TPL
(Saturday)
Chainat v Buriram Utd
Bangkok Glass v TOT
Thai Port v Isan Utd
BEC Tero v BBCU
(Sunday)
Samut Songkhram v Osotspa Saraburi
TTM v Army Utd
Chiang Rai Utd v Wuachon Utd
Police v Chonburi
Pattaya Utd v Muangthong Utd
The draw between Buriram and Muangthong on Wednesday meant that Muangthong maintained their 10 point advantage over the Thunder Castle. The pair of title favorites have tricky away matches this weekend with Buriram United at Chainat and Muangthong at Nong Prue to face Pattaya. Muangthong will be without fans favorite Mario Gjurovski through suspension while Teerasil is rated as 50/50.
Edit – Mario Gjurovski’s three match ban was overturned and he’s available for the trip to Pattaya on Sunday.
BEC Tero and Bangkok Glass both have home fixtures against what they will regard as beatable Bangkok opposition. Tero will be hoping that their capitulation in Isan was just a temporary blip and that normal business will be resumed against BBCU on Saturday evening. Bangkok Glass lost their first home game last week and winning against TOT won't be easy. BG fans will need no reminding that the telephone company did the double over them last season.
The Army Stadium will welcome Chonburi for the second time in as many weeks as Police United use the stadium for the second time. They've previously used the IPE in Chonburi as their Thammasart home is still being renovated after the flood last year. The Sharks have lost on their last two visits to the Army Stadium and they'll be hoping that a change of opponent might bring them a change of fortune.
The bottom three of Thai Port, TTM and Samut Songkhram are in danger of being cut adrift if they don't start picking up wins fairly quickly. Ulrich Munze makes his first return to the PAT with his new club Isan United. The Thai Port fans will be hoping that their former keeper has one of his off days as they search for their second home win of the season. TTM finally have started scoring goals, but at the other end they are leaking them too. They play host to Army United on Sunday while bottom side Samut Songkhram have a home tie with Osotspa.
The final game is Chiang Rai United against the unpredictable Wuachon United.
Division 1
(Saturday)
Bangkok FC v Bangkok Utd
Khon Kaen v Korat
Suphanburi v Raj Pracha
Sriracha v JW Rangsit
Saraburi v Songkla
(Sunday)
Pattalung v PTT Rayong
Ratchaburi v Siam Navy
It's a round of fixtures which mainly features teams in the top half against teams in the lower half. Leaders Ratcahaburi on the back of their 9-1 thrashing of Chantaburi hope to make it five wins on the trot as they welcome Siam Navy who themselves are unbeaten in four. Second placed Bangkok United make the trip over Rama 9 bridge to Bang Mot to meet a Bangkok FC side that has slipped back into the relegation zone after two defeats.
Krabi have the weekend off so Suphanburi would be expected to jump back into the top 3 with a home tie against faltering Raj Pracha. Sriracha should beat JW Rangsit at home while PTT Rayong will be looking to make it a treble of wins when the visit Pattalung.
Reuther Moreira is officially now the head coach of Nakhon Ratchasima as Tewet Kamolsin has been moved upstairs. Whether or not Tewet will have any influence over the side from his new position "upstairs" remains to be seen. The Swatcats first assignment under Moreira is a north-east derby match at Khon Kaen. The pair were two leagues apart last season but as it stands now they are both firmly established into the middle zone of Division 1.
Division 2 Bangkok
(Friday)
Rangsit FC v Bangkok Christian
(Saturday)
Samut Prakarn Utd v Thai Honda
Kasem Bundit v Central Lions
Luk Esan v Kasetsart
(Sunday)
R-BEC v Rayong Utd
Assumption Thonburi v Krung Thonburi
Globex v Customs Utd
North Bangkok v Samut Sakhon
Nonthaburi v Chamchuri Utd
The top 4 sides all hit the road this weekend. Thai Honda make the short trip to Samut Prakarn United, while Samut Sakhon and Rayong Utd face tough examinations as they visit university sides North Bangkok and R-BEC. Kasetsart will almost feel at home as the visit Luk Esan at the Bunyajinda Stadium which is only a couple of miles from their main university campus.
At the bottom end of the table, the Thonburi suburb of Bangkok will be split in two as its local sides of Assumption and Krung tussle to be the toast of Thonburi town.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Results & Review - Wednesday 30 May
TPL
Buriram Utd 1-1 Muangthong
Wuachon 3-2 Police Utd
Army 1-0 Chiang Rai Utd
Osotspa Saraburi 4-3 TTM
BBCU 2-2 Samut Songkhram
Isan Utd 4-0 BEC Tero
TOT 1-1 Thai Port
Chainat 2-2 Bangkok Glass
Chonburi 2-1 Pattaya
It was an evening of goals, goals, goals as a total of 32 goals were scored on Wednesday evening.
The heavyweight clash between Buriram and Muangthong ended in a split decision as it finished 1-1. My twitter feed suggests that Buriram were the better side and that Muangthong did well to snatch a late point through a Jakkraphan header. Suriya had earlier given the Thunder Castle the lead and both sides had a player dismissed in the dying seconds with Buriram's Jakkraphan and MTU's Mario Gjurovski seeing red.
The biggest shock of the evening came as Isan United pounded BEC Tero 4-0 in Ubon. Hardly anybody saw that result coming as Tero suffered a major blip in their otherwise outstanding season.
Chainat and Samut Songkram both scored injury times goals to salvage 2-2 draws. Chainat's Puwadol levelled on 93 minutes while Samut Songkhram came from two down with their equalizer from Divine coming on the 90 minute mark
TTM fixtures have shown dribbles of goals in the last couple of games, but their entertainment value finally ejaculated as they peaked with a seven goal climatic affair in the Osot Spa. Unfortunately for TTM, they left Saraburi with an empty wallet as they lost 4-3.
