Weekend Action 15/16 February

AFC Champions League Qualifiers
Melbourne Victory v Muangthong United (Kardinia Park 15:45)
Beijing Guoan v Chonburi (Beijing Workers Stadium 18:30)

The Thai sides will be underdogs this Saturday as they try to overcome the final hurdle in qualifying for the AFC Champions League group stages. Last weekend Chonburi beat South China 3-0 while Muangthong saw off Hanoi T&T 2-0 to set-up these showdowns.

Chonburi probably have the more difficult task out of the two Thai sides. The fact that it barely gets above freezing at this time of year in Beijing will hardly help the Sharks.
In Chonburi's favour though, the 2014 Chinese Super league hasn't started yet and they'll be hoping the Imperial Guard are still rusty. Also, this will be the first game for new coach Gregorio Manzano who was appointed earlier this week. His appointment comes after the sacking of Aleksander Stanojevic at the end of last season. Whether or not this works in Chonburi's favor remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Muangthong take the long flight to Melbourne where temperatures will be more akin to their liking. In actual fact, the game won't be played in Melbourne itself. It will be at Kardinia Park which is in the coastal town of Geelong one hour away from Melbourne.
Melbourne Victory are currently coached by Kevin Muscat. Politely speaking, he was regarded as a robust tackler during his playing days. Victory sit fourth in the A League some 11 points behind pacesetters Brisbane Roar. James Troisi is second in this year's A League goal scoring charts and they can boast having the legendary Archie Thompson who holds the all time record for goals scored in an international match. He netted 13 times when Australia beat American Samoa 31-0 back in 2001.
Dagno Siaka didn't travel with the Muangthong squad and neither did the suspended Ahtit. Kawin is included but whether he is fit enough to start appears doubtful. 

EDIT: Latest rumours just in suggest that Scott Cooper has handed in his resignation notice after disagreements with the Muangthong board. This match will be his last one he'll take charge of.
Also Ri Khwang Chon has apparently been refused entry in Australia due to his North Korean nationality.

Toyota Premier Cup
Buriram Utd v Nagoya Grampus (Thammasart 17:45)

Buriram United face a repeat of last season's Toyota Cup as Nagoya Grampus return to the Land of Smiles. In 2013, two goals from Jungo Fujimoto won they day for the Japanese side.
There is a cup to play for so it will be taken seriously. However, I'm sure beating Muangthong in the King's Cup two weeks ago would have been seen as a bigger priority for the majority of the GU12. 


Regional Leagues
Finally, the regional leagues start again this weekend. There are too many divisions and teams for me to submit weekly reports and updates. However, I will still try to get to some matches throughout the season and will cover the end of season playoffs. Best of luck to all the 83 teams that are involved.

Victories for Thai Duo in AFC Qualifiers

Muangthong Utd 2-0 Hanoi T&T 

Jay Bothroyd inspired Muangthong to victory as the Englishman grabbed his first goal in Thailand. It was a sluggish opening to the tie but that changed ten minutes before the interval when a headed knock back from Bothroyd was smashed home by Mario Gjurovski. 

In the 55th minute, Hanoi were reduced to ten men after Sam Gallagher was given a straight red for pulling back Teerasil as he headed in on goal. Gallagher wasn't impressed with the decision and within seven minutes the game was over as a contest. Jay Bothroyd embarked on a powerful run from 40 yards out before unleashing a shot that cannoned off the underside of the bar into the net.

Both sides eased off and seemed content with the 2-0 score line. In injury time, the Korean official dismissed a player from each side for an off the ball incident and as a result Ahtit and Samson got a head start on the rest of the players for the shower queue. 

Muangthong travel to Australia next Saturday to face Melbourne Victory. The winner of this contest will qualify for the AFC Champions League group stages.

Chonburi 3-0 South China

A trip to Bejing awaits for Chonburi after they comfortably beat South China 3-0.
The first goal came after 18 minutes when Pipob rose above his marker to bullet home a header at the near post from Natthaphong's cross.
Kushida and Narul should have doubled the lead before Thiago Cunha did in the 36th minute. The Brazilian nodded home from close range after the South China keeper had parried an Anderson flick on from Narul's set piece directly into his path.
Thiago got his second goal ten minutes after the interval. He sprang the offside trap before rounding the keeper and slotting home into an empty net. 
Chonburi now have six days to prepare their winter woolies for their trip to Beijing Guoan next Saturday.

