Thai Port 0-1 Police United

Police United won their first game of the season as they kept Thai Port rooted to the foot of the TPL table.

The gloomy gray skies surrounding the PAT Stadium during the game reflected the mood of the home fans throughout and they vented their feelings at the final whistle after another meek performance saw Thai Port lose their fourth consecutive game of the season.

The first half was largely forgettable, but it improved after half-time as Police upped the tempo. Surachart could easily have broken the deadlock twice shortly after the break. His first attempt was blasted over the bar with only the keeper to beat, and his second effort was tipped onto the post by Wanlop.

Police had been the better side and they were rewarded on 72 minutes when Leandro slotted home a pass from the right to net Police United's first goal this season.

As the game was drawing to a close, there were three sending offs within the space of a few minutes. The first to go for an early bath was Thai Port's Kiatjaroen for two yellows and he was closely followed by his teammate, Ittipol, for a similar offence to reduce the homeside to 9 men. The referee obviously fancied doing some after match paperwork as he dismissed Police United's Jerry Amara with a straight red (I think) in the final moments.

In between all the dismissals, Steven Robb's slided effort was denied an equalizer by the Police keeper, Patarakorn, and Pokkhao of Police missed a sitter from yards out after Wanlop had produced a smart save.

As the match finished, Mario Cesar was desperately baying for a handball in the area from the final play of the game.

As mentioned earlier, the final whistle was greeted with cries of "ork bai" by the Klong Toei army towards the clubs owners/management. The latest rumour tonight is that Piyakul Kaewnamkang has resigned as Thai Port head coach and Adul Luekijna has stepped into the role.

Weekend Preview 30 March - 1 April

TPL
(Saturday)
Buriram United v Osotspa Saraburi
Army United v BBCU
TOT v Chonburi
Thai Port v Police United

(Sunday)
BEC Tero v Chiang Rai Utd
Chainat v Muangthong
Bangkok Glass v Pattaya
Samut Songkhram v TTM
Isan United v Wuachon Utd

It's been a troubling start for Thai Port and Police United. Both sides sit in the bottom two and between them they have scored only one goal. Incidentally, that goal was an own goal scored by ex-Thai port favorite Ekkapoom who now plies his trade at Muangthong. It's not pleasant to say this at such an early stage in the season, but three points are essential for both sides this weekend. The loser of this contest will be in a very precarious position.
On the flip side of the coin, it's been an encouraging start to the season for Muangthong, Army Utd and Pattaya. A win for Muangthong at newly promoted Chainat this weekend won't be easy. Army will reacquaint themselves with their old tenants, BBCU, and Pattaya face their toughest test so far as they travel to unbeaten Bangkok Glass.
Thailand's AFC representatives, Buriram and Chonburi, spring back into action after a midweek siesta. Buriam welcome Osotsapa and Chonburi are back in the northern Bangkok environs once again as they visit TOT.
BEC Tero and Chiang Rai earned their first wins on Wednesday and they'll be looking to build on that when they meet at the Thephasadin. The fixture between Samut Songkram and TTM doesn't suggest many goals and Isan Utd v Wuachon is a tight one to call.

Division 1
(Saturday)
Air Force v Suphanburi
Ratchaburi v Khon Kaen
Chantaburi v Korat
Siam Navy v Raj Pracha

(Sunday)
PTT Rayong v Songkla
FC Phuket v Bangkok Utd
Pattalung v Sriracha
Krabi v JW Rangsit
Saraburi v Bangkok FC

Similar to the TPL, the bottom two sides clash in the first division. Before the season started, Saraburi and Bangkok FC were seen as potential dark horses to be involved in the promotion race. Somehow this hasn't happened as the pair of them are stuck to the bottom with zero points.
Four of the current top six play each other this weekend. It's fifth against first with PTT Rayong v Songkla and Pattalung in second host Sriracha in sixth. Ratchaburi and Suphanburi complete the top six with Ratchaburi taking on Khon Kaen and Suphanburi visiting the Thupathemi to play Air Force.
The rest of the fixtures see Chantaburi v Korat, Siam Navy v Raj Pracha, FC Phuket v Bangkok Utd and Krabi v JW Rangsit.

