Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Bangkok United put their name forward as challengers in the title race with an impressive 3-1 victory over Chiangrai United, surpassing defending champions Buriram, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chainat.
The Angels came into this match having only registered one prior away win but were in good spirits after an impressive 2-1 victory over Samut Prakan City. Meanwhile, their hosts were hamstrung with injuries and suspensions, reeling from a 3-1 mauling at the hands of Trat last Saturday.
After standing firm throughout the first half, Chiangrai finally succumb to the capital side’s attacking pressure, as Pokklaw Anan fired home the opener in the 47th minute. Two former Chiangrai players, Vander Luis and Everton Goncalves, would later combine shortly after the hour mark to double the lead from a corner kick.
Chiangrai midfielder Phitiwat Sukjitthamakul briefly put the game in doubt with a low shot from distance that snuck past Michael Falkesgaard’s near post, but Vander would once again come to his side’s rescue, finishing the game off the 81st minute to help his side climb up to second in the table.
Their upward movement was enabled by a shock result at the Khao Plong Stadium in Chainat, where the Hornbills remained true to their reputation as giant killers. Dennis Amato’s men hold the distinction of being the only team to beat Buriram on their own turf last season and have established themselves as something of a bogey team for the defending champions.
History looked like repeating itself after just 17 minutes, as Jaturapat Sattham fired a shot from range which snuck beyond Siwarak Tedsungoen into the Buriram net. The shellshocked Thunder Castle surged forward and finally managed to break through the hosts’ defense seconds before the half-time whistle as center-back Andres Tunez scored from a corner.
It looked then like fortune would favor the visitors, as they were awarded a penalty in the 86th minute after striker Pedro Junior was brought down by Kazuki Murakami. However, goalkeeper Teerath Nakchamnarn was able to deny the Brazilian from the spot. Buoyed by this turn of events, Chainat pushed for the winner on the break, and finally got their stroke of luck when Ricardo Santos managed to fend off last man Narubadin Weerawatnodom and slide the ball into the back of the net in stoppage time, ending Buriram’s unbeaten start to the season after 11 games.
In the day’s late match, Port took to the field with the knowledge that their main chasers had dropped three critical points, giving them a golden opportunity to extend their lead atop the Thai League table.
It took until the second half for the league leaders to capitalize, with Dragan Boskovic giving his side the lead from the penalty spot in the 47th minute. Goals from Sumanya Purisai and Siwakorn Jakkuprasat shortly after the hour mark secured the points for Port, rendering Ekanit Panya’s goal mere consolation for the visitors. The Klongtoei lions re-opened their five-point lead at the league summit, with Buriram dropping down to fourth with two games in hand.
Elsewhere, Samut Prakan City managed a surprisingly comfortable 2-0 home win over Nakhon Ratchasima, and Muangthong United registered their third win of the season by the same scoreline over Sukhothai, carrying the former champions off of the bottom spot. Suphanburi now enter the international break rooted to the foot of the table after losing 3-0 against Ratchaburi.