League Cup Qualifiers

Bangkok 

Samut Prakan Utd 1-0 Kasem Bundit
Chamchuri Utd 5-1 Rayong Utd
RBAC 2-1 Rangsit Uni

Central West

Luktapfah 1-4 Petchaburi (penalties)
Raj Pracha 1-2 Samut Sakorn

Central East

Prachinburi Utd 5-3 Sa Kaeo City (penalties)
TG Rayong 1-2 Nakhon Nayok
Chachoengsao 4-1 Phan Thong

South

Satun Utd 1-3 Ranong
Phang Nga 1-5 Trang

North

Nakhon Sawan 0-1 Chiang Rai City
Sukhothai 1-0 Lamphun Warrior
Lampang 6-4 Phrae Utd (penalties)

North-East

Amnan Charoen Town 2-6 Ubon Ratchasima
Loei City 3-1 Kalasin

Interzonal

Petchabun 0-1 Udon Thani
BCC Tero 3-1 Chantaburi (penalties)
Surat 5-3 JW-BU (penalties)

AFC Champions League Play-offs

Muangthong v Hanoi T&T (Saturday)
Chonburi v South China (Sunday)

Chonburi and Muangthong play the first of two play-offs as they bid to join Buriram United in the AFC Champions League Group stages. The Thai duo will be favorites to overcome their initial one leg ties but they'll be underdogs in the final round of playoffs should they negotiate this weekend's matches. If they progressed, Muangthong would face a trip down under to Melbourne Victory while Chonburi would be heading to the cooler climates of China where they would encounter Beijing Guoan.

The match on Sunday will be the first test for Chonburi's new Japanese coach, Masahiro Wada. The Chonburi supporters will be hoping that the new coach can freshen things up after a stale couple of seasons under Withaya Laohakul. The club have had a bit of a clearout with several fringe players being moved on. The Sharks squad appears solid defensively but a big onus rests with star player Thiago Cunha to provide the goals. If the Brazilian were to lose form or suffer from injury, it leaves the question of where the goals will come from. Sunday's opponents, South China, were reluctant to travel to Thailand due to the current political protests. However, the AFC deemed the Eastern Seaboard save enough and the game will go ahead as scheduled at the Chonburi Stadium. The Hong Kong champions caused a slight surprise last Sunday when a 2-1 extra time victory over Tampines Rovers in Singapore set up their match with Chonburi.

Muangthong had their first taste of competitive action last weekend when they lost 1-0 to Buriram United in the Kor Royal Cup. It wasn't a great start to Scott Cooper's reign and the Englishman will be hoping for a better performance and result this time out. He'll be without the injured Kawin while Dagno Siaka's omission in the Kor Royal Cup has raised some eyebrows. Jay Bothroyd will see the match against the Vietnamese side as an ideal opportunity to open his goal account in Thailand.

The last time Hanoi T&T and South China were in Thailand they were comfortably beaten. In March 2011, Muangthong brushed aside Hanoi T&T with a 4-0 victory at the Thundedome. Teerasil grabbed a double that evening along with a goal each for Christian Kouahou and Anon.
Also in the same month Chonburi beat a South China squad containing Nicky Butt and Mateja Kezman 3-0. Fans of Thai football will be hoping for a similar outcome this weekend.

Latest News: Teerasil Dangda will join Almeria on a season long long for the 2014-15 La Liga season. The deal includes a clause for the Spanish side to buy Teerasil should the initial loan deal prove successful. The Muangthong striker will stay in Thailand until the beginning of the next Spanish season.

Buriram Bag Another Trophy

The 2014 season began in similar fashion to the one that just ended. Buriram collected another trophy while Muangthong submitted another meek performance against their much loathed foes.
The only goal of the Kor Royal Cup came ten minutes from time when Jay Simpson robbed a dithering Ahtit before coolly bending the ball past the Muangthong keeper.
The treble holders should have been well ahead by the time Simpson arrived into the action midway through the second half. Suchao had a first half penalty saved by Witsanusak and they were unlucky on the stroke of half time when Carmelo's goal was adjudged to have been offside.
Buriram again had the better chances in the second half before Simpson's goal. It finished 1-0 and Buriram are looking odds on favorites to win the TPL again this year. Muangthong appear inadequately short of defensive cover and they need to add a couple of faces before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

League Cup Results:

