Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Port FC saw out a comfortable 4-1 victory Sukhothai at the PAT Stadium. The visitors fielded a second-string side, with coach Ljubomir Ristovski clearly prioritizing the side’s current T1 relegation battle over a potential cup run.
A full strength Port side had no issue swatting away their opponents. Pakorn Prempak struck twice, finding the net with two free kicks. The first came within the first ten minutes, with the second being hit shortly after the half-hour mark. Winger Bodin Phala struck a third for Port in first-half stoppage time, skipping past a pair of defenders and striking a low shot which found it’s way into the bottom corner.
The hosts further extended their lead just minutes after half time, as substitute Nurul Sriyankem was brought down in the penalty area. Captain David Rochela stepped up to take the penalty, netting his first goal since his return from a long term injury. Sukhothai would score a penalty of their own in the 75th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation as Port ran out 4-1 winners.
Along with Sukhothai, T1 sides Chainat and Suphanburi were eliminated, at the hands of Ratchaburi and Rayong FC respectively.
Elsewhere, Bangkok United faced T2 leaders BG Pathum United in a local derby. Brazilian forward Robson struck the only goal of the match, with his contribution being limited to cup games after he was not registered in Bangkok’s league squad. BG had a chance to level the scoring from the penalty spot, but striker Barros Tardeli’s attempted panenka just skimmed the top of the crossbar and ultimately saw the Rabbits suffer an insipid elimination.
Defending champions Chiangrai United continued their hunt for a third successive FA Cup trophy with an 8-0 victory over Air Force United, while the mastermind behind their last two successes, coach Alexandre Gama, led Muangthong to a 4-1 victory over T3 side Singburi.
Buriram United also secured safe passage to the next round with a 4-1 win over T2 promotion hopefuls Lampang. The lineup of top division clubs was completed by Trat (5-0 win over Navy), Samut Prakan City (4-2 win over Army United), and Nakhon Ratchasima (4-0 win over Pluakdaeng United).
The last 16 lineup comprises of Bankhai United, Nakhonsri United, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surat Thani City, Thai Honda FC, Chiangrai United, Buriram United, MOF Customs FC, Muangthong United, Ratchaburi FC, Police Tero, Port FC, Trat FC, Bangkok United, Rayong FC, and Trat FC.