Mano Polking Raises the Stakes
After beating Nakhon Ratchasima in midweek’s FA Cup tie, Bangkok United returned home to face a Chainat side which desperately needed points to stay clear of the relegation zone. The Hornbills found themselves with the majority of the possession in the first half, something which they did not expect, and ultimately went in at the break goalless.
However, the hosts found space on the counter to see off a highly professional victory, with goals from Sanrawat Dechmitr and Vander Luis securing the victory for the Angels.
In his press conference after the game, Bangkok United manager Mano Polking explained that the club’s public statement declaring that the team and coach would part ways was indeed his own idea. Explaining his rationale, the coach said that h
Mano has made it clear to his players that they will need to fight in order to save his position at the club, and pick up either the FA Cup or Thai League trophies this season. Despite the added pressure, the coach remains confident that his side will win a trophy and extend his five-year stay at the club.
Sukhothai and Prachuap Share The Spoils
Chainat’s loss at Bangkok United saw them drop back into the relegation zone, as Sukhothai and Prachuap managed to share the points in a 1-1 draw.
All three teams went into this most recent matchday on 24 points, with the Killer Wasps taking up the final relegation spot. Sukhothai had just managed to haul themselves out of the drop zone by collecting their first win of the season, followed a draw after the return of former coach Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok.
The hosts were eager to avoid dropping back in after their recent results, but found themselves on the receiving end for most of the first half, managing their first attempt in the 20th minute. Prachuap finally took the lead in the 55th minute courtesy of Maurinho, putting them on course to pick up an incredibly valuable three points on the road.
However, the hosts were able to hit back 13 minutes later when talisman John Baggio floated a ball to the back post, headed in by towering defender Joel Sami to level the game and leave both sides relatively unsatisfied with a mere point from this critical six-pointer.
The next day, Nakhon Ratchasima missed their chance to push themselves further away from the drop zone when they were held to a 1-1 draw against a defensively disciplined Suphanburi side who were also battling for their lives at the bottom of the table. The hosts took the lead after just 14 minutes, as Amadou Ouattara put them ahead from a well-worked set-piece. However, the War Elephants refused to lie down as Dellatorre teed up Meechok for the equalizer six minutes before half time.
The draw keeps the Swatcats four points and three places clear of the relegation zone, while Suphanburi are left three points from safety, despite going on a seven-game unbeaten run, consisting of five draws and two wins.