Bangkok 

Samut Prakan Utd 1-0 Thai Honda
Chamchuri Utd 6-1 Customs Utd
BCC Tero 2-1 Rangsit FC

Central West

Luktapfah 3-2 Rajapruek College
Raj Pracha 3-2 Hua Hin
Singburi 6-5 Globex (penalties)
Nonthaburi 1-2 Thonburi City
Muangkan Utd 6-5 Futera (penalties)
JW-BU 5-3 Krung Thonburi  (penalties)

Central East

Prachinburi Utd 2-1 Kabin Utd
TG Rayong 6-5 Pathum Thani Utd (penalties)
Rayong FC 3-1 Samut Prakan FC
Mapthaput Marine 1-0 Luk Esan
Chantaburi 1-0 Thai Fleet

South

Pattani 3-4 Satun Utd (penalties)
Nakhon Si Heritage 2-0 Phatthalung
Prachuap 3-5 Phang Nga  (penalties)
Hat Yai 1-3 Surat

North

Nakhon Sawan 1-0 Phayao
Khamphaeng Phet 1-3 Sukhothai
Nan 1-2 Lampang 
Uttaradit 2-1 Phichit
Tak 0-1 Petchabun

North-East

Nong Bua Lamphu 4-5 Amnan Charoen Town
Nong Khai 6-7 Maha Sarakham Utd (penalties)
Loei City 2-1 Surin
Sakhon Nakhon 0-1 Udon Thani

Apologies for not including the full time scores for the matches that went to penalties. The Thai football websites that I get the scores from include penalties in their full time score.

Kor Royal Cup 2014 (Buriram Utd v Muangthong Utd)

The Kor Royal Cup final this Saturday gives the two powerhouses of Thai football their first opportunity to flex their muscles for the 2014 season. Treble winners and current Kor Royal Cup holders Buriram United face TPL runners up Muangthong United at the Suphanburi Stadium.
It's a re-run of the 2013 fixture which Buriram won thanks to two goals from debutant Ramses Bustos - remember him?

It's been a fairly quiet off season over at the Thunder Castle. Nevertheless, Buriram were dealt a blow when their linchpin at the back, Osmar Ibanez, departed for FC Seoul. Fortunately for the treble holders nobody else of note has left the squad. Former Deportivo la Coruna centre back David Rochela will fill the boots vacated by star man Osmar. Also joining Buriram are the Argentinian duo of Leandro Torres and Leonel Altobelli, and Englishman Jay Simpson who is best remembered as a promising youngster at Arsenal.

Opponents Muangthong will want to eradicate any memory of the 2013 season and will be hoping to recapture the form which saw them romp to the 2012 title.
The main talking points over the new year period were the arrivals of two Englishmen in Nonthaburi. First to enter the fray was new coach Scott Cooper. His appointment to Muangthong will add some spice to this contest as Cooper coached Buriram for 29 games in 2013. Despite only losing once in that period, friction between himself and the club owner meant that he parted ways with Buriram United. The other noticeable arrival to Muangthong was once capped Englishman Jay Bothroyd. He's played for a host of clubs in England but his most productive spell was probably in Wales with Cardiff City.
Meanwhile, Teerasil still remains at Muangthong despite ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Spain. Keeper Kawin has been back in the treatment room after briefly returning for the SEA games while elder statesmen such as Panupong and Pichitpong have been shipped out allowing younger blood to replace them.

With both sides clear favorites to be battling it out for the 2014 crown, the winner of this opener will claim the first bragging rights of the season.

Toyota League Cup Qualifiers

26 regional league sides will join the TPL and Division 1 sides in the round of 64.

Here is a list of the draw:

Bangkok 

Samut Prakan Utd/Thai Honda v Kasem Bundit
Chamchuri Utd/ Customs Utd v Rayong Utd
Raj Vithi/RBAC v Rangsit Uni

Central West

Rajapruek College/Luktapfah v Petchaburi
Raj Pracha/Hua Hin v Samut Sakorn
Singburi v Globex
Nonthaburi v Thonburi City
Seeker FC v Muangkan Utd

Central East

Prachinburi Utd/Kabin City v Sa Kaeo City
TG Rayong/Pathum Thani Utd v Nakhon Nayok
Rayong FC v Samut Prakan FC
Chachoengsao v Phan Thong
Mapthaput Marine v Luk Esan

