Singh Tarua 2-1 Krabi

Singh Tarua recorded their eighth successive home win beating Krabi 2-1. Leandro was yet again the leading man as his double helped Tarua come from behind to claim three precious points.

Ali Diarra struck the crossbar in the second minute with an angled drive from an acute angle. At the other end, John Mary let rip from 30 yards and his strong shot wasn't far away.

In the 12th minute, Reichelt should have done better when a defensive error allowed him in on goal, but his shot was palmed wide by Chookiat.

Krabi's opener came slightly against the run of play in the 37th minute. Former Thai Port striker Valci Junior played in John Mary and the big man turned and powerfully prodded his shot home from fifteen yards.

Nevertheless, the hosts reasserted their authority seconds later when the referee awarded a penalty after Chookiat brought down Leandro. There was a strong hint of handball by the Brazilian in the build up to the penalty, but he wasn't bothered as he sent the Krabi keeper the wrong way to net his 17th league goal of the season.

The Krabi goal was breached again moments into the second half when Leandro capitalized on a howler from Chookiat. A weakly hit shot from Reichelt appeared to be heading wide, but for some reason the stopper dived to save it and he inadvertently fumbled the ball straight into the path of Leandro.

The other keeper's handling had been impressive but Watchara almost allowed Krabi back into the game just after the hour when he went walkabout. Fortunately for him, Seekit got himself back on the line to head John Mary's chip over the bar.

In the 75th minute, Valci Junior's shot from just inside the box crept agonisingly wide as the Andaman Eagles pressed for an equalizer.

However, it was Singh Tarua who looked more likely to add a third in the closing stages with Chookiat making a decisive block from Kroekiat while two minutes later Narongkrit cut inside and fired inches over the bar.

The victory for the Klong Toei side was made even sweeter with promotion rivals Air Force and Bangkok FC losing. Tarua now have a three point buffer over Bangkok FC for that last promotion spot. The big showdown between the pair comes on October 5th when the Bulligans welcome the Port Lions.

Man of the Match: Leandro - Another match winning brace

Matchday 28 Preview

TPL

Saturday
Bangkok Glass v Pattaya Utd
Buriram Utd v BEC Tero
Chiang Rai Utd v Osotspa Saraburi
Muangthong Utd v TOT
Police Utd v Samut Songkhram
Sisaket P-P Chonburi

Sunday
Chainat v Ratchaburi
Songkhla Utd v Army Utd
Suphanburi v Bangkok Utd

Buriram will rotate their starting 11 accordingly with preparation in mind for their second leg of AFC Champions League quarter final against Esteghlal next Wednesday. The depth of their squad has kept them alive on four fronts this season and even if they rest several first team regulars, I'd still expect them to take care of BEC Tero at the I-Mobile Stadium.
Likewise I can't see anything other than a home victory when Muangthong host TOT on Saturday. Geographically it is a derby, but in the eyes of the Muangthong fans, it's just another fixture. TOT halted their eight game losing slump last weekend when they drew 0-0 at home to Samut Songkhram.

The other Saturday matches see Bangkok Glass welcoming a Pattaya side that has won their last three games. Police United have scored 11 goals in their last four matches and they'll be odds on favourites to beat Samut Songkhram at the Thammasart Stadium. Chiang Rai United are four points from safety and they desperately need three points from their home contest with Osotspa Saraburi.

On Sunday, Suphanburi will be looking for their first win in six as they entertain Bangkok United. Last month Suphan were challenging Chonburi for third place. After a recent poor run, they War Elephants are battling not to be swept out of the top 6.
Ratchaburi's last four matches have only produced two goals and they have become a bit of a turn off for the neutral fan recently. The Dragons are still not over the finishing line and they travel to Chainat seeking points to move themselves closer to safety.
Songkhla haven't won for seven matches and their first leg form is what's keeping them out of a relegation dogfight. Their opponents Army United are unbeaten in their last four away trips and they'll fancy their chances of extending that sequence to five.