Div 2 BKK
(Friday)
Rangsit FC v Samut Prakarn Utd

(Saturday)
Customs Utd v Luk Isan
Kasem Bundit v Nontaburi
Samut Sakhon v Chamchuri Utd
Globex v R-BEC
North Bangkok v Thai Honda

(Sunday)
Kasetsart v Prachinburi FC
Bangkok Christian v Assumption Thonburi
Central Lions v Krung Thonburi

Division 2 Bangkok can trump division one with all of the top six playing each other this round. On Saturday Globex in fifth host high scoring R-BEC and fourth placed North Bangkok welcome third placed Thai Honda. On Sunday the biggie is Samut Sakhon v Chamchuri. The Chulalongkorn team now face some stiff tests after their early season fixture card was relatively kind to them. A win at Samut Sakhon would once again stamp their authority on the league table after they dropped their first points of the season last weekend.

Midweek 28th March - Review

TPL
Chiang Rai Utd 1-0 Samut Songkhram
Police Utd 0-2 BEC Tero
Pattaya Utd 1-0 Thai Port
Muangthong Utd 2-2 Bangkok Glass
TOT 3-3 Wuachon Utd
Army Utd 1-0 Isan Utd
Osotspa Saraburi 1-0 BBCU

Kone Mohamed scored his first goal back in Muangthong colors to earn the Kirins a 2-2 draw with Bangkok Glass. It was the away side who broke the deadlock on 38 minutes when Saruta scored before Muangthong levelled from the spot seconds before the break. Leesaw restored the lead for the Glass Rabbits on 52 minutes, but it wasn't to be enough as Kone's goal with 10 minutes left meant the spoils were shared.
It was a tale of 1-0 home wins as four of the seven contests finished with this outcome. Pattaya and Osotspa had to be patient before eventually beating Thai Port and BBCU. Chiang Rai's early goal was enough to hand Samut Songkhram their first loss this season and Tatree was Army's scorer as they beat Isan United 1-0.
BEC Tero finally got their season going with an encouraging 2-0 triumph at Police. Both goals were scored by Cleiton Silva in a four minute spell midway through the second half.
The game that produced the most goals was at the TOT Stadium as TOT and Wuachon split the points in a six goal thriller.

Division 1
Bangkok FC 1-2 PTT Rayong
Songkla 2-0 Krabi
JW Rangsit 1-4 Siam Navy
Raj Pracha 4-0 Chantaburi
Korat 0-1 Phuket
Bangkok Utd 0-1 Ratchaburi
Khon Kaen 1-1 Air Force
Suphanburi 0-0 Pattalung
Sriracha 2-0 Saraburi

The first division has a five way tie at the top with Songkla, Pattalung, Ratchaburi, Suphanburi and PTT Rayong all on 7 points. The unexpected leaders are Songkla who moved to the summit after a 2-0 home win over Krabi. Songkla's Elvis had Krabi all shook up with a couple of goals while Suphanburi and Pattalung cancelled each other out in the league's top billed game. Ratchaburi left it late at Bangkok United and PTT Rayong came from a goal behind to hand Bangkok FC their third straight loss of the season.
There were impressive 4 goal victories for Siam Navy and Raj Pracha as they both jumped into the top half of the table. Sriracha moved onto six points and sixth place with a 2-0 victory over struggling Saraburi. Phuket now sit one place behind Saraburi in seventh after they collected a satisfactory 1-0 at Korat. And finally, Air Force were denied their first win of the season as Khon Kaen scored in injury time to salvage a point.

Bangkok United 0-1 Ratchaburi

A last gasp goal from Ratchaburi inflicted a 1-0 victory over 10 men Bangkok United at the Thai-Japanese Stadium. It was slightly harsh on the home side as they'd fought bravely and seemed the more likely winners in the second half despite being a man short.

Strangely enough, in the first 45 minutes, Ratchaburi were the better side when it was 11 v 11. Douglas and Chitpon went closest for Ratchaburi in the opening period as the Dragon's play had more intensity about it than their hosts.

