Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Rising star Supachok Sarachart once again came to Buriram United’s rescue, as his late goal helped the defending champions pick the lock of a defensively resolute Chainat side and collect all three points. The result now sees them level on points with challengers Chiangrai with just three games remaining in the season.
Chainat came to the Chang Arena needing a win to lift themselves out of the relegation zone, inspired by their victory in this fixture last season and the reverse fixture earlier this year. However, the Big Bird couldn’t complete the hattrick, with their disciplined defensive block finally being broken due to a piece of individual brilliance from Supachok.
Buriram’s number 19 received the ball with a deft touch on the left corner of the penalty box from a switch of play, before slaloming past Kiatisuk Jia-udom to expose a major gap in the Hornbill’s defense. With the angle closing, Supachok once again showed his eye for goal by sliding his shot along the ground, and it went on to nestle in the far side of the net.
Elsewhere, Port FC picked up a 2-0 away win over Chiangmai FC, closing the gap on the top two and condemning the Lanna Tigers to remain in last place. In front of scores of empty seats at Chiangrai’s Singha Stadium, the hosts’ temporary home, Port broke the deadlock after 70 minutes courtesy of striker Josimar. The shot only beat the goalkeeper after he was wrong-footed by a wicked deflection which saw it sneak in at the far post.
The Klongtoey outfit soon doubled their lead just three minutes later, when left-back Kevin Deeromram arrived in the box, latching on to Rolando Blackburn’s pass with a one-touch finish into the bottom right corner.
This result now means that Chiangmai FC could be relegated in the next round of games if they lose to Bangkok United and Suphanburi beat Prachuap. Meanwhile, Port will be just two points away from the pair at the top if they win their next fixture, a game in hand against Nakhon Ratchasima.
Port’s next opponents made massive strides of their own on Sunday, pulling off a 4-1 win against Samut Prakan City in new boss Chalermwut Sa-ngapol’s first game. After