion rivals Sriracha and Suphanburi.
PTT Rayong kept in touch of the top five as three goals in each half left Phuket firmly embedded in the scrap zone at the bottom. Air Force United's first league game at North Bangkok University was a largely forgettable one as they lost 1-0 to mid-table Songkla.
Division 2 BKK
Krung Thonburi 2-1 Chamchuri Utd
Luk Esan 1-0 Central Lions
Assumption Thonburi 1-1 Samut Sakhon
Nonthaburi 1-1 Rangsit FC
Rayong Utd 0-0 Customs Utd
Thai Honda 2-1 Bangkok Christian
Kasem Bundit 0-1 Globex
R-BEC 4-0 North Bangkok
Samut Prakarn Utd 1-2 Kasetsart
It appears to be any three from five as the Bangkok region promotion chase livens up. R-BEC posted the biggest win of the weekend as they beat North Bangkok 4-0. Thai Honda and Kasetsart both enjoyed 2-1 wins while Samut Sakhon earned a reasonable point at improving Assumption Thonburi. Rayong United will consider their home stalemate with Customs as two points dropped as they relinquished their holding on the top spot.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Army United 1-0 Thai Port
Danny Invincible scored with a header 10 minutes from time as Army United ground out a 1-0 victory over relegation threatened Thai Port.
Bjorn Lindemann spurned a great chance for Army as he scooped over the bar from close in as the first half passed by in unspectacular fashion.
After the break, Army's most likely route to goal appeared to be from set pieces yet it was Kosin in the host's goal who had to make two blocks from Bawe and Thongchai as the game finally came to life in the last quarter.
Army, though, finally got the breakthrough when Tony Costa crossed from the left for Invincible to fire a header home.
The game turned ugly towards the end as a clash between Mario Silva and Danny Invincible produced a scuffle on the near touchline. There appeared to have been a couple of slaps thrown although the intervening match officials and coaching staff did just enough to stop a mass brawl erupting.
Defeat leaves Thai Port just two points above safety whilst Army, who remain unbeaten in seven league games, remain sixth but more notably move to within three points of second placed Buriram United.
Bjorn Lindemann spurned a great chance for Army as he scooped over the bar from close in as the first half passed by in unspectacular fashion.
After the break, Army's most likely route to goal appeared to be from set pieces yet it was Kosin in the host's goal who had to make two blocks from Bawe and Thongchai as the game finally came to life in the last quarter.
Army, though, finally got the breakthrough when Tony Costa crossed from the left for Invincible to fire a header home.
The game turned ugly towards the end as a clash between Mario Silva and Danny Invincible produced a scuffle on the near touchline. There appeared to have been a couple of slaps thrown although the intervening match officials and coaching staff did just enough to stop a mass brawl erupting.
Defeat leaves Thai Port just two points above safety whilst Army, who remain unbeaten in seven league games, remain sixth but more notably move to within three points of second placed Buriram United.
Chonburi 1-2 Samut Songkhram
Samut Songkhram upset the apple cart as their surprise 2-1 victory inflicted Chonburi's first home defeat of the season.
Pipob nodded the Blue Sharks infront after 10 minutes after he latched onto a cross from the left that had been headed back across goal by Diakite. Replays show that the Chonburi striker was a yard offside as he netted.
After the goal, it looked like it would be a routine victory for the title challengers, but they were dealt a body blow on the half hour mark as Chonburi's covering right back, Kushida, was easily brushed off the ball by Zezinando, and the Portuguese man cut back for Decha to level matters.
Chonburi's early zest was waring off, and shortly before the break, the Mae Klong side stunned the home support as Narat went alone to give the relegation threatened side a 2-1 half time lead.
Ten minutes after the break, Samut Songkram were reduced to 10 men after Lee Han Kuk was shown two yellow cards within the space of a few seconds. The first was for back heeling the ball away after a free kick had been awarded to Chonburi and the second was for a light push on the ref. Both very soft, but under the letter of the law, the Korean should really have had no complaints.