The game in the south between Wuachon and Police produced five goals with Wuachon netting three of them. The stat that tickles my interest from this game is the official attendance of only 5,319. Where have the 25,000 other fans disappeared to since the Muangthong match ten days ago?
Chonburi earned the provincial bragging rights with a 2-1 victory over Pattaya. Army moved up to fourth with a 1-0 victory over Chiang Rai United courtesy of a Tatree free-kick and TOT and Thai Port shared a 1-1 draw.
Division 1
Chantaburi 1-9 Ratchaburi
Krabi 4-0 Pattalung
Raj Pracha A-A Khon Kaen
Korat 0-2 Bangkok Utd
Siam Navy 2-0 Air Force Utd
PTT Rayong 3-0 Saraburi
The first score of Chantaburi 1-9 Ratchaburi doesn't need summing up as the result speaks for itself. Bangkok United submitted another impressive performance to move second as goals from Gasmi and Sompong helped to see off and improving Korat.
Krabi and PTT Rayong kept in check with comfortable home wins and Siam Navy are finally into the top half of the table after they beat Air Force 2-0
The match between Raj Pracha v Khon Kaen was abandoned due to a spot of fon tok (rain) on the outskirts of western Bangkok.
Division 2 Bangkok
Chamchuri 2-1 Globex
Buriram Utd 1-1 Muangthong
Wuachon 3-2 Police Utd
Army 1-0 Chiang Rai Utd
Osotspa Saraburi 4-3 TTM
BBCU 2-2 Samut Songkhram
Isan Utd 4-0 BEC Tero
TOT 1-1 Thai Port
Chainat 2-2 Bangkok Glass
Chonburi 2-1 Pattaya
It was an evening of goals, goals, goals as a total of 32 goals were scored on Wednesday evening.
The heavyweight clash between Buriram and Muangthong ended in a split decision as it finished 1-1. My twitter feed suggests that Buriram were the better side and that Muangthong did well to snatch a late point through a Jakkraphan header. Suriya had earlier given the Thunder Castle the lead and both sides had a player dismissed in the dying seconds with Buriram's Jakkraphan and MTU's Mario Gjurovski seeing red.
The biggest shock of the evening came as Isan United pounded BEC Tero 4-0 in Ubon. Hardly anybody saw that result coming as Tero suffered a major blip in their otherwise outstanding season.
Chainat and Samut Songkram both scored injury times goals to salvage 2-2 draws. Chainat's Puwadol levelled on 93 minutes while Samut Songkhram came from two down with their equalizer from Divine coming on the 90 minute mark
TTM fixtures have shown dribbles of goals in the last couple of games, but their entertainment value finally ejaculated as they peaked with a seven goal climatic affair in the Osot Spa. Unfortunately for TTM, they left Saraburi with an empty wallet as they lost 4-3.
The game in the south between Wuachon and Police produced five goals with Wuachon netting three of them. The stat that tickles my interest from this game is the official attendance of only 5,319. Where have the 25,000 other fans disappeared to since the Muangthong match ten days ago?
Chonburi earned the provincial bragging rights with a 2-1 victory over Pattaya. Army moved up to fourth with a 1-0 victory over Chiang Rai United courtesy of a Tatree free-kick and TOT and Thai Port shared a 1-1 draw.
Division 1
Chantaburi 1-9 Ratchaburi
Krabi 4-0 Pattalung
Raj Pracha A-A Khon Kaen
Korat 0-2 Bangkok Utd
Siam Navy 2-0 Air Force Utd
PTT Rayong 3-0 Saraburi
The first score of Chantaburi 1-9 Ratchaburi doesn't need summing up as the result speaks for itself. Bangkok United submitted another impressive performance to move second as goals from Gasmi and Sompong helped to see off and improving Korat.
Krabi and PTT Rayong kept in check with comfortable home wins and Siam Navy are finally into the top half of the table after they beat Air Force 2-0
The match between Raj Pracha v Khon Kaen was abandoned due to a spot of fon tok (rain) on the outskirts of western Bangkok.
Division 2 Bangkok
Chamchuri 2-1 Globex
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
TOT 1-1 Thai Port
It was a point apiece in Cheang Wattana as TOT came from behind for a well deserved 1-1 draw with Thai Port.
Steven Robb's late inclusion in the Thai Port starting 11 was either a tactical piece of genius or a fortuitous piece of luck as the Scot opened the scoring a minute before the break as he turned in the box to finish off a neat pass from Olof Watson.
On reflection of the first half, TOT must have been bewildered how they went into the dressing room a goal behind as they had five or six good opportunities to score. Their chances either went narrowly wide or Wanlop was making routine saves look spectacular.
Thai Port appeared to be dealing comfortably with TOT in the second period, but that changed when Thai Port substituted their lucky piece of Scottish heather. Within a minute of Robb's departure, TOT levelled when a through ball from Takahiro via Bas Savage was flicked home off the outside of Thanakorn's boot.
From that moment on it always seemed a draw was the destined outcome although Alex Ruella's shot flew inches wide for Port while Pichit's long shot clipped the bar for TOT.
I'm sure when TOT review the attempts on goal stats, they'll rue the fact that they didn't win this game. If they'd had the craftsmanship of Diego Walsh, it could have been a different story as the Brazilian wasn't playing tonight. For Thai Port, it was a valuable point for them but with Isan United smacking BEC 4-0, it makes their encounter with Isan on Saturday a must for three points.
