Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
A week after cementing their place at the summit, Chiangrai United could once again be forced off by defending champions Buriram United in what is shaping up to be an exciting finale to the Thai League season.
Chiangrai took an early lead in their game against Bangkok United, with Bill Rosimar opening the scoring after __ minutes when he latched on to the end of a through ball from Peerapong and made his way behind the defense, slotting a neat finish beyond goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard.
Having hit the front, Chiangrai were determined to hold on to their lead, adopting a defensive posture and using the combination play between forwards Bill, William Henrique and Ekanit Panya to punish Bangkok United on the break. However, their plans were upset when Peerapong fouled Sanrawat Dechmitr in the penalty area, giving Bangkok United the chance to equalize from the spot. Vander Luiz made no mistake in firing his shot past Apirak Worawong, and the 1-1 scoreline lasted until the final whistle.
This result hands the initiative back to Buriram United, who can return to the top of the table with a win over Chainat Hornbill tomorrow. However, this will not be a simple task for the defending champions, as Chainat stopped Buriram from boasting a 100% home record with a stunning victory in this fixture last season, and managed a 2-1 win over the defending champions earlier in this campaign. Dennis Amato’s men have proven to be a ‘bogey team’ for Buriram, having beaten them in two out of their three meetings since the Hornbill’s promotion in 2018.
The game will have consequences at both the top and bottom of the Thai League table, as a win would help Chainat get out of the relegation zone after they were left second from bottom after Suphanburi’s win today.
The War Elephants ran rampant on home turf against Ratchaburi FC, opening the scoring with their first attack of the game, with Dellatorre teeing up Cleiton Silva who headed home at the far post. They had a second when a goalkeeping error from a corner allowed Dellatorre to slide the ball into an open goal, giving them a two-goal lead after just four minutes.
Torrential rain made conditions difficult, as the pitch soon became waterlogged. However, the two sides fought on and the game was finally put beyond doubt seven minutes from time when Dellatorre struck a powerful header in at his near post.
Sukhothai were also dragged back into the relegation zone after they lost 3-2 against Muangthong United. After taking the lead through Iain Ramsay early in the match, goals from Suphanan Bureerat and Heberty gave the visitors a 2-1 lead going into the break. Oh Ban-Suk then added a third for Muangthong, rendering Jung Myung-Oh’s goal a consolation as the Fire Bats were left without a point.
Suphanburi’s victory also saw them leapfrog Nakhon Ratchasima, who face a must-win game against Samut Prakan City to stay clear of the relegation zone. This game will mark a first for the Swatcats’ new boss, Chalermwut Sa-ngapol, after his originally scheduled debut against Port FC was postponed. As a result, the side haven’t played since their 5-1 defeat at the hand of bottom club Chiangmai FC on the 25th of August.