Despite the man advantage, Chonburi never forced Puthasas into a save although Diakite and Pipob (twice) went close with glancing headers as the away side defended resolutely.
It was a precious win for Samut Songkhram and if they keep playing like this they should avoid the drop.
For Chonburi fans, it was a frustrating evening as they wasted a golden opportunity to close the gap on TPL leaders Muangthong United.
 |
| Early pressure |
Pipob nodded the Blue Sharks infront after 10 minutes after he latched onto a cross from the left that had been headed back across goal by Diakite. Replays show that the Chonburi striker was a yard offside as he netted.
After the goal, it looked like it would be a routine victory for the title challengers, but they were dealt a body blow on the half hour mark as Chonburi's covering right back, Kushida, was easily brushed off the ball by Zezinando, and the Portuguese man cut back for Decha to level matters.
Chonburi's early zest was waring off, and shortly before the break, the Mae Klong side stunned the home support as Narat went alone to give the relegation threatened side a 2-1 half time lead.
 |
| Sending off |
 |
| No way through |
It was a precious win for Samut Songkhram and if they keep playing like this they should avoid the drop.
For Chonburi fans, it was a frustrating evening as they wasted a golden opportunity to close the gap on TPL leaders Muangthong United.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Weekend Preview 14-15 July & TLC Results
TPL
(Saturday)
Chonburi v Samut Songkhram
BBCU v Chainat
(Sunday)
Buriram Utd v Police
Muangthong v TTM
Wuachon Utd v BEC Tero
Army v Thai Port
Osotspa Saraburi v Bangkok Glass
Esan Utd v TOT
Chonburi will move to within two points of Muangthong this Saturday evening provided the form book follows its script. The Sharks have won five TPL games on the spin and failure to pick up all three points against Samut Songkhram would be seen as a massive body blow. The other Saturday fixture sees struggling BBCU hosting Chainat. As anticipated, BBCU have found life in the TPL difficult since promotion last season while Chainat have adjusted to the higher league slightly better although I'm sure their coaching staff will be disappointed not to have a few more points in the bag.
On Sunday, Muangthong should (on paper, anyway) have their easiest game of the season as they host basement dwellers TTM.You'd expect TTM to "park the bus" in front of their goal but unfortunately for the Chiang Mai side it's extremely doubtful that they'll be able to hang onto a 0-0 for 90 minutes. Buriram United welcome a Police side who have played 75% of their games as away fixtures. It's not surprising that the Crimson Cops are just one place and two points above the prospect doing at least a year's stretch in the first division.
Last weekend Army United and Thai Port both started without any recognized strikers in their line-ups and hence fought out tepid 0-0 draws. It wouldn't surprise me if this one is another low scoring affair. Whilst on the subjects of stalemates, BEC Tero's last two matches have ended goalless and they visit the Fighting Bulls in Songkla who drew 4-4 with Samut Songkhram last Sunday.
Bangkok Glass have lost their three previous trips to Osotspa in the TPL yet Glass will see this fixture as a prime opportunity to end this losing sequence with Osotspa currently in a patchy run of form. Esan have won their last three at home and they'll be expected to beat a TOT side that has only picked up three points out of the last fifteen available.
Division 1
(Saturday)
PTT Rayong v FC Phuket
(Sunday)
Air Force Utd v Songkla
Sriracha v Bangkok Utd
Only three matches this weekend with the most significant one being Sriracha v Bangkok United. This game was switched to Sriracha due to maintenance being completed at the Thai Japanese Stadium. Both sides sit just outside the promotion zone with Sriracha in fifth and Bkk Utd one place higher in fourth. Any slip ups by either club would allow sixth place PTT Rayong the chance to close the gap if the Petroleum Authority can beat FC Phuket.
The other match between Air Force and Songkla will be played at North Bangkok University and not the Airman's regular home at the Thupathemi.