Steven Robb's late inclusion in the Thai Port starting 11 was either a tactical piece of genius or a fortuitous piece of luck as the Scot opened the scoring a minute before the break as he turned in the box to finish off a neat pass from Olof Watson.
On reflection of the first half, TOT must have been bewildered how they went into the dressing room a goal behind as they had five or six good opportunities to score. Their chances either went narrowly wide or Wanlop was making routine saves look spectacular.
Thai Port appeared to be dealing comfortably with TOT in the second period, but that changed when Thai Port substituted their lucky piece of Scottish heather. Within a minute of Robb's departure, TOT levelled when a through ball from Takahiro via Bas Savage was flicked home off the outside of Thanakorn's boot.
From that moment on it always seemed a draw was the destined outcome although Alex Ruella's shot flew inches wide for Port while Pichit's long shot clipped the bar for TOT.
I'm sure when TOT review the attempts on goal stats, they'll rue the fact that they didn't win this game. If they'd had the craftsmanship of Diego Walsh, it could have been a different story as the Brazilian wasn't playing tonight. For Thai Port, it was a valuable point for them but with Isan United smacking BEC 4-0, it makes their encounter with Isan on Saturday a must for three points.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
FA Cup Round 3 Draw
The clash of the round is Buriram v Chonburi. It's probably the draw that neither side would have wanted at this stage of the competition.
For the division 2 sides, Hat Yai have earned a big night out at Muangthong while Trat travel up to Army. Rayong FC and Ayutthaya have landed home ties with potential upsets on the cards against Thai Port and Krabi.
Full Draw:
Police v Wuachon Utd
Khon Kaen v Chiang Rai Utd
Chainat v TOT
Ayutthaya v Krabi
TTM v Korat
Samut Songkhram v Raj Pracha
Buriram Utd v Chonburi
Rayong FC v Thai Port
BBCU v Ratchaburi
Songkla v Bangkok Utd
Bangkok Glass v Osotspa
Muangthong v Hat Yai
PTT Rayong v Isan Utd
Pattaya v BEC Tero
Army v Trat
Suphanburi v Bangkok FC
Ties to be played on various dates in August.
For the division 2 sides, Hat Yai have earned a big night out at Muangthong while Trat travel up to Army. Rayong FC and Ayutthaya have landed home ties with potential upsets on the cards against Thai Port and Krabi.
Full Draw:
Police v Wuachon Utd
Khon Kaen v Chiang Rai Utd
Chainat v TOT
Ayutthaya v Krabi
TTM v Korat
Samut Songkhram v Raj Pracha
Buriram Utd v Chonburi
Rayong FC v Thai Port
BBCU v Ratchaburi
Songkla v Bangkok Utd
Bangkok Glass v Osotspa
Muangthong v Hat Yai
PTT Rayong v Isan Utd
Pattaya v BEC Tero
Army v Trat
Suphanburi v Bangkok FC
Ties to be played on various dates in August.
Midweek Action - Wednesday 30 May
TPL
Buriram Utd v Muangthong
Wuachon v Police Utd
Army v Chiang Rai Utd
Osotspa Saraburi v TTM
BBCU v Samut Songkhram
Isan Utd v BEC Tero
TOT v Thai Port
Chainat v Bangkok Glass
Chonburi v Pattaya
There is a full card of TPL fixtures to be played on Wednesday evening. The game between Buriram and Muangthong is the clash of the heavyweights with the epic feeling of Ali v Frazier about it for Thai footy fans rather than a David Haye v Dereck Chisora car park scrap outside the back of a pub. Both sides are off the back of impressive weekend victories and the winners of this would surely be installed as the title favorites.
The second and third placed sides, BEC and Bangkok Glass, both face away trips with Tero at Isan United while ex BG player Michael Byrne is desperately fighting to be fit to put one over his old team as they travel to Chainat.
There is also an Eastern Seaboard derby between Chonburi and Pattaya. The two clubs are closely related but the pair of fans regard each other as the irrelevant ginger cousin who they only see Christmas and family celebrations. A slight form of annoyance for the Chonburi fans would be that Pattaya currently sit one place above them in the table. With four wins out of four at home for the Sharks, they'll be expecting to move back above their provincial rivals on Wednesday evening.
TOT did the double over Thai Port last season and will see the visit of Klong Toei's finest as a chance for three points. A win for the Telephone Boys in this one would tuck them comfortably into the mid-table comfort zone with a huge nine points advantage over Port.
While on the subject of teams destined to finish in mid-table, Army take on Chiang Rai and Wuachon host Police in Songkla. It will be interesting to see how many locals turn up for this game after their 30,000 plus for the Muangthong clash last week.
That leaves us with Osotspa v TTM and BBCU V Samut Songkhram rounding off the fixtures
Division 1
Chantaburi v Ratchaburi
Krabi v Pattalung
Raj Pracha v Khon Kaen
Korat v Bangkok Utd
Siam Navy v Air Force Utd
PTT Rayong v Saraburi
Only six games are to be played but there are some vital clashes which will affect the promotion issues. It's top against bottom as Ratchaburi travel to Chantaburi. In the south, both of last season's promoted clubs meet for the first time in Division 1. Krabi have only picked up one point from the last nine available while Pattalung have dropped into the bottom half of the table after the were the early season pace setters.
Korat and Saraburi both picked up impressive wins last Saturday.The Swatcats have been boosted by the return of Anon and they welcome in-form Bangkok United while Sarabui make the trip to PTT Rayong.