On 43 minutes, Bangkok United were reduced to 10 men when Alef was sent off for receiving two yellow cards within the space of a couple of minutes.

The visitors for some reason were subdued in the second half as Romain Gasmi began to stamp his authority on the game. An inswinging free kick midway through the half evaded everyone in the box and hit the post, and a defence splitting pass from Gasmi was blazed over the bar by Chatchai minutes later.

Just as the Angels looked to have earned a hard fought point, they were hit with a sucker punch when Ratchaburi's captain, Prayad, headed in at the near post from a 93rd minute corner to win the points for the Dragons.

I'm sure both clubs will be aiming to be in the promotion shake up come the end of the season. If Ratchaburi play like they did in the first and likewise Bangkok United in the second, then I'm certain the pair of them will be pressing for a top three finish. However, if you reverse the halves, then I'd reckon it will be mid-table finishes for the two sides.

Wednesday 28th March - Preview

TPL
Chiang Rai Utd v Samut Songkhram
Police Utd v BEC Tero
Pattaya Utd v Thai Port
Muangthong Utd v Bangkok Glass
TOT v Wuachon Utd
Army Utd v Isan Utd
Osotspa Saraburi v BBCU

The TPL has sensibly decided to include midweek fixtures this year. For the 2011 season, somebody came up with the bright idea to only play games on weekends. That was to prove a regretful decision as the season dragged on for 49 weeks due to ever-changing scheduling, postponements for international matches and of course, the flood.
Buriram United and Chonburi have been granted respite to prepare for their ongoing AFC competitions. That leaves the Muangthong v Bangkok Glass contest as the eye catching match this Wednesday evening. The last time these two sides came together in the TPL, Muangthong trounced BG 6-2. That result was probably the highlight of a disconcerting 2011 for the Kirins while it was a night that the Glass Rabbits have tried to erase from memory.
Thai Port will play their third consecutive match on the road with a tricky trip to Pattaya. Likewise for Wuachon and BEC Tero, it's their third away day, with visits to TOT and Police respectively.
Chiang Rai will play Samut Songkhram at the Mae Fah Luang University Stadium and they'll be aspiring to be the first team to score a goal against the Crazy Mackerels this season. Osotspa will be expecting a home win over BBCU as should Army United when they host Isan Utd.

Division 1
Bangkok FC v PTT Rayong
Songkla v Krabi
JW Rangsit v Siam Navy
Raj Pracha v Chantaburi
Korat v Phuket
Bangkok Utd v Ratchaburi
Khon Kaen v Air Force
Suphanburi v Pattalung
Sriracha v Saraburi

The first division has a full card this midweek as we enter the third round of contests. It has been an appealing beginning to the season with a top two of Pattalung and Suphanburi currently leading the way. The duo at the helm will clash in Suphanburi on Wednesday evening. Pattalung have hit the back of the net seven times in their first two games while Suphanburi have yet to concede. Suphanburi will start as favorites but the Swiftlets have already shown us this season that they are not to be underestimated.
Ratchaburi will face a stiff test of their promotion credentials as they travel to Bangkok United. The Bangkok Angels have a lousy home record in the past couple of seasons and this needs to be addressed. Korat will fancy beating Phuket while there is the intriguing southern derby with Songkla and Krabi set to grapple for 3 points.
Bangkok FC, Air Force and Saraburi have still to register any points. The Bulligans host PTT Rayong, Air Force fly up to Khon Kaen and Saraburi will play Sriracha on the Blue Marlin's artificial surface.
The other games are JW Rangsit v Siam Navy and Raj Pracha v Chantaburi which will inevitably only be watched by a few hardy souls.

Weekend Review 24-25 March

TPL
Isan Utd 2-1 Osotspa Saraburi
TOT 0-2 Army Utd
Chainat 1-1 Wuachon Utd
Pattaya 1-0 BEC Tero
TTM 0-0 Chiang Rai Utd
Bangkok Glass 0-0 Chonburi
Muangthong Utd 5-1 Thai Port
Samut Songkhram 1-0 Police Utd
Buriram Utd 3-0 BBCU

Burning effigies

It's business as usual as the last two champions of the TPL lead the way on six points. Buriram United could afford to rest several first teamers in their 3-0 victory over BBCU. Muangthong United showed they are the real deal as they disposed of the lacklustre Thai Port 5-1. Bangkok Glass and Chonburi kept in check with a point each in a 0-0 draw at the Leo Stadium.