Division 2 BKK
(Saturday)
Krung Thonburi v Chamchuri Utd
Luk Esan v Central Lions
Assumption Thonburi v Samut Sakhon
Nonthaburi v Rangsit FC
Rayong Utd v Customs Utd
(Sunday)
Thai Honda v Bangkok Christian
Kasem Bundit v Globex
R-BEC v North Bangkok
Samut Prakarn Utd v Kasetsart
If Assumption Thonburi v Samut Sakhon had been played in the first leg of the season, it would have been seen as an away banker. However on current form, Assumption will start as favorites as the Proud Junk Ship of Samut Sakhon aim to keep their promotion bid afloat after it has encountered some choppy waters recently.
The top 2 of Rayong United and Thai Honda have home games which they should win while fourth placed Kasetsart have a tricky tie at Samut Prakarn United. R-BEC and North Bangkok remain on the edge of the promotion race with 38 points each and they pair clash at Ladprao 107 this Sunday.
Toyota League Cup - Round 2
Korat 1-2 Muangthong
Kasetsart 1-2 Wuachon (AET)
Samut Prakarn Utd 1-1 FC Phuket (SPK won 4-3 on pens)
Lopburi 0-1 TTM (AET)
Petchaburi 0-4 Chonburi
NSRU 0-4 Chiang Rai Utd
Songkla 2-2 TOT (TOT won 4-3 on pens)
Customs 1-1 Krabi (Customs won 4-3 on pens)
Pattalung 2-4 Bangkok Glass
Pattani 2-1 Osotspa
Suphanburi 2-0 Samut Songkhram
Khon Kaen 0-2 Thai Port
Lamphun Warriors 1-2 BEC Tero
Hat Yai 0-1 Buriram Utd
Trat 2-3 Ratchaburi
Air Force 1-3 Pattaya
Pattani produced the biggest upset of the round as they beat TPL's Osotspa 2-1. Also notable mentions must go to Customs and Samut Prakarn United of the regional leagues who also advanced into the last 16 with penalty wins over Division 1 opponents. Suphanburi of the first division knocked out Samut Songkhram of the TPL with a 2-0 victory, but you could hardly call this one an upset.
The heavyweight trio of MTU, Buriram and Chonburi all progressed as did local sides BEC Tero, Thai Port, Bangkok Glass and TOT.
(Saturday)
Chonburi v Samut Songkhram
BBCU v Chainat
(Sunday)
Buriram Utd v Police
Muangthong v TTM
Wuachon Utd v BEC Tero
Army v Thai Port
Osotspa Saraburi v Bangkok Glass
Esan Utd v TOT
Chonburi will move to within two points of Muangthong this Saturday evening provided the form book follows its script. The Sharks have won five TPL games on the spin and failure to pick up all three points against Samut Songkhram would be seen as a massive body blow. The other Saturday fixture sees struggling BBCU hosting Chainat. As anticipated, BBCU have found life in the TPL difficult since promotion last season while Chainat have adjusted to the higher league slightly better although I'm sure their coaching staff will be disappointed not to have a few more points in the bag.
On Sunday, Muangthong should (on paper, anyway) have their easiest game of the season as they host basement dwellers TTM.You'd expect TTM to "park the bus" in front of their goal but unfortunately for the Chiang Mai side it's extremely doubtful that they'll be able to hang onto a 0-0 for 90 minutes. Buriram United welcome a Police side who have played 75% of their games as away fixtures. It's not surprising that the Crimson Cops are just one place and two points above the prospect doing at least a year's stretch in the first division.
Last weekend Army United and Thai Port both started without any recognized strikers in their line-ups and hence fought out tepid 0-0 draws. It wouldn't surprise me if this one is another low scoring affair. Whilst on the subjects of stalemates, BEC Tero's last two matches have ended goalless and they visit the Fighting Bulls in Songkla who drew 4-4 with Samut Songkhram last Sunday.
Bangkok Glass have lost their three previous trips to Osotspa in the TPL yet Glass will see this fixture as a prime opportunity to end this losing sequence with Osotspa currently in a patchy run of form. Esan have won their last three at home and they'll be expected to beat a TOT side that has only picked up three points out of the last fifteen available.