Division 1

Saturday
Rayong FC v Phuket
Saraburi v Air Force
Siam Navy v Nakhon Ratchasima
Singh Tarua v Krabi
Sriracha v Bangkok FC

Sunday 
BBCU v TTM
Khon Kaen v PTT Rayong
Rayong Utd v Nakhon Pathom Utd
Trat v Ayutthaya

After last week's 3-1 victory over PTT Rayong, it's almost safe to say that Air Force will be in the TPL next season. That leaves two from PTT Rayong, Singh Tarua and Bangkok FC to join them in the top flight. Singh Tarua are the only side with a home fixture and they'll be expected to take care of Krabi. PTT Rayong have lost their last two matches and they won't be feeling overly confident as they make they journey up to the north-east of Thailand to Khon Kaen. Bangkok FC were stunned last Sunday when they lost to TTM in their own backyard. The Iron Bulls travel to Sriracha to face a Blue Marlins side that has been blowing hot and cold recently. Air Force will remain top of the pile regardless of what happens in their match in Saraburi.

The relegation scrap took a bizarre twist last weekend with the bottom four sides all winning. The two Rayong clubs will believe that they can collect another three points from their matches at the Rayong Provincial Stadium this weekend. First up, Rayong FC welcome Phuket who were smashed 5-1 at Sriracha in their last game. Twenty-four hours later Rayong United hope to earn their third successive win when they host Nakhon Pathom United.
Since the start of the second leg, Trat have been averaging one point a game and Ayutthaya might take that from their trip to the east coast. The Ancient Warriors have a kind run-in so a draw in Trat wouldn't be a disaster. Elsewhere Siam Navy welcome Korat while TTM travel to BBCU.

Sunday 8 September Review

TPL

Bangkok Glass 2-0 Chiang Rai Utd
Chainat 2-3 Buriram Utd
Suphanburi 2-5 Police Utd
TOT 0-0 Samut Songkhram

Buriram stretched their lead to five points after their 3-2 win at Chainat. Sumanya gave the Hornbills an early lead before Suchao equalised following a miscued goal kick from Kritsakorn. Osmar calmly dispatched a penalty to give the away side a 2-1 lead at the break but Seon Power netted from close range in the 51st minute to level matters. The winning goal came in the 59th minute when Chappuis found the bottom corner with a low drive.

Up until a month ago, the season was proving to be a success for Suphanburi. However they've lost that winning feeling and yesterday they suffered a 5-2 home defeat to Police United. The Pathumthani side had five different scorers and they moved into the top half of the table following this victory.

Chiang Rai United remain deep in trouble after late goals from Subara and Lazarus Kaimbi helped Bangkok Glass to a 2-0 win. TOT and Samut Songkhram both earned a point but there was very little to excite the crowd of 1,055 in Laksi.

Division 1

Ayutthaya 2-1 Krabi
Bangkok FC 0-2 TTM
BBCU 1-0 Siam Navy
Trat 1-3 Rayong FC

It was a day when teams at the foot of the table claimed vital wins. Not many would have predicted TTM's 2-0 win at Bangkok FC prior to kick off. Yoo Hong Youl took advantage of some slack defending to give TTM the lead on the half hour and the Korean confirmed the win ten minutes from time with his second.

Rayong FC rounded off a memorable week with a 3-1 victory at Trat. Goals from Choi Kun Sik, Apinan and Nuttawat ensured the Wild Horses completed their third successive win. However, Rayong FC still remain four points from safety after Ayutthaya beat Krabi 2-1. Daniel Melo's goal eight minutes from time won a fiery contest which had three sending offs.

Bouba Abbo's 71st minute lob consigned Siam Navy to their first defeat in nine matches. Navy can still breath easily though as they hold a seven point advantage over second bottom Rayong FC.

Ayutthaya 2-1 Krabi

Ayutthaya came from behind in an ill-tempered contest to win a hard fought victory over Krabi. There were three goals and three dismissals, and a plethora of tetchy confrontations throughout the match.