South

Pattani/Satun Utd v Ranong
Nakhon Si Heritage v Phatthalung
Prachuap/Phang Nga v Trang

North

Nakhon Sawan/Phayao v Chiang Rai City
Khamphaeng Phet/Sukhothai v Lamphun Warrior
Nan/Lampang v Phrae Utd
Uttaradit v Phichit

North-East

Nong Bua Lamphu/ Amnan Charoen Town v Ubon Ratchasima
Nong Khai v Maha Sarakham Utd
Loei City/Surin v Kalasin

Interzonal

Sakon Nakhon/Udon Thani v Tak/Petchabun
BCC Tero/Rangsit FC v Chantaburi/Thai Fleet
Hat Yai/Surat v JW Bangkok/Krung Thonburi

11 regional leagues side did not enter the competition.

Ties to be played on the first two weekends in February.

Regional League Roll Call 2014

The 82 team regional league will have 6 divisions again. All will have 14 teams except the South and Central West which will have one less with 13.
Below are the listed teams for each region:

Bangkok

BCC Tero, Chamchuri Utd, Thai Honda, Rangsit FC, North Bangkok, Paknampo NSRU, Kasem Bundit, Raj Vithi Salaya, Customs Utd, Samut Prakan Utd, Assumption Utd, R-BAC, Rangsit University, Rayong Utd

Central West

Krung Thonburi, Luk Tapfah Pathum Thani, Globex TWD, Petchaburi, Futera Seeker, Muangkan Utd, Raj Pracha, Samut Sakhon, Singburi, Hua Hin City, Nonthaburi, JW-BU, Rajapruek College

Edit: The line up also includes Thonburi City

Central East

Kabin Utd, Thai Fleet, Chantaburi, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani MWA Utd, Prachinburi Utd, Phan Thong, Maptaphut Marine, Thai Airways Luk Esan, Samut Prakan FC, TG Rayong, Sa Kaeo City, Rayong FC

South

Trang, Pattani, Nara Utd, Phang Nga Mitraphap, Satun Utd, Chumpon, Nakhon Si Heritage, Phatthalung, Ranong, Surat FC, Yala, Hat Yai, Prachuap

North

Nakhon Sawan, Phrae Utd, Kampheang Phet, Uttaradit, Phichit, Lamphun Warriors, Uthai Thani Forest, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Sukhothai, Petchabun, Chiang Rai City, Tak,

North-East

Sisaket Utd, Udon Thani, Loei City, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Amnan Charoen Town, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Nong Bua Lamphu, Surin City, Sakon Nakhon Muangthai, Mukdahan City, Ubon Utd, Mahasarakham Utd

Div 2 Playoffs - The Final Standings

Group A

Luk Esan 1-0 Kasetsart
Phitsanulok 1-0 Prachuap
Roi Et Utd 3-1 Nara Utd

Final Standings:
25 Roi Et Utd
19 Phitsanulok
12 Kasetsart
12 Nara Utd
9 Luk Esan
5 Prachuap


Roi Et Utd and Phitsanulok finished just as they started with respective victories over Nara Utd and Prachuap. Diego Alves scored twice for the White Squirrels in their 3-1 victory over Nara Utd. In between his goals Ronnachai added a second for Roi Et while Francis Dumaka scored Nara's goal from a penalty kick.
A free kick from Gil Neves on the stroke of half time separated Phitsanulok and Prachuap while Luk Esan also only needed one goal to defeat Kasetsart.

Group B

Ang Thong 2-0 Paknampho NSRU
Chiang Mai 2-1 Nakhon Nayok
Udon Thani 0-1 Sukhothai

Final Standings:
20 Chiang Mai
17 Ang Thong
16 Sukhothai
15 NSRU
9 Udon Thani
7 Nakhon Nayok

The promotion showdown between Ang Thong and Paknampho NSRU ended in farcical circumstances. Ang Thong were awarded a 2-0 win after NSRU failed to return to the pitch after walking off in the 42nd minute. The Nakhon Sawan side were outraged when the referee awarded a penalty against them and then subsequently reduced them to ten players in the melee that followed. In NSRU's defence, it was a blatant dive for the spot kick and they did have a debatable offside ruling against them which prevented them taking a 1-0 lead. However, I can't defend them for throwing the towel in even if they thought the referee had been bought. In the football culture in which I grew up, you give it your best shot and fight to the end even if everything seems to be going against you. At least then you can walk away with your head held high. What Paknampho NSRU did was take the coward's way out. Not only did they let the players and fans down, they also did Sukhothai an injustice as they could have earned promotion had this game ended in a tie.