Division 1
(Saturday)
PTT Rayong v FC Phuket
(Sunday)
Air Force Utd v Songkla
Sriracha v Bangkok Utd
Only three matches this weekend with the most significant one being Sriracha v Bangkok United. This game was switched to Sriracha due to maintenance being completed at the Thai Japanese Stadium. Both sides sit just outside the promotion zone with Sriracha in fifth and Bkk Utd one place higher in fourth. Any slip ups by either club would allow sixth place PTT Rayong the chance to close the gap if the Petroleum Authority can beat FC Phuket.
The other match between Air Force and Songkla will be played at North Bangkok University and not the Airman's regular home at the Thupathemi.
Division 2 BKK
(Saturday)
Krung Thonburi v Chamchuri Utd
Luk Esan v Central Lions
Assumption Thonburi v Samut Sakhon
Nonthaburi v Rangsit FC
Rayong Utd v Customs Utd
(Sunday)
Thai Honda v Bangkok Christian
Kasem Bundit v Globex
R-BEC v North Bangkok
Samut Prakarn Utd v Kasetsart
If Assumption Thonburi v Samut Sakhon had been played in the first leg of the season, it would have been seen as an away banker. However on current form, Assumption will start as favorites as the Proud Junk Ship of Samut Sakhon aim to keep their promotion bid afloat after it has encountered some choppy waters recently.
The top 2 of Rayong United and Thai Honda have home games which they should win while fourth placed Kasetsart have a tricky tie at Samut Prakarn United. R-BEC and North Bangkok remain on the edge of the promotion race with 38 points each and they pair clash at Ladprao 107 this Sunday.
Toyota League Cup - Round 2
Korat 1-2 Muangthong
Kasetsart 1-2 Wuachon (AET)
Samut Prakarn Utd 1-1 FC Phuket (SPK won 4-3 on pens)
Lopburi 0-1 TTM (AET)
Petchaburi 0-4 Chonburi
NSRU 0-4 Chiang Rai Utd
Songkla 2-2 TOT (TOT won 4-3 on pens)
Customs 1-1 Krabi (Customs won 4-3 on pens)
Pattalung 2-4 Bangkok Glass
Pattani 2-1 Osotspa
Suphanburi 2-0 Samut Songkhram
Khon Kaen 0-2 Thai Port
Lamphun Warriors 1-2 BEC Tero
Hat Yai 0-1 Buriram Utd
Trat 2-3 Ratchaburi
Air Force 1-3 Pattaya
Pattani produced the biggest upset of the round as they beat TPL's Osotspa 2-1. Also notable mentions must go to Customs and Samut Prakarn United of the regional leagues who also advanced into the last 16 with penalty wins over Division 1 opponents. Suphanburi of the first division knocked out Samut Songkhram of the TPL with a 2-0 victory, but you could hardly call this one an upset.
The heavyweight trio of MTU, Buriram and Chonburi all progressed as did local sides BEC Tero, Thai Port, Bangkok Glass and TOT.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Toyota League Cup - Round 2
Toyota League Cup - Round 2
Korat v Muangthong
Kasetsart v Wuachon
Samut Prakarn Utd v FC Phuket
Lopburi v TTM
Petchaburi v Chonburi
NSRU v Chiang Rai Utd
Songkla v TOT
Customs v Krabi
Pattalung v Bangkok Glass
Pattani v Osotspa
Suphanburi v Samut Songkhram
Khon Kaen v Thai Port
Lamphun Warriors v BEC Tero
Hat Yai v Buriram Utd
Trat v Ratchaburi
Air Force v Pattaya
The ties are set to be played this Wednesday with kick off times varying between 15:30 and 18:30. With 10 regional league clubs still involved, expect to see at least a couple of upsets as Div 1/TPL clubs tumble out of the cup.
In Round 1, Kasetsart produced the biggest shock of the round as they dispensed of Esan United 4-0. This time they face another TPL side that has recently relocated to an alternative location in Wuachon United.