Razor wire

Isan United won their first match in their new lodgings at the Tung Barupa Stadium by beating Osotspa 2-1. However, it was the events off the field which unsuitably took center stage. Prior to the match, security was beefed up and razor and barb wire were put around the vicinity of the stadium to deter unwanted Sisaket fans from causing trouble. It should be noted that during the match there were plenty of non-protesting Sisaket followers behaving themselves impeccably inside the stadium.  Just before half time though, a group of Sisaket fans carrying banners and megaphones turned up outside the away end and set alight a couple of effigies with Isan Utd tops. My feelings are with the Kouprey faithful, but this charade is not a good advert for Thai football!!
Anyway back to the action. There were wins for Pattaya, Army United and Samut Songkram while the games between Chainat v Wuachon and TTM and Chaing Rai ended in draws.

Division 1
Sriracha 4-1 Bangkok FC
Pattalung 3-2 Khon Kaen
Ratchaburi 1-1 Korat
Siam Navy 2-2 Songkla
FC Phuket 1-1 Raj Pracha
Chantaburi 2-2 JW Rangsit
Krabi 1--1 PTT Rayong
Air Force Utd 2-3 Bangkok Utd
Saraburi 0-1 Suphanburi

After two matches Pattalung and Suphanburi still have perfect records having taken a full 6 points from their first two games. If you want entertainment, then Pattalung appear to be the team to see. Their first two games have conjured up 11 goals. On Saturday they raced into a 3-0 half-time lead against Khon Kaen, but had to hold on nervously in the second period after conceding two goals. Suphanburi etched out a 1-0 win at Saraburi with a goal from Nawin to maintain their 100% winning record.
At the other end of the table, it's been a slow start for Bangkok FC, Saraburi and Air Force who prop up the league on zero points. The Bulligans will be disheartened to have started the season badly after well-provided investment was made in the close season. They might argue that they've played both games away from home against tough opposition. Next up for Bangkok FC is another tricky one against PTT Rayong. It is at home though, so a point must be the minimum requirement. Saraburi have had two difficult openers against Khon Kaen and Suphanburi, so form will be expected to be picked up once they have easier fixtures. The same could be said for Air Force who have lost to promotion candidates, Korat and Bangkok United.

Division 2 Bangkok
Luk Isan 0-0 North Bangkok
Thai Honda 3-2 Central Lions
Nontaburi 1-2 Customs United
Samut Prakarn Utd 2-1 Bangkok Christian
Assumption Thonburi 0-0 Globex
Krung Thonburi 0-1 Kasetsart
R-BEC 3-1 Samut Sakhon
Kasem Bundit 2-2 Rangsit FC
Prachinburi FC 0-0 Chamchuri Utd

Chamchuri dropped their first points of the season as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Prachinburi. Nonetheless they still have a three point cushion on last year's relegated sides, R-BEC and Thai Honda. The youthful R-BEC are the league's highest scorers with 15 goals. Thai Honda have quietly gone about their business and sit in third place. The other relegated team, CustomsUtd, beat ailing Nontaburi 2-1 to move themselves into mid-table.

* A big thank you to Thai Port Blogspot for providing the two photos. If you'd like to catch up on the latest news from Thai Port or read more on the Isan Utd v Osotspa game, then I recommend that you check out: http://thaiportfc.blogspot.com/

