Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Suphanburi FC collected three vital points in a postponed relegation clash with Chiangmai FC at the Singha Stadium last night, allowing the War Elephants to climb to 14th place. The result leaves them two points from safety, a sign of hope for a side who haven’t been free of the drop zone since May.
The game was rescheduled due to the emergency stadium-sharing agreement between Chiangmai FC and Chiangrai United, as the former’s home ground is being renovated for the 2020 AFC U23 Championships.
Current form would suggest that the hosts had the advantage in this match, as they managed to demolish Nakhon Ratchasima 5-1 on Sunday, while Suphanburi had recently faced batterings at the behest of Port and Muangthong in their last two outings.
However, the War Elephants defense was back at it’s best in last night’s fixture, keeping the game tight and low scoring, just as they would have preferred.
After coming out of the blocks with far more energy, Suphanburi created most of the chances in the opening stages of the match. The game’s only goal was scored by Dellatorre after just 13 minutes when goalkeeper Narit Taweekul couldn’t hold Adul Lahsoh’s cross, which allowed the ball to drop perfectly for the Brazilian striker waiting at the back post.
Chiangmai were energized after going behind, but both goalkeepers were in fine form to stop more goals from going in. With a lead to defend, Suphanburi looked to expose the hosts on the counter-attack. Chiangmai spent most of the final minutes of the game bombarding the visitor’s net, but ultimately they were able to hold firm and saw out the 1-0 victory.
With this victory, Chaingmai return bottom of the league, although they are a mere three points behind the last survival spot. Chainat also drops to be level on points with the Lanna Tigers, ahead only on goal difference. With this result, the league is shaping up to be a battle between five teams for just two places to remain in the top division next season.