Other ties with Regional league sides against TPL opponents are Lopburi v TTM, Petchaburi v Chonburi, NSRU Paknampho v Chiang Rai United, Pattani v Osotspa, Lamphun Warriors v BEC Tero and Hat Yai v Buriram Utd. If I were to pick a banana skin out of this one it would have to be Lopburi v TTM although NSRU v Chiang Rai could be interesting. The Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University (NSRU) were in the Bangkok Division 2 last season and they did eventually finish a respectable fifth after an indifferent start. The Yellow Dragons have maintained their momentum and now sit third in the northern region albeit seven points behind runaway leaders Chiang Mai FC.
Another interesting contest is Pattalung v Bangkok Glass. The Swiftlets' ongoing problems have been well documented and the return of their recently departed coach Anurak Srikred in the BG technical area should add some extra spice to the cup tie.
There is no doubting where the highest attendance will be as Korat welcome TPL leaders Muangthong United. Locals are anticipating a five figure crowd even though some of the shine has been taken off the glamour tie after it was switched from the weekend to midweek. The Swatcats will be without Muangthong loanee Anon who has to sit it out against his parent club.
There are plenty of other ties and for those of you looking for a live TV fix, you can watch Trat v Ratchaburi live on SMMTV.
And finally, clubs with new signings for leg 2 in the TPL/Div 1 should be eligible to play their recent additions in the cup ties despite the fact they aren't permitted to play league games until the 25th of July.
Korat v Muangthong
Kasetsart v Wuachon
Samut Prakarn Utd v FC Phuket
Lopburi v TTM
Petchaburi v Chonburi
NSRU v Chiang Rai Utd
Songkla v TOT
Customs v Krabi
Pattalung v Bangkok Glass
Pattani v Osotspa
Suphanburi v Samut Songkhram
Khon Kaen v Thai Port
Lamphun Warriors v BEC Tero
Hat Yai v Buriram Utd
Trat v Ratchaburi
Air Force v Pattaya
The ties are set to be played this Wednesday with kick off times varying between 15:30 and 18:30. With 10 regional league clubs still involved, expect to see at least a couple of upsets as Div 1/TPL clubs tumble out of the cup.
In Round 1, Kasetsart produced the biggest shock of the round as they dispensed of Esan United 4-0. This time they face another TPL side that has recently relocated to an alternative location in Wuachon United.
Other ties with Regional league sides against TPL opponents are Lopburi v TTM, Petchaburi v Chonburi, NSRU Paknampho v Chiang Rai United, Pattani v Osotspa, Lamphun Warriors v BEC Tero and Hat Yai v Buriram Utd. If I were to pick a banana skin out of this one it would have to be Lopburi v TTM although NSRU v Chiang Rai could be interesting. The Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University (NSRU) were in the Bangkok Division 2 last season and they did eventually finish a respectable fifth after an indifferent start. The Yellow Dragons have maintained their momentum and now sit third in the northern region albeit seven points behind runaway leaders Chiang Mai FC.
Another interesting contest is Pattalung v Bangkok Glass. The Swiftlets' ongoing problems have been well documented and the return of their recently departed coach Anurak Srikred in the BG technical area should add some extra spice to the cup tie.
There is no doubting where the highest attendance will be as Korat welcome TPL leaders Muangthong United. Locals are anticipating a five figure crowd even though some of the shine has been taken off the glamour tie after it was switched from the weekend to midweek. The Swatcats will be without Muangthong loanee Anon who has to sit it out against his parent club.
There are plenty of other ties and for those of you looking for a live TV fix, you can watch Trat v Ratchaburi live on SMMTV.
And finally, clubs with new signings for leg 2 in the TPL/Div 1 should be eligible to play their recent additions in the cup ties despite the fact they aren't permitted to play league games until the 25th of July.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Weekend Review 7-8 July
TPL
Thai Port 0-0 Osotspa Saraburi
Chainat 1-1 Esan Utd
Pattaya Utd 1-1 Police
TTM 0-1 Chonburi
Chiang Rai Utd 1-1 Muangthong
BEC Tero 0-0 Army
Samut Songkhram 4-4 Wuachon Utd
TOT 0-1 Buriram Utd
Bangkok Glass 5-2 BBCU
Saturday's two games in the north proved pivotal as Chonburi now have their title destiny in their own hands. The Sharks are only five points behind Muangthong having played one game less. Chonburi left it very late at TTM with the only goal of the game coming in the 97th minute via a Diakite free kick. In Chiang Rai, a packed construction site witnessed Muangthong fightback to earn a point through a Gjurovski goal.