Division 2 Bangkok
Chamchuri v Globex
Buriram Utd v Muangthong
Wuachon v Police Utd
Army v Chiang Rai Utd
Osotspa Saraburi v TTM
BBCU v Samut Songkhram
Isan Utd v BEC Tero
TOT v Thai Port
Chainat v Bangkok Glass
Chonburi v Pattaya
There is a full card of TPL fixtures to be played on Wednesday evening. The game between Buriram and Muangthong is the clash of the heavyweights with the epic feeling of Ali v Frazier about it for Thai footy fans rather than a David Haye v Dereck Chisora car park scrap outside the back of a pub. Both sides are off the back of impressive weekend victories and the winners of this would surely be installed as the title favorites.
The second and third placed sides, BEC and Bangkok Glass, both face away trips with Tero at Isan United while ex BG player Michael Byrne is desperately fighting to be fit to put one over his old team as they travel to Chainat.
There is also an Eastern Seaboard derby between Chonburi and Pattaya. The two clubs are closely related but the pair of fans regard each other as the irrelevant ginger cousin who they only see Christmas and family celebrations. A slight form of annoyance for the Chonburi fans would be that Pattaya currently sit one place above them in the table. With four wins out of four at home for the Sharks, they'll be expecting to move back above their provincial rivals on Wednesday evening.
TOT did the double over Thai Port last season and will see the visit of Klong Toei's finest as a chance for three points. A win for the Telephone Boys in this one would tuck them comfortably into the mid-table comfort zone with a huge nine points advantage over Port.
While on the subject of teams destined to finish in mid-table, Army take on Chiang Rai and Wuachon host Police in Songkla. It will be interesting to see how many locals turn up for this game after their 30,000 plus for the Muangthong clash last week.
That leaves us with Osotspa v TTM and BBCU V Samut Songkhram rounding off the fixtures
Division 1
Chantaburi v Ratchaburi
Krabi v Pattalung
Raj Pracha v Khon Kaen
Korat v Bangkok Utd
Siam Navy v Air Force Utd
PTT Rayong v Saraburi
Only six games are to be played but there are some vital clashes which will affect the promotion issues. It's top against bottom as Ratchaburi travel to Chantaburi. In the south, both of last season's promoted clubs meet for the first time in Division 1. Krabi have only picked up one point from the last nine available while Pattalung have dropped into the bottom half of the table after the were the early season pace setters.
Korat and Saraburi both picked up impressive wins last Saturday.The Swatcats have been boosted by the return of Anon and they welcome in-form Bangkok United while Sarabui make the trip to PTT Rayong.
Division 2 Bangkok
Chamchuri v Globex
Monday, May 28, 2012
Weekend Review 26-27 May
TPL
Bangkok Glass 1-2 Buriram Utd
Thai Port 2-2 Chainat
BEC Tero 2-1 TOT
Samut Songkhram 0-0 Isan United
Chiang Rai Utd 4-3 Osotspa Saraburi
Pattaya Utd 1-0 Wuachon Utd
TTM 0-1 BBCU
Muangthong 2-0 Chonburi
Army 1-1 Police
Muangthong United scored two goals in the last ten minutes to win the much anticipated clash between themselves and Chonburi. Mario Gjurovski curled one in from a left footed free kick to give the Kirins the lead in the 83rd minute. In the 89th minute the game was put to bed when Phichitpong made it 2-0 with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
Wee Frank was the hero for Buriram United with two goals against Bangkok Glass. Many people have begun to write Buriram off after the wheels dishearteningly fell off in their AFC campaign. Saturday's result shows that they they are still the side to beat in the TPL. Bangkok Glass did pull a goal back coutesy of the once reliable Ekwalla who put one into his own net. Nevertheless, the game will be remembered for another goal that never was. At 1-0 down , a shot from Michelini of BG rattled the bar, bounced over the line and then bounced back again off the underside of the bar before it spun back out into play. It clearly crossed the line but as with the Chainat v BEC game last week, it wasn't spotted by referee or linesman. In all fairness, it happened quickly so I think we can excuse the referee for not seeing it. However the linesman should have had a clear view, but instead he stood their motionless with his flag clasped to his backside.
The Cleiton Silva official fan club (they do exist) would have been proud of their idol after his double against TOT. The ex-Osotspa man took his chances well but TOT will be disappointed with their defending for the goals. That 2-1 win meant Tero reclaimed second spot from Bangkok Glass.
In Klong Toei, an improved Thai Port snatched a point against 10 man Chainat. Brazilians Bruno and Alex Ruella both netted their first goals for the club as they home side twice had to come from behind. In between the goals, Chainat's Sumet left the field wearing an oxygen match on a stretcher after he'd been dismissed for two yellow cards. To round off the day's entertainment, there was an incident near the end involving a moronic pitch invader, a punching club official and flying flip-flops.
It was a goal feast up in Chiang Rai as the hosts edged out Osotspa 4-3. All four of the Fighting Beetles goals were headers from crosses with Choklap being credited with three of them. At the other end of the excitement spectrum, it was an absolute stinker as Samut Songkhram drew 0-0 with Isan Utd.
A long range free-kick from Niweat was the difference between Pattaya and Wuachon as the Dolphins won 1-0. There was to be no goal on his return to the Army Stadium for Leandro but he'll be pleased that his side fought back in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw. And finally, Jacob Aikionbare scored his first TPL goal since last May as BBCU beat TTM 1-0.
Division 1
Bangkok FC 1-2 Korat
Bangkok Utd 3-1 Raj Pracha
Khon Kaen 1-0 JW Rangsit
Sriracha 0-2 PTT Rayong
Saraburi 3-1 Krabi
Pattalung 1-1 Siam Navy
Air Force 3-1 Chantaburi
Ratchaburi 3-0 FC Phuket
Suphanburi 3-1 Songkla
There were a few unexpected results as Korat, PTT Rayong and Saraburi all defeated opponents higher ranked in the table while Ratchaburi scored three second half goals against Phuket to stay top.