The Andaman Eagles took the lead midway through the first half when Ittiphol pounced from close range after Sirichai could only parry John Mary's header into his path.

The hosts equalised in the 39th minute when Watcharapong converted from the spot after Rachanon was adjudged to have been felled by Liade Michel in the box.

After the break, the visitors applied great pressure and Sirichai was called upon to make a host of saves. The Ayutthaya stopper made blocks denying John Mary and Anuwat while Ittiphol had a couple of chances that were inches wide of the target.

The winning goal came eight minutes from time when Daniel Melo was on hand to sweep in following a precise pass from Wittiwat.

With five minutes left, both sides had a player sent off after an off the ball altercation. Krabi's Sornchai took exception to a challenge from Nuttapat and swung at his opponent to express his displeasure. The Ayutthaya man retaliated and both were sent for an early shower.

In injury time, Krabi's goalscorer, Ittiphol, joined them when he was given a second yellow for a swipe at Durosinmi's legs.

On the balance of play, Ayutthaya were slightly fortunate to claim three points, but it was vital victory considering the Rayong duo and TTM all won this weekend. From what I saw, The Ancient Warriors will probably stay up thanks to league reconstruction. Had the original quota of four sides being demoted been applied, then I wouldn't feel so hopeful.
Valci Junior wasn't playing for Krabi and his threat in the box was certainly missed.

Man of the Match: Sirichai - Several fine saves

Saturday 7 September Review

TPL

Bangkok Utd 0-0 Osotspa Saraburi
Muangthong Utd 1-1 Chonburi
Pattaya 2-1 BEC Tero
Ratchaburi 0-0 Army Utd

The torrential afternoon downpour eased off before the match and by the end of the ninety minutes Muangthong's title bid had done the same. It all started so brightly as Mario's deflected volley opened the scoring as the crowd were still filtering into the stadium. The Sharks rallied and deservedly equalized on the hour when Adul fired home from 20 yards. The hot headed Datsakorn saw red 14 minutes from time and Chonburi had a decent penalty shout late on as it finished 1-1. A win for Buriram in Chainat today would leave Muangthong trailing the Thunder Castle by five points.

There was more late drama at Nong Prue as they Dolphins snatched a late winner for the second successive week. Dyachenko gave Pattaya the lead before Lucas Gaucho levelled from a tight angle. Darlington left BEC Tero quaking in the 90th minute as he bagged the winner. The victory lifted Pattaya six points above the solitary relegation place.

The games in Ratchaburi and Din Daeng ended goalless and both games will be quickly forgotten by anybody who was in attendance.

 

Division 1

Saturday
Air Force 3-1 PTT Rayong
Nakhon Pathom Utd 3-2 Nakhon Ratchasima
Rayong Utd 2-1 Khon Kaen 
Singh Tarua 2-0 Saraburi
Sriracha 5-1 Phuket

Division 1 produced five home wins yesterday with the most significant coming at Air Force. Their 3-1 win over PTT Rayong moved them four points clear at the top of the table.The Airmen were 2-0 up within 14 minutes with goals from Herman and Kittipoom. Tirer scored a free kick to pull one back ten minutes from time but Zezinando confirmed the win four minutes later.
Singh Tarua moved back into third after beating Saraburi 2-0. The recalled Jerry Amara got the first in the 38th minute before he exhibited one of the most acrobatic goal celebrations ever seen. Sarawut scored late on to wrap up the points.
Nakhon Ratchasima's 3-2 loss at Nakhon Pathom all but ended their promotion hopes. The Swatcats shot themselves in the foot conceding two penalties and were 3-0 down by the 75th minute. Nakhon Pathom held on despite two late goals for Korat. Incidentally, all five goals were scored by foreign imports.
The season can't end quick enough for Phuket as they suffered a 5-1 mauling at Sriracha. Berlin and Bachdim claimed a double each while Patipat was the only home grown player to find the net.
Rayong United are finally off the bottom after they beat Khon Kaen 2-1. Poramat's brace ensured the majority of the 285 in attendance went home happy.