It was a slumbering Saturday elsewhere as the four other matches finished as draws. There was very little to report at the PAT and the Thephasadin as both games bored the pants off the watching spectators, while Pattaya and Chainat claimed home points with 1-1 draws against Police and Esan Utd respectively.
Whatever Saturday lacked in entertainment, Sunday certainly made up for it with an abundance of goals. Samut Songkhram took the lead on four occaisions against Wuachon only to be pegged back each time with the last equalizer coming in the 91st minute. Be advised though that the highlight clip of this game isn't one for the purists of defensive football. After a sluggish start to their game, Bangkok Glass eventually overwhelmed BBCU 5-2 at the Leo Stadium. The Big Bang have played with a quiet whimper lately with only one win coming since the opening day of the season back in March.
Meanwhile, Buriram United's 1-0 success at TOT keeps them hanging on to the coat tails of Muangthong and Chonburi at the top.
Division 1
Pattalung 2-2 JW Rangsit
Ratchaburi 5-3 PTT Rayong
FC Phuket 0-1 Krabi
Suphanburi 3-0 BangkokUtd
Sriracha 3-1 Korat
Raj Pracha 1-1 Saraburi
Chantaburi 0-4 Siam Navy
Bangkok FC 3-0 Khon Kaen
The match between Ratchaburi and PTT Rayong was an eight goal belter with the Dragons edging out PTT 5-3 to remain top. Krabi won their fourth successive game beating Phuket 1-0. In that four game winning sequence, the Energy have kept a quartet of clean sheets.
Suphanburi's 3-0 win over Bangkok United helped them leap over their beaten opponents into third place. Pipat notched a brace for Suphanburi to move joint top of the Division 1 goalscorers chart. He is level on 9 goals with Romain Gasmi who was incidentally sent off in the 55th minute of this game.
A Douglas Cobo free kick saw Sriracha on their way to a 3-1 victory as they inflicted Korat's new coach with his first defeat. While on the subject of recently appointed coaches, the new era at Bangkok FC under Zico began with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Khon Kaen.
Pattalung's squad of 11 produced a superb comeback to salvage a late point with only 10 men. With JW Rangsit leading 2-1, Pattalung had a player sent off in the 85th minute but they managed to draw level three minutes later to earn a precious point. The other troubled Division 1 side, Chantaburi, weren't as fortunate as they lost 4-0 at home to Siam Navy. It's a sad indication of the club's plight when a 4-0 defeat is seen as a reasonable outcome when compared to other recent results.
Division 2 BKK
Rangsit FC 0-0 R-BEC
Samut Prakarn Utd 3-1 Chamchuri Utd
North Bangkok 1-1 Kasem Bundit
Bangkok Christian 1-1 Luk Esan
Samut Sakhon 1-2 Rayong Utd
Kasetsart 1-0 Thai Honda
Globex 0-2 Nonthaburi
Central Lions 0-4 Assumption Thonburi
Customs Utd 4-1 Krung Thonburi
Up until a couple of weeks ago, Samut Sakhon had been formidable at home. On Saturday they suffered their second home defeat in the space of a fortnight as they lost to Rayong United 2-1. That win moved Rayong Utd above Samut Sakhon and Thai Honda to the summit of the league. The Speed Kings lost 1-0 at Kasetsart as the Emerald Nagas moved into fourth spot.
At the bottom Nonthaburi collected their 7th point from three games following a 2-0 win at Globex while the form team of the moment, Assumption Thonburi, gathered their 10th point out of 12 with a 4-0 romping of Central Lions. Both Nonthaburi and Assumption must be rueing their disastrous starts to the campaign!