A bumper crowd of 1,080 watched Bangkok United move into the promotion places as they came from behind to beat Raj Pracha 3-1. The away side's keeper, Kritsanapong, was dismissed late on for a pointless lunge at an attacker outside the box. The other side occupying a top 3 spot, Suphanburi, also won 3-1 with all four goals coming in a 12 minute burst in the second half.
There was a scary moment in Khon Kaen as Chinese defender, Li Xiang, had to have his heart pumped after he was knocked unconscious by a clash of heads with his own teammate. Thankfully the big man recovered and he'll have been doubly happy that the T-Rex beat JW Rangsit 1-0 to move into the top half of the league.
Division 2 (Bangkok)
Central Lions 1-2 Globex
Samut Sakhon 1-0 Luk Isan
Thai Honda 3-2 Assumption Thonburi
Rayong Utd 1-0 Samut Prakarn Utd
Chamchuri Utd 1-1 R-BEC
Customs Utd 0-0 Rangsit FC
Kasetsart 3-2 North Bangkok
Krung Thonburi 2-2 Kasem Bundit
Bangkok Christian 1-0 Nonthaburi
Thai Honda, Samut Sakhon and Rayong United are pulling away at the top after they all enjoyed narrow home wins on Saturday. As usual, there will be lots of comings and goings during the mid-season transfer window and I expect that there will be other challengers emerging from the chasing pack as the season progresses.
At the bottom end, Bangkok Christian's first win of the season moved them past their weekend opponents, Nonthaburi, in the placings.
Bangkok Glass 1-2 Buriram Utd
Thai Port 2-2 Chainat
BEC Tero 2-1 TOT
Samut Songkhram 0-0 Isan United
Chiang Rai Utd 4-3 Osotspa Saraburi
Pattaya Utd 1-0 Wuachon Utd
TTM 0-1 BBCU
Muangthong 2-0 Chonburi
Army 1-1 Police
Muangthong United scored two goals in the last ten minutes to win the much anticipated clash between themselves and Chonburi. Mario Gjurovski curled one in from a left footed free kick to give the Kirins the lead in the 83rd minute. In the 89th minute the game was put to bed when Phichitpong made it 2-0 with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
Wee Frank was the hero for Buriram United with two goals against Bangkok Glass. Many people have begun to write Buriram off after the wheels dishearteningly fell off in their AFC campaign. Saturday's result shows that they they are still the side to beat in the TPL. Bangkok Glass did pull a goal back coutesy of the once reliable Ekwalla who put one into his own net. Nevertheless, the game will be remembered for another goal that never was. At 1-0 down , a shot from Michelini of BG rattled the bar, bounced over the line and then bounced back again off the underside of the bar before it spun back out into play. It clearly crossed the line but as with the Chainat v BEC game last week, it wasn't spotted by referee or linesman. In all fairness, it happened quickly so I think we can excuse the referee for not seeing it. However the linesman should have had a clear view, but instead he stood their motionless with his flag clasped to his backside.
The Cleiton Silva official fan club (they do exist) would have been proud of their idol after his double against TOT. The ex-Osotspa man took his chances well but TOT will be disappointed with their defending for the goals. That 2-1 win meant Tero reclaimed second spot from Bangkok Glass.
In Klong Toei, an improved Thai Port snatched a point against 10 man Chainat. Brazilians Bruno and Alex Ruella both netted their first goals for the club as they home side twice had to come from behind. In between the goals, Chainat's Sumet left the field wearing an oxygen match on a stretcher after he'd been dismissed for two yellow cards. To round off the day's entertainment, there was an incident near the end involving a moronic pitch invader, a punching club official and flying flip-flops.
It was a goal feast up in Chiang Rai as the hosts edged out Osotspa 4-3. All four of the Fighting Beetles goals were headers from crosses with Choklap being credited with three of them. At the other end of the excitement spectrum, it was an absolute stinker as Samut Songkhram drew 0-0 with Isan Utd.
A long range free-kick from Niweat was the difference between Pattaya and Wuachon as the Dolphins won 1-0. There was to be no goal on his return to the Army Stadium for Leandro but he'll be pleased that his side fought back in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw. And finally, Jacob Aikionbare scored his first TPL goal since last May as BBCU beat TTM 1-0.
Division 1
Bangkok FC 1-2 Korat
Bangkok Utd 3-1 Raj Pracha
Khon Kaen 1-0 JW Rangsit
Sriracha 0-2 PTT Rayong
Saraburi 3-1 Krabi
Pattalung 1-1 Siam Navy
Air Force 3-1 Chantaburi
Ratchaburi 3-0 FC Phuket
Suphanburi 3-1 Songkla
There were a few unexpected results as Korat, PTT Rayong and Saraburi all defeated opponents higher ranked in the table while Ratchaburi scored three second half goals against Phuket to stay top.
A bumper crowd of 1,080 watched Bangkok United move into the promotion places as they came from behind to beat Raj Pracha 3-1. The away side's keeper, Kritsanapong, was dismissed late on for a pointless lunge at an attacker outside the box. The other side occupying a top 3 spot, Suphanburi, also won 3-1 with all four goals coming in a 12 minute burst in the second half.
There was a scary moment in Khon Kaen as Chinese defender, Li Xiang, had to have his heart pumped after he was knocked unconscious by a clash of heads with his own teammate. Thankfully the big man recovered and he'll have been doubly happy that the T-Rex beat JW Rangsit 1-0 to move into the top half of the league.