Bangkok Glass and Chonburi Ends in Stalemate

TPL championship hopefuls, Bangkok Glass and Chonburi, played out a 0-0 draw at the Leo Stadium.
The first chance of the game came on 9 minutes when Sintaweechai had to tip a Samuel Ajayi shot around the post. From the resultant corner, Hiek's downward header bounced narrowly over the bar.
Chonburi's best chance of the half came on 14 minutes when the unmarked Kroekrit headed wide when he really should have it the target. Had Pipob been on the end of the cross, surely he would have opened the scoring.
The home team seemed happy to allow Chonburi possession and hit on the break using Ajayi and Saruta's pace.
On the half hour, Ajayi's shot smacked the base of the post after he'd played a one-two with Chatree. Minutes later the outside of the same post was struck by a cross from Sutee.
Chonburi had been quiet, but they reminded BG that they were still in the game when Ludo's powerful shot was knocked wide by Kritsakorn.
In first half injury time, Sintaweechai was called into action again to make a good save from Saruta's shot across goal. That was the last action of the half as the score was goalless at the break.
The second 45 minutes speaking politely was drab. The closest the game got to a goal was a Suree header from a Chonburi corner that sailed 3 feet over the bar.
Overall,  a point each is a reasonable return for both sides. They pair of them remain undefeated and their defences have yet to breached.

Toyota League Cup 2012 - Regional Draw

The draw for the regional league teams entering the Toyota League Cup was made yesterday.
There will be 4 teams qualifying from the South while there will be 6 each from the North, Northeast, Central & East and Bangkok equaling 28 teams in total who will join the 36 TPL/Div 1 teams in the last 64.

The Bangkok draw:

Chamchuri / Kasetsart v Globex
Central Lions v R-BEC
Kasem Bundit v Rangsit FC
Nontaburi / Thai Honda v Luk Isan
Customs Utd v Prachinburi FC
Samut Prakarn Utd v Krung Thonburi

North Bangkok, Samut Sakhon,  Assumption Thonburi and Bangkok Christian appear not to have entered. In total, 69 of the 81 region teams are in the cup.

The other regions are:

(South)
Nakhon si Thammarat v Nara Utd
Pattani v Phang Nga
Surat Thani v Hat Yai
Yala appear to have a bye

(North)
Kamphaengphet / Nan v Nakhon Sawan
Chiang Rai FC / Tak v Petchabun
Phichit v Uttaradit
NSRU / Phitsanoluk v Singburi
Lampang v Uthai Thani
Lamphun Warriors v Sukhothai

(Central & East)
Prachinburi Utd / Petchaburi v Ayutthaya
Kabin City / Sa Keao v Chachoengsao
Trat / Pathumthani v Muangkan
Nakhon Nayok / Lopburi v Ang Thong
Thanyaburi / Rayong v Thai Fleet
Prachuap / Samut Prakarn FC v Maptaphut Rayong

(Northeast)
Mahasarakham v Sisaket Utd
Chaiyaphun / Yasothon v Nong Khai
Udon Thani / Ubon Tiger v Sakhon Nakhon
Nong Bua Lamphu / Roi Et v Nakhon Panom
Surin v Amnat Charoen
Kalasin v Mukdahan

The extra ties will be played on 3/4 April and the final qualifiers on 10/11 April.

Weekend Preview 24-25 March

TPL
(Saturday)
Isan Utd v Osotspa Saraburi
TOT v Army Utd
Chainat v Wuachon Utd
Pattaya v BEC Tero
(Sunday)
TTM v Chiang Rai Utd
Bangkok Glass v Chonburi
Muangthong Utd v Thai Port
Samut Songkhram v Police Utd
Buriram Utd v BBCU

Pre-season TPL favorites Buriram United, Chonburi and Muangthong enter the second round of games seeking to build on opening day victories.  Buriram should have too much for BBCU and if Thai Port's opening game is anything to go by, then Muangthong must be feeling the same way. Chonburi have struggled on their last couple of visits to the Leo Stadium and won't find it easy again as Bangkok Glass aim to make it two wins out of two.
The game between Isan United and Osotspa promises to be a contemplative affair. This will be Isan Utd's first game at their new home in Ubon, much to the disgust of the followers of Sisaket FC. The Kouprey diehards made their feelings well known last week when they attended the game between BBCU and Isan Utd at the Rajamangala. They booed every time Isan Utd touched the ball and some over enthusiastic fans even invaded the pitch when BBCU scored. Most fans of other Thai football clubs are in support of the Sisaket fans and hope that one day in the near future that they can get back to supporting the club that they love. Whether or not Osotspa have a few new fans in attendance for the game on Saturday remains to be seen.
The other games of TOT v Army, Chainat v Wuachon, Pattaya v BEC Tero, TTM v Chiang Rai and Samut Songkhram v Police should all be close contests and I can see a few of these being draws.