Ratchaburi 0-0 Army Utd

It ended 0-0 as Ratchaburi and Army United fought out an uninspiring draw.

Ratchaburi started without recent signings Jhon Obregon and Jose Cordero but it was them who were the slightly better side in the first half.

Prayad headed just over early on while Douglas turned and shot in the box forcing Todsaporn to parry his shot wide of the post.

Army were denied by the woodwork shortly before the break when Jung Myung Oh's curled free kick hit the bar.

The second half wasn't particularly lively and from the hour mark the contest had 0-0 written all over it.

Bjorn Lindemann found the side netting five minutes from time shortly before Todsaporn produced the 'super save' of the match when he tipped over Attapong's left footed curler.

After last week's volatile match with Bangkok Glass there were few theatrics in Ratchaburi as the match concluded with very little to note. It was a day when defences were on top as they easily snuffed out the attacking threat of their opponent.

Man of the Match: Henri Joel - Solid performance

FA Cup Semi Final Draw

Buriram Utd v Muangthong Utd (Thammasart)
Police Utd v Bangkok Glass (Rajamangala)

Both matches will start at 7pm on 25 September.

The final will be played on 10 November at the Supachalasai.

Matchday 27 Preview

TPL

Saturday
Bangkok Utd v Osotspa Saraburi
Muangthong Utd v Chonburi
Pattaya v BEC Tero
Ratchaburi v Army Utd

Sunday
Bangkok Glass v Chiang Rai Utd
Chainat v Buriram Utd
Sisaket P-P Songkhla Utd
Suphanburi v Police Utd
TOT v Samut Songkhram

The Muangthong Utd v Chonburi clash has rather predictably been overhyped in the build up this week and has been billed as "Super Big Match Super Big Day." On Muangthong's "Road to Glory" campaign, apparently "this is the match we are waiting for."
In reality, Chonburi have underachieved this season and it's basically been a two horse title race between Buriram and MTU since the start.
Muanghthong are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Chonburi and their last defeat to the Sharks came on Xmas Day 2011. Internet sources indicate that this match has already been sold-out.

Leaders Buriram United travel to Chainat hoping to maintain their 100% winning TPL record over the Hornbills. They'll have to do it without head coach Scott Cooper who left his post last weekend for personal reasons. Spaniard Guillermo Oriol Gil is the latest man in the dug-out.
For Chainat, they'll be hoping Mbengono Yannick's impressive form continues after his arrival from Hungarian side Debreceni VSC in the mid-season transfer window. The Cameroonian has netted six times already since joining the Pink Rangers.

Chiang Rai Utd remain in the solitary relegation spot after their match at Samut Songkhram was abandoned last Saturday. With CRU leading 1-0, the home fans took exception to the performance of the referee and the match was stopped after crowd trouble erupted. The decision by the TPL to play out the last quarter of the match at a neutral venue in Bangkok wasn't a satisfactory verdict for the Fighting Beetles.There are rumours that they might not show up for the rescheduled match.
Nonetheless, Chaing Rai have a tough trip to Bangkok Glass this weekend while Samut Songkhram have a winnable match at TOT. The Telephone Boys have 24 points and probably need another two wins to guarantee survival. At this moment in time, I can't see them achieving this and they may need to look to the misfortune of others to help them stumble over the safety line.
Pattaya have been playing well lately although they haven't collected as many points as they possibly should have. BEC Tero visit Nong Prue this Saturday while Army make the trip to Ratchaburi. The Dragons are still too close to the drop zone for comfort and need a couple more wins to secure survival.
Bangkok United are almost home and dry and a win over Osotspa Saraburi would move them onto 29 points. 
Police United currently sit on 30 points and they travel to an injury hit Suphanburi who haven't found they net in almost 400 minutes of league football.

