Obb Deewajin
Football Tribe Thailand
The big sides continued to falter in Sunday’s action, as Buriram United and Port FC both dropped points in what is shaping up to be a crowded race for the top spot.
In the day’s early match, Muangthong United finally got the better of PT Prachuap FC in the league, having lost all 3 previous encounters with the Killer Wasp, conceding on average 3 goals per game.
Alexandre Gama started none of his 3 new signings, keeping Adisak Kraisorn and Heberty as the front two. He also gave Patcharapol Intanee the nod to play at the base of midfield, after a stellar defensive performance in their last game against Trat.
The Kirin tested the home side right away when Heberty tried his luck from range in the 4th minute – the ball bounced in front of Kwanchai Suklom and it’s only the keeper’s positioning that saved Prachuap on that occasion.
However, Prachuap took the lead 10 minutes later through their own left-footed magician Amorn Thammanarm. The 35-year-old pulled away from defender Oh Ban Suk with a fine half-turn then fired in a powerful low shot past Dang Van Lam.
Despite falling behind, the visitors kept their composure well and drew level in the 24th minute when Heberty’s in-swinging cross found Adisak Kraisorn at the near post. Muangthong then got their winner in the 78th minutes when substitute, and debutant, Derley pounce onto Kwanchai’s save from Heberty’s freekick to secure the away win for the reenergized Kirin.
At the PAT Stadium, third-placed Port FC welcome fifth place Chiangrai United with only two points separating them.
It was the Beetles that strike first in the 13th minute when Bill Rosimar flick on found the onrushing Chaiyawat Buran who puts it away with a neat outside on the foot finish.
The hosts equalised moments later through Bordin Phala, who excellently brought down Pakorn Prempak’s long pass from halfway line and broke the visitor’s tight defense.
However, they would be pegged back again on the hour mark when William Henrique skipped past David Rochela down Port’s left flank, and his cutback found Lee Yong-Rae, who made no mistake from close range.
Chiangrai United extended their lead eight minutes from time via Piyaphon Phanichakul’s free header from Sivakorn Tiatrakul’s freekick, before Bill made it 4-1 in extra time.
Ailton Silva’s men have thrown themselves back in contention and now sit in fourth place, while Port FC suffers their third consecutive defeat.
At Chonburi Stadium, Sasom Pobprasert’s Sharks entertained league leaders Buriram United, who haven’t lost to Chonburi since August of 2014.
The home team looked by far the livelier outfit, with striker Lukian causing a real nuisance with his pace and skills. Attacking midfielder Worachit Kanitsribampen had a couple of shots at goal but it remains all square after the first 45.
Sasom’s men continued the second half in the same manner – forcing a save from Siwarak Tedsungnoen via Kritsada Kaman and Kroekrit Thaweekarn’s freekicks.
With just about 10 minutes left, Sasalak Haiprakhon was caught on the ball by Teeratep Winothai, allowing the sharks to counter. The veteran forward released Lukian down the left flank, who then played a perfectly timed pass into space for his countryman Herlison Caion. The debutant, signed from PT Prachuap FC, slowed his run flawlessly with a 360 turn then side-footed the ball past Siwarak.
This defeat means that the Thunder Castle are now on three points ahead of Bangkok United, Samut Prakan City and Chiangrai United who are all tied at 29 points after matchday 16.