Toyota League Cup - Round 2
Korat v Muangthong
Kasetsart v Wuachon
Samut Prakarn Utd v FC Phuket
Lopburi v TTM
Petchaburi v Chonburi
NSRU v Chiang Rai Utd
Songkla v TOT
Customs v Krabi
Pattalung v Bangkok Glass
Pattani v Osotspa
Suphanburi v Samut Songkhram
Khon Kaen v Thai Port
Lamphun Warriors v BEC Tero
Hat Yai v Buriram Utd
Trat v Ratchaburi
Air Force v Pattaya
The ties are set to be played this Wednesday with kick off times varying between 15:30 and 18:30. With 10 regional league clubs still involved, expect to see at least a couple of upsets as Div 1/TPL clubs tumble out of the cup.
Thai Port 0-0 Osotspa Saraburi
Chainat 1-1 Esan Utd
Pattaya Utd 1-1 Police
TTM 0-1 Chonburi
Chiang Rai Utd 1-1 Muangthong
BEC Tero 0-0 Army
Samut Songkhram 4-4 Wuachon Utd
TOT 0-1 Buriram Utd
Bangkok Glass 5-2 BBCU
Saturday's two games in the north proved pivotal as Chonburi now have their title destiny in their own hands. The Sharks are only five points behind Muangthong having played one game less. Chonburi left it very late at TTM with the only goal of the game coming in the 97th minute via a Diakite free kick. In Chiang Rai, a packed construction site witnessed Muangthong fightback to earn a point through a Gjurovski goal.
It was a slumbering Saturday elsewhere as the four other matches finished as draws. There was very little to report at the PAT and the Thephasadin as both games bored the pants off the watching spectators, while Pattaya and Chainat claimed home points with 1-1 draws against Police and Esan Utd respectively.
Whatever Saturday lacked in entertainment, Sunday certainly made up for it with an abundance of goals. Samut Songkhram took the lead on four occaisions against Wuachon only to be pegged back each time with the last equalizer coming in the 91st minute. Be advised though that the highlight clip of this game isn't one for the purists of defensive football. After a sluggish start to their game, Bangkok Glass eventually overwhelmed BBCU 5-2 at the Leo Stadium. The Big Bang have played with a quiet whimper lately with only one win coming since the opening day of the season back in March.
Meanwhile, Buriram United's 1-0 success at TOT keeps them hanging on to the coat tails of Muangthong and Chonburi at the top.
Division 1
Pattalung 2-2 JW Rangsit
Ratchaburi 5-3 PTT Rayong
FC Phuket 0-1 Krabi
Suphanburi 3-0 BangkokUtd
Sriracha 3-1 Korat
Raj Pracha 1-1 Saraburi
Chantaburi 0-4 Siam Navy
Bangkok FC 3-0 Khon Kaen
The match between Ratchaburi and PTT Rayong was an eight goal belter with the Dragons edging out PTT 5-3 to remain top. Krabi won their fourth successive game beating Phuket 1-0. In that four game winning sequence, the Energy have kept a quartet of clean sheets.
Suphanburi's 3-0 win over Bangkok United helped them leap over their beaten opponents into third place. Pipat notched a brace for Suphanburi to move joint top of the Division 1 goalscorers chart. He is level on 9 goals with Romain Gasmi who was incidentally sent off in the 55th minute of this game.
A Douglas Cobo free kick saw Sriracha on their way to a 3-1 victory as they inflicted Korat's new coach with his first defeat. While on the subject of recently appointed coaches, the new era at Bangkok FC under Zico began with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Khon Kaen.
Pattalung's squad of 11 produced a superb comeback to salvage a late point with only 10 men. With JW Rangsit leading 2-1, Pattalung had a player sent off in the 85th minute but they managed to draw level three minutes later to earn a precious point. The other troubled Division 1 side, Chantaburi, weren't as fortunate as they lost 4-0 at home to Siam Navy. It's a sad indication of the club's plight when a 4-0 defeat is seen as a reasonable outcome when compared to other recent results.