 

Division 1

Saturday
Air Force v PTT Rayong
Nakhon Pathom Utd v Nakhon Ratchasima
Rayong Utd v Khon Kaen 
Singh Tarua v Saraburi
Sriracha v Phuket

Sunday
Ayutthaya v Krabi
Bangkok FC v TTM
BBCU v Siam Navy
Trat v Rayong FC

It's first versus second as Air Force host PTT Rayong. Air Force are unbeaten at home while PTT have yet to lose on the road. The reverse fixture ended 0-0 in Rayong and another low scoring match is expected.

The visit of TTM to Bangkok FC should see the Iron Bulls maintain their three point advantage over fourth placed Singh Tarua. The Port Lions slipped up last week at Rayong FC but they'll be glad to be back on home turf. Tarua aim to rack up their seventh successive home win as Saraburi drop in at the PAT Stadium. Fifth placed Nakhon Ratchasima have a tough trip to Nakhon Pathom and need to keep on winning and hope that the two sides above them slip up. They'll be without Noah Chivuta as he is on international duty with Zambia.

As with the TPL, the Division 1 safety target is probably around 30 points. The two Rayongs would be dead and buried had reconstruction not came to their potential rescue. Rayong FC have four points to make up on third bottom Ayuthaya while Rayong Utd have six. The Elephant Warriors (Rayong Utd) entertain the T-Rex (Khon Kaen) while the Ancient Warriors (Ayutthaya) welcome the Andaman Eagles (Krabi). The Wild Horses (Rayong FC) make a rare journey east to face the White Elephants (Trat).

Sunday 1 September Review

TPL

Bangkok Utd 2-1 TOT
Osotspa Saraburi 1-2 Buriram Utd
Pattaya 1-0 Suphanburi
Ratchaburi 0-1 Bangkok Glass

Scott Cooper's brief tenure as Buriram head coach ended yesterday morning and it was Spaniard Guillermo Oriol Gil who was given the seat next to the big man. It didn't take long for Buriram to open the scoring in Saraburi when Carmelo latched onto Suree's cross with a diving header. Osotspa fought back and were rewarded with an equalizer in the 52nd minute through Apipoo. Seconds after Osotspa finished celebrating, they were behind again as Osmar calmly converted a penalty. The 2-1 win moved Buriram three points clear of Muangthong with eight left to play.

With only one side to be relegated due to the TPL expanding to 20 teams, Pattaya United took a giant step to safety with a 1-0 win over Suphanburi. The Dolphin's 92nd minute winner came courtesy of an own goal when Pairote headed over his own advancing keeper into a vacant net.

Phudit's header gave TOT the lead at Bangkok United but it couldn't prevent them from losing their eighth successive match. Goals from Paul Ekollo and Romain Gasmi ensured the Angels fought back to move above TOT in the standings.

Teerathep's late strike was the only goal of the match as Bangkok Glass won 1-0 at Ratchaburi. BG would have been slightly perturbed that Jerkovic's first half goal was ruled out for offside when it clearly wasn't. The game got a bit feisty after the interval when there was an ugly punch-up in the Bangkok Glass goal mouth. In the aftermath, the referee red carded Henri Joel and BG's keeper Kritsana.

Division 1

Air Force 1-0 Trat
Bangkok FC 2-0 BBCU
PTT Rayong 0-2 Siam Navy

Air Force are back to the summit of the table after a 1-0 win over Trat. Their stoppage time winner had a slice of luck to it as Supakorn's 35 yard thunderbolt freekick rebounded off the crossbar and back into the net off the unfortunate head of Trat's keeper Watcharapol.

Souleymane Coulibaly was on target twice as Siam Navy won 2-0 at PTT Rayong. The defeat dropped PTT to second while Navy moved ten points clear of the drop and extended their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Bangkok FC are looking favorites to claim the third promotion slot after they beat BBCU 2-0. Goals after the interval from Watson and Jaturong moved the Iron Bulls three points clear of Singh Tarua. 