Division 2 (Bangkok)
Central Lions 1-2 Globex
Samut Sakhon 1-0 Luk Isan
Thai Honda 3-2 Assumption Thonburi
Rayong Utd 1-0 Samut Prakarn Utd
Chamchuri Utd 1-1 R-BEC
Customs Utd 0-0 Rangsit FC
Kasetsart 3-2 North Bangkok
Krung Thonburi 2-2 Kasem Bundit
Bangkok Christian 1-0 Nonthaburi
Thai Honda, Samut Sakhon and Rayong United are pulling away at the top after they all enjoyed narrow home wins on Saturday. As usual, there will be lots of comings and goings during the mid-season transfer window and I expect that there will be other challengers emerging from the chasing pack as the season progresses.
At the bottom end, Bangkok Christian's first win of the season moved them past their weekend opponents, Nonthaburi, in the placings.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Bangkok FC 1-2 Nakhon Ratchasima
The Swatcats pounced on two goalkeeping errors to beat Bangkok FC 2-1. The victory lifted Korat back into the top half of the league while their hosts slipped into the bottom half.
It was a slightly cagey start with both goalkeepers being virtual spectators in the first quarter of the game. The first shotstopper called into action was Bangkok's Mana Nopnech on 25 minutes as he tipped a free-kick from Pralong over the bar. A few minutes later, Mana's opposite number got his first action of the afternoon blocking a low drive from Solomon Okuta and then being alert enough to block the rebound from Preecha.
After the break, Nakhon Ratchasima were the hungrier side. Within 10 minutes of the restart, Sanong blazed over the bar from 6 yards while Anon hit woodwork following a header after corners from the right.
The Bulligans were getting plenty of joy down the left flank, but the Bang Mot side were dealt a blow at the other end when Sanong opened the scoring shortly before the hour mark. A free kick from Pralong on the right edge of the box was fumbled by Mana and the number 21 tapped-in to break the deadlock.
Prasit, in the Korat goal, had to be alert to save from a header, but on 65 minutes the away side doubled their advantage when Mana weakly palmed a cross straight to Anon for the Muangthong United loanee to make it 2-0.
The clock seemed to be whittling down fairly easily for the guests with a combination of solid defending and calls for treatment.
As the fourth official was preparing himself to hold up the board for the additional minutes, Bangkok FC pulled one back after a rebound from the bar pinged around in the six yard box before Mika Chunuonsee netted his first for the club from close in.
There was to be no Manchester City last ditch drama at the end as Korat held out for the 2-1 win.
I feel a bit harsh blaming Mana for Bangkok's defeat today as he's been solid since his arrival from Chainat. Let's just hope it was a blip for the captain!
For Korat, they've been embroiled in a bit of a soap opera in the last couple of weeks regarding the coaching position of the club. I don't want to dwell on that but from what I saw today, the club certainly have enough to finish in the top half although promotion might be out of their reach this season.
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| The pre-match huddle |
It was a slightly cagey start with both goalkeepers being virtual spectators in the first quarter of the game. The first shotstopper called into action was Bangkok's Mana Nopnech on 25 minutes as he tipped a free-kick from Pralong over the bar. A few minutes later, Mana's opposite number got his first action of the afternoon blocking a low drive from Solomon Okuta and then being alert enough to block the rebound from Preecha.
After the break, Nakhon Ratchasima were the hungrier side. Within 10 minutes of the restart, Sanong blazed over the bar from 6 yards while Anon hit woodwork following a header after corners from the right.
 |
| First goal - oops!! |
 |
| Swatcats celebrate 2nd goal |
The clock seemed to be whittling down fairly easily for the guests with a combination of solid defending and calls for treatment.
As the fourth official was preparing himself to hold up the board for the additional minutes, Bangkok FC pulled one back after a rebound from the bar pinged around in the six yard box before Mika Chunuonsee netted his first for the club from close in.
There was to be no Manchester City last ditch drama at the end as Korat held out for the 2-1 win.
I feel a bit harsh blaming Mana for Bangkok's defeat today as he's been solid since his arrival from Chainat. Let's just hope it was a blip for the captain!
For Korat, they've been embroiled in a bit of a soap opera in the last couple of weeks regarding the coaching position of the club. I don't want to dwell on that but from what I saw today, the club certainly have enough to finish in the top half although promotion might be out of their reach this season.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Weekend Preview 26-27 May
TPL
(Saturday)
Bangkok Glass v Buriram Utd
Thai Port v Chainat
BEC Tero v TOT
Samut Songkhram v Isan United
Chiang Rai Utd v Osotspa Saraburi
Pattaya Utd v Wuachon Utd
(Sunday)
TTM v BBCU
Muangthong v Chonburi
Army v Police
This weekend we see two matches which won't decide the title, but they'll certainly be a yardstick as to which trophy cabinet the TPL silverware will be heading to. Muangthong have hoovered up a maximum twelve points in their last four and they welcome the only current TPL side that has beaten them at the Thunderdome - Siam Navy has achieved this feat as well but they are no longer in the TPL - That victory for the Sharks came last Christmas Day as they came from behind to beat MTU 2-1. Looking at the league table now, those desperate days under the guidance of the culturally naive Robbie Fowler seem like a million miles away.
With only two league games played since Songkran, which were both drawn, Buriram United have plunged to an unaccustomed position of sixth place. Granted they could return to the top if they won their four games in hand, but I'm certain most of the BUFC support would rather have the points in the bag and would happily trade places with Muangthong. This weekend Buriram travel to Bangkok Glass where they've done well in the last two seasons. Bangkok Glass are unbeaten at home and I feel the first goal in this game might decide the winner.