Division 2 BKK
Rangsit FC 0-0 R-BEC
Samut Prakarn Utd 3-1 Chamchuri Utd
North Bangkok 1-1 Kasem Bundit
Bangkok Christian 1-1 Luk Esan
Samut Sakhon 1-2 Rayong Utd
Kasetsart 1-0 Thai Honda
Globex 0-2 Nonthaburi
Central Lions 0-4 Assumption Thonburi
Customs Utd 4-1 Krung Thonburi
Up until a couple of weeks ago, Samut Sakhon had been formidable at home. On Saturday they suffered their second home defeat in the space of a fortnight as they lost to Rayong United 2-1. That win moved Rayong Utd above Samut Sakhon and Thai Honda to the summit of the league. The Speed Kings lost 1-0 at Kasetsart as the Emerald Nagas moved into fourth spot.
At the bottom Nonthaburi collected their 7th point from three games following a 2-0 win at Globex while the form team of the moment, Assumption Thonburi, gathered their 10th point out of 12 with a 4-0 romping of Central Lions. Both Nonthaburi and Assumption must be rueing their disastrous starts to the campaign!
Toyota League Cup - Round 2
Korat v Muangthong
Kasetsart v Wuachon
Samut Prakarn Utd v FC Phuket
Lopburi v TTM
Petchaburi v Chonburi
NSRU v Chiang Rai Utd
Songkla v TOT
Customs v Krabi
Pattalung v Bangkok Glass
Pattani v Osotspa
Suphanburi v Samut Songkhram
Khon Kaen v Thai Port
Lamphun Warriors v BEC Tero
Hat Yai v Buriram Utd
Trat v Ratchaburi
Air Force v Pattaya
The ties are set to be played this Wednesday with kick off times varying between 15:30 and 18:30. With 10 regional league clubs still involved, expect to see at least a couple of upsets as Div 1/TPL clubs tumble out of the cup.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
TOT 0-1 Buriram United
 |
| A queue for tickets at TOT!! |
The only goal of the game was scored on 40 minutes as Suriya finished off at the second attempt after being set up from the left by Frank Achaempong.
 |
| Rafael goes close |
In the first half Weera was the busier keeper although TOT went close twice through Rafael Santana as the half time whistle approached.
Suriya was eager for a second goal and twice he was denied by fine saves from Weera in the second half. In injury time Weera continued to repel Buriram making a stunning one handed save after Theeratorn had been released following a quickly taken free kick.
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| Injury concern? |
On the other hand, TOT must be having an apprehensive look over their shoulder as they are only five points above the relegation trap door. In their remaining 19 games, only 7 of them are at home while 12 of them are to play on the road. The Laksi side will be looking to new boy Amaury Nunes to help steady the ship and maintain their top flight status.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
BEC Tero 0-0 Army United
BEC Tero and Army United played out a drab goalless draw at the Thephasadin Stadium.
The game mirrored the impending rain clouds in that they both threatened to burst into life but at the end they just humbly passed by.
The only save I can recall either keeper making was a block by Army's Kosin with his legs from an Ekaphan shot shortly before half time.
Tero passed the ball neatly and held possession well, but most of their movement was sideways and by the time they knocked the ball forward, they were snuffed out by a well drilled Army defence led by Daniel Blanco.
Army will have been satisfied with a point but it's evident that they need to invest in a couple of strikers. They started with two midfielders upfront, one of whom was Lindemann, and Army certainly missed the German's creativity in the centre of the park.
Overall, a point apiece was a fair outcome as BEC Tero have temporarily moved up to third while Army remain in fifth.
The game mirrored the impending rain clouds in that they both threatened to burst into life but at the end they just humbly passed by.The only save I can recall either keeper making was a block by Army's Kosin with his legs from an Ekaphan shot shortly before half time.
Tero passed the ball neatly and held possession well, but most of their movement was sideways and by the time they knocked the ball forward, they were snuffed out by a well drilled Army defence led by Daniel Blanco.
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| The Bulligan's new striker |
Overall, a point apiece was a fair outcome as BEC Tero have temporarily moved up to third while Army remain in fifth.
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