Anyway, Sukhothai's 1-0 win at Udon Thani wouldn't have been enough but I'm guessing news filtered through to them during the game about the shenanigans at Ang Thong. Sukhothai's winning goal came courtesy of a free kick from club captain Junsom.
Chiang Mai wrapped up the group title with a 2-1 victory over Nakhon Nayok. Chatchai was yet again on the scoresheet with a goal in each half for the Lanna Tigers. The visitors grabbed a late goal but it was a mere consolation.

To conclude the formalities, Chiang Mai will face Roi Et Utd over two legs to decide who wins the Champions league. The real issue of promotion has already been achieved but the two deciders give narcissistic, hi-so individuals connected with each club an opportunity to plaster their faces all over the relevant media landscape.

Div 2 Playoffs - Matchday 10

Group A - Sunday

Luk Esan v Kasetsart
Phitsanulok v Prachuap
Roi Et Utd v Nara Utd

Current Standings:
22 Roi Et Utd
16 Phitsanulok
12 Kasetsart
12 Nara Utd
6 Luk Esan
5 Prachuap

There will be no dramatic last day heroics in Group A as it's all done and dusted. In my opinion, it's been a formality since Matchday 2 that Roi Et and Phitsanulok would prevail from this pool.

Group B - Saturday

Ang Thong v Paknampho NSRU
Chiang Mai v Nakhon Nayok
Udon Thani v Sukhothai

Current Standings:
17 Chiang Mai
15 NSRU
14 Ang Thong
13 Sukhothai
9 Udon Thani
7 Nakhon Nayok

Throughout the playoffs, Group B has been far more rousing than Group A and plenty of last day furore is anticipated. With Chiang Mai safely promoted, Ang Thong and Paknampho NSRU will battle it out on Saturday for that last remaining golden ticket. The winner of this match will join the other three clubs in the division one bound glass elevator. However, if it's a tie between the dueling duo, Sukhothai could slip into the top 2 if they have beaten Udon Thani by at least three goals.
All matches will kick off at 4pm.

Div 2 Playoffs - Matchday 9 Review

Group A

Kasetsart 4-1 Nara Utd
Prachuap 0-0 Luk Esan
Roi Et Utd 1-1 Phitsanulok

Current Standings:
22 Roi Et
16 Phitsanulok
12 Kasetsart
12 Nara Utd
6 Luk Esan
5 Prachuap

Roi Et and Phitsanulok both had reasons to be cheerful after their 1-1 draw. The point was enough for Roi Et to claim top spot in Group A and for Phitsanulok they finally progressed from the playoffs at the third time of asking. Diego Alves had given Roi Et a first half lead but that was cancelled out when Sirichai headed home in the second period.
Kasetsart moved into third place after the beat Naru Utd 4-1 while a 0-0 stalemate between Prachuap and Luk Esan perfectly sums up their contribution to the group.

Group B

Nakhon Nayok 3-4 Sukhothai
Paknampho NSRU 2-0 Chiang Mai
Udon Thani 1-4 Ang Thong

Current Standings:
17 Chiang Mai
15 NSRU
14 Ang Thong
13 Sukhothai
9 Udon Thani
7 Nakhon Nayok

The three teams in pursuit of that elusive second promotion spot all won to set up a nail biting last weekend.
Ang Thong host NSRU next Saturday and the winner of the tie will secure promotion to the first division.
Paknampho NSRU took advantage of a Chiang Mai side who are already assured promotion with a 2-0 home victory. A first half Tanawat free kick and a second half penalty converted by Rewat earned the Nakhon Sawan club three vital points.
Ang Thong ended any lingering hopes Udon Thani had with an impressive 4-1 victory. A double apiece from Khampheng and Viliam ensured the Rice Warriors have their destiny in their own hands for the big showdown with NSRU on the final matchday.
The comeback of the day came at Nakhon Nayok. With ten minutes left, Sukhothai were trailing 3-1 and seemingly their season was ending prematurely. However, three late goals helped them turnaround the tie and it kept their slim hopes of sneaking into second spot alive. They need Ang Thong and NSRU to draw next weekend and in correspondence they have to win handsomely at Udon Thani.