At the bottom, it's a massive weekend also as four sides currently occupying the bottom five meet. BBCU begin life without Zico at the helm after he resigned earlier in the week due to his side's poor form. Worachai Surinsirirat has stepped in as caretaker coach and his first task will be in Chiang Mai against TTM. After six straight loses, Samut Songkram's coach Worawan finally threw in the towel and handed over to Sompop Suksombat who will take charge for the visit of Isan United.
The other side in the relegation mire, Thai Port, welcome Chainat who'll be without Surachet and Napat as the pair were handed bans after last weekend's game against BEC for x-rated tackles straight out of the Greame Souness etiquette handbook. For Port, they could do with all the help that they can, and I read a stat earlier this week that said that over two-thirds of goals conceded by Thai Port have come in the last 30 minutes of their games. That would suggest either a lack of fitness or more likely on the evidence of the 4-0 at BG, it shows there are too many anonymous pedestrians in the side whose heads go down once the going gets tough.
In the other games it's BEC v TOT, Chiang Rai v Osotspa, Pattaya v Wuachon and Army v Police Utd.
Division 1
(Saturday)
Bangkok FC v Korat
Bangkok Utd v Raj Pracha
Khon Kaen v JW Rangsit
Sriracha v PTT Rayong
Saraburi v Krabi
Pattalung v Siam Navy
(Sunday)
Air Force v Chantaburi
Ratchaburi v FC Phuket
Suphanburi v Songkla
Ratchaburi play their second home game of the week welcoming FC Phuket. A home win would be expected for the Dragons as should one for Bangkok United who face a stuttering Raj Pracha at the Thai-Japanese Stadium. Krabi haven't won for two matches and getting back to winning ways at Saraburi won't be easy as the Warlords have only lost one in five at home.
The games between Sriracha v PTT Rayong and Suphanburi v Songkla ought to be close games. Both the home sides are serious promotion contenders whereas the two away teams are more realistically considered as outside bets.
After 10 matches, Bangkok FC had the highest total of goals per game (37) while Korat had the lowest (21). Something will have to give and my averaging statometer, says to expect 2.9 goals in this contest. Ok, we'll call it 3 for arguments sake.
Division 2 (Bangkok)
(Saturday)
Central Lions v Globex
Samut Sakhon v Luk Isan
Thai Honda v Assumption Thonburi
Rayong Utd v Samut Prakarn Utd
Chamchuri Utd v R-BEC
(Sunday)
Customs Utd v Rangsit FC
Kasetsart v North Bangkok
Krung Thonburi v Kasem Bundit
Bangkok Christian v Nonthaburi
Honda and Samut Sakhon will be expecting to continue their march to the play-offs with what should be routine home games.
Rayong United in third, welcome the unpredictable Samut Prakarn Utd while Chamchuri and R-BEC will be looking back at the league tables from the early weeks of the season and will be rueful of wasting promising openings. The pair meet at Chula on Saturday evening.
After 29 league games, Bangkok Christian and Nonthaburi have mustered one win between them. The pair do battle on Sunday at the Thephasadin and both sides surely must have pencilled in three points from this encounter.
(Saturday)
Bangkok Glass v Buriram Utd
Thai Port v Chainat
BEC Tero v TOT
Samut Songkhram v Isan United
Chiang Rai Utd v Osotspa Saraburi
Pattaya Utd v Wuachon Utd
(Sunday)
TTM v BBCU
Muangthong v Chonburi
Army v Police
This weekend we see two matches which won't decide the title, but they'll certainly be a yardstick as to which trophy cabinet the TPL silverware will be heading to. Muangthong have hoovered up a maximum twelve points in their last four and they welcome the only current TPL side that has beaten them at the Thunderdome - Siam Navy has achieved this feat as well but they are no longer in the TPL - That victory for the Sharks came last Christmas Day as they came from behind to beat MTU 2-1. Looking at the league table now, those desperate days under the guidance of the culturally naive Robbie Fowler seem like a million miles away.
With only two league games played since Songkran, which were both drawn, Buriram United have plunged to an unaccustomed position of sixth place. Granted they could return to the top if they won their four games in hand, but I'm certain most of the BUFC support would rather have the points in the bag and would happily trade places with Muangthong. This weekend Buriram travel to Bangkok Glass where they've done well in the last two seasons. Bangkok Glass are unbeaten at home and I feel the first goal in this game might decide the winner.
At the bottom, it's a massive weekend also as four sides currently occupying the bottom five meet. BBCU begin life without Zico at the helm after he resigned earlier in the week due to his side's poor form. Worachai Surinsirirat has stepped in as caretaker coach and his first task will be in Chiang Mai against TTM. After six straight loses, Samut Songkram's coach Worawan finally threw in the towel and handed over to Sompop Suksombat who will take charge for the visit of Isan United.
The other side in the relegation mire, Thai Port, welcome Chainat who'll be without Surachet and Napat as the pair were handed bans after last weekend's game against BEC for x-rated tackles straight out of the Greame Souness etiquette handbook. For Port, they could do with all the help that they can, and I read a stat earlier this week that said that over two-thirds of goals conceded by Thai Port have come in the last 30 minutes of their games. That would suggest either a lack of fitness or more likely on the evidence of the 4-0 at BG, it shows there are too many anonymous pedestrians in the side whose heads go down once the going gets tough.
In the other games it's BEC v TOT, Chiang Rai v Osotspa, Pattaya v Wuachon and Army v Police Utd.