Saturday 31 August Review

TPL

BEC Tero 2-0 Songkhla Utd
Chonburi 2-1 Chainat
Police Utd 2-2 Muangthong Utd
Samut Songkhram A-A Chiang Rai Utd

Muangthong United couldn't salvage another 3-2 win as they dropped two points at Police United. A large travelling support watched Dagno Siaka head their favorites into the lead but the joy didn't last long as Chumpol's header made it 1-1. A Djurovski penalty restored the lead in the 54th minute but yet again Police replied with a close range Murcy goal grabbing the hosts a point in the 87th minute. Rangsan was shown a second yellow in stoppage time as it finished 2-2. The Sisaket situation effectively leaves Muangthong and Buriam level on 55 points. The Thunder Castle have a game in hand and a superior head-to-head record over the Nonthaburi club.

Chonburi completed the double over Chainat with another 2-1 win. Leandro Assumpcao was restored to the starting lineup and he fired the Sharks into a first half lead. Jetsadakorn's 90th minute header sealed the win before Yannick replied seconds later for the Hornbills.

In Minburi, BEC Tero eased to a 2-0 win as Songkhla United continue to freefall. Since Jadet left to take up the coaching reigns at Pattaya, the southern club have struggled. Matters weren't helped when Kone Seydou gifted Tero a 19th minute lead. Sho Shimoji added a second with four minutes left to make it seven without a win for Songkhla.

The match between Samut Songkhram v Chiang Rai Utd was abandoned in the 65th minute after home fans reacted angrily to a penalty decision that wasn't awarded for their team. The moronic behavior means that fines and bans will follow accordingly for Samut Songkhram.

Division 1

Krabi 1-1 Khon Kaen
Nakhon Pathom Utd 2-2 Saraburi
Nakhon Ratchasima 3-2 Sriracha
Phuket 2-2 Ayutthaya
Rayong FC 2-1 Singh Tarua
TTM 1-2 Rayong Utd


It looked like it was going to be plain sailing for Singh Tarua when Kroekrit's goal gave them an early lead at struggling Rayong FC. However, 90 minutes later the Klong Toei side were furious with the match officials after they lost 2-1. Sirisak equalized midway through the first half while Samart was sent off for elbowing an opponent six minutes from time. Alongkorn's injury time winner was suspiciously offside and to rub salts into the Tarua wounds, Christen had a goal chalked off moments later despite TV replays showing it was clearly onside.The win for the Wild Horses ended their ten game winless streak while Tarua fans will be praying for three away wins later today.

Elsewhere at the bottom, Lasule scored twice for Rayong United as they won 2-1 at TTM while Ayutthaya threw away a 2-0 lead in Phuket to draw 2-2. First half strikes from Nuttipat and Durosinmi had the Ancient Warriors in control before the Islanders fought back through Alex and Eakathit.

Nakhon Ratchasima kept their lingering promotion hopes alive with a 3-2 victory over Sriracha. A crowd of just under 15,000 watched Korat sweep into a 3-0 lead by the 50th minute. A delicious chip from Noah Chivuta opened the scoring before Saruch doubled the lead before the break. Satoshi Nagano's close range goal appeared to have wrapped up the points before a couple of long range strikes reduced the deficit. Prasit wasn't convincing for either of Sriracha's goals and the keeper then gave away a penalty with two minutes left. Fortunately for Prasit, Berlin blasted his spot kick over the bar.

It was a lively encounter between Nakhon Pathom and Saraburi as the hosts twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw. There was a massive scuffle 15 minutes from time involving most of the players and various staff which resulted with Bernard Henri and Jarupong being red carded. It was a bit more peaceful in Krabi as it finished 1-1 with Khon Kaen. The second half brightened up after a half time floodlight failure. John Mary was first to get his name on the scoresheet and four minutes later Christ Mbondi levelled matters.