Division 1
(Saturday)
Sriracha v Bangkok FC
Pattalung v Khon Kaen
Ratchaburi v Korat
Siam Navy v Songkla
FC Phuket v Raj Pracha
(Sunday)
Chantaburi v JW Rangsit
Krabi v PTT Rayong
Air Force Utd v Bangkok Utd
Saraburi v Suphanburi

Division 1 sees Ratchaburi and Korat cross swords again and Korat will have a score to settle after they lost to Ratchaburi in the Division 2 Play-off final three months ago. The other two promoted sides, Krabi and Pattalung, will be buoyed by first day wins. Pattalung will play host to Khon Kaen and Krabi welcome PTT Rayong.
For the Bangkok sides, it was a terrible start and they'll be seeking to kick start their seasons. Bangkok United will be eager to forget their 4-2 home loss to Pattalung last week. They make the shortish trip up Vipavadee Road to Air Force who will also be out to earn their first points. Bangkok FC are away again, this time at Sriracha. Raj Pracha and JW Rangsit both have long journeys with Raj heading to the island of Phuket and JW going to Chantaburi.
The Saraburi v Suphanburi tie should test the title credentials of Suphanburi and Siam Navy face Songkla in Sattahip.

Division 2 Bangkok
(Saturday)
Luk Isan v North Bangkok
Thai Honda v Central Lions
Nontaburi v Customs United
(Sunday)
Samut Prakarn Utd v Bangkok Christian
Assumption Thonburi v Globex
Krung Thonburi v Kasetsart
R-BEC v Samut Sakhon
Kasem Bundit v Rangsit FC
Prachinburi FC v Chamchuri Utd

It's been five wins out of five for Chamchuri as they have stormed to the top of the league, although it should be noted that four of these games have been played at home. On Sunday they'll face their biggest test of the season to date as they travel to Klaeng to face Prachinburi FC. Also on this day, 4th placed R-BEC will meet 2nd placed Samut Sakhon. A draw in this game would suit North Bangkok, Globex and Thai Honda as they target closing in on the leading pack.

Double Joy on AFC Matchday 2

AFC Champions League - Group H

Kashiwa Reysol 5-1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
Guangzhou Evergrande 1-2 Buriram United

Buriram United moved to the top of Group H with a fantastic 2-1 win over Guangzhou Evergrande. Make no mistake, this wasn't a smash and grab as Buriram deserved their victory against their much fancied opponents.  Frank Achaempong was immense throughout and was unlucky not to have opened the scoring in the first half after he was twice put through clear on goal. The Ghanaian's pacey runs were a handful for the Guangzhou right back all night and on the hour he won the Thai side a penalty which was converted by Suchao. Ten minutes later the Chinese side were back in the match when Cleo headed in a Mariqui cross. It was cruel considering the hard work Buriram had put in, but on 78 minutes they restored their lead when Achaempong tapped-in after good work from Ohandza. The Thunder Castle's defence lead by Ekwalla held out for the remainder of the match as Buriram announced themselves onto the ACL stage.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors suffered another 5-1 mauling as they were beaten by Kashiwa Reysol. The damage was done in the last five minutes of the first half as the Koreans conceded three goals to trail 3-0 at the break. Last year's beaten finalists are now in massive danger of being eliminated in the group stages.
Next up for Buriram is a double header with the ailing Jeonbuk Motors.  There is no evidence so far to suggest that the Thai side can't collect at least 4 points from the next two games and move on to the next stage. That would be an incredible accomplishment for the pre-group underdogs.

AFC Cup  - Group G
Chonburi 1-0 Home United
Citizen AA 2-1 Yangon United

It was double delight for the Thai sides as Chonburi also leaped to the summit of their group after they narrowly beat Home United 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by ex-Home United boy Ludovick Takam on 70 minutes.
Citizen AA kept in check with Chonburi and Home United with a 2-1 win over Yangon FC in Hong Kong.