Division 1
(Saturday)
Bangkok FC v Korat
Bangkok Utd v Raj Pracha
Khon Kaen v JW Rangsit
Sriracha v PTT Rayong
Saraburi v Krabi
Pattalung v Siam Navy
(Sunday)
Air Force v Chantaburi
Ratchaburi v FC Phuket
Suphanburi v Songkla
Ratchaburi play their second home game of the week welcoming FC Phuket. A home win would be expected for the Dragons as should one for Bangkok United who face a stuttering Raj Pracha at the Thai-Japanese Stadium. Krabi haven't won for two matches and getting back to winning ways at Saraburi won't be easy as the Warlords have only lost one in five at home.
The games between Sriracha v PTT Rayong and Suphanburi v Songkla ought to be close games. Both the home sides are serious promotion contenders whereas the two away teams are more realistically considered as outside bets.
After 10 matches, Bangkok FC had the highest total of goals per game (37) while Korat had the lowest (21). Something will have to give and my averaging statometer, says to expect 2.9 goals in this contest. Ok, we'll call it 3 for arguments sake.
Division 2 (Bangkok)
(Saturday)
Central Lions v Globex
Samut Sakhon v Luk Isan
Thai Honda v Assumption Thonburi
Rayong Utd v Samut Prakarn Utd
Chamchuri Utd v R-BEC
(Sunday)
Customs Utd v Rangsit FC
Kasetsart v North Bangkok
Krung Thonburi v Kasem Bundit
Bangkok Christian v Nonthaburi
Honda and Samut Sakhon will be expecting to continue their march to the play-offs with what should be routine home games.
Rayong United in third, welcome the unpredictable Samut Prakarn Utd while Chamchuri and R-BEC will be looking back at the league tables from the early weeks of the season and will be rueful of wasting promising openings. The pair meet at Chula on Saturday evening.
After 29 league games, Bangkok Christian and Nonthaburi have mustered one win between them. The pair do battle on Sunday at the Thephasadin and both sides surely must have pencilled in three points from this encounter.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Toyota League Cup Draw - Round 1
Byes: Pattani FC
Sat June 9, 2012
Kasetsart University v Esan United
Trat FC v Bangkok FC
Kalasin FC v Samut Songkram FC
Sra Kaew City v FC Phuket
Customs United v BBCU FC
Pichit FC v Songkla
Rayong FC v TTM Chiang Mai
RBAC-BEC Tero Sasana v Bangkok Glass
Siam Navy FC v Khon Kaen FC
Lopburi FC v PTT Rayong
Yala FC v Thai Port FC
Si Saket United v Osotspa Saraburi
Rachaburi FC v Chainat FC
Kamphaeng Phet FC v Chiang Rai United
Paknampo NSRU FC v Army United
Sun June 10, 2012
Samut Prakan United v JW Rangsit FC
Thai Honda v Muang Thong United
Lampang FC v BEC Tero Sasana
Sri Racha FC v Nakon Rachasima FC
Lampun Warrior v Bangkok United
Roi Et United v Buriram United
Chiang Rai FC v Krabi FC
Prajuap FC v Pattaya United
Surin FC v Wuachon United
Udon Thani FC v Supanburi FC
Hat Yai FC v Rajpracha Thailand FC
Patalung FC v Police United
Petchaburi FC v Chantaburi FC
Chayapum FC v TOT SC
Nakon Sri Tammarat FC v Chonburi FC
Kasembundit University v Air Force United
Sat June 9, 2012
Kasetsart University v Esan United
Trat FC v Bangkok FC
Kalasin FC v Samut Songkram FC
Sra Kaew City v FC Phuket
Customs United v BBCU FC
Pichit FC v Songkla
Rayong FC v TTM Chiang Mai
RBAC-BEC Tero Sasana v Bangkok Glass
Siam Navy FC v Khon Kaen FC
Lopburi FC v PTT Rayong
Yala FC v Thai Port FC
Si Saket United v Osotspa Saraburi
Rachaburi FC v Chainat FC
Kamphaeng Phet FC v Chiang Rai United
Paknampo NSRU FC v Army United
Sun June 10, 2012
Samut Prakan United v JW Rangsit FC
Thai Honda v Muang Thong United
Lampang FC v BEC Tero Sasana
Sri Racha FC v Nakon Rachasima FC
Lampun Warrior v Bangkok United
Roi Et United v Buriram United
Chiang Rai FC v Krabi FC
Prajuap FC v Pattaya United
Surin FC v Wuachon United
Udon Thani FC v Supanburi FC
Hat Yai FC v Rajpracha Thailand FC
Patalung FC v Police United
Petchaburi FC v Chantaburi FC
Chayapum FC v TOT SC
Nakon Sri Tammarat FC v Chonburi FC
Kasembundit University v Air Force United
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
AFC Cup - Chonburi March Into Last 8
AFC Cup - Last 16
Chonburi 1-0 Al Zarwa'a Sport Club
An early goal contrived from the golden oldies propelled Chonburi into the last 8 of the AFC Cup as they beat Al Zarwa'a of Iraq 1-0.
Pipob's early strike at the near post from a Therdsak cross proved to be the match winner as the Thai side deservedly moved into the quarter final draw. Al Zarwa'a forced a few first half corners but overall Chonburi were dominant and had more chances.
The Sharks now have a few months to concentrate on their domestic campaign before the next round commences in September.
Chonburi 1-0 Al Zarwa'a Sport Club
An early goal contrived from the golden oldies propelled Chonburi into the last 8 of the AFC Cup as they beat Al Zarwa'a of Iraq 1-0.
Pipob's early strike at the near post from a Therdsak cross proved to be the match winner as the Thai side deservedly moved into the quarter final draw. Al Zarwa'a forced a few first half corners but overall Chonburi were dominant and had more chances.
The Sharks now have a few months to concentrate on their domestic campaign before the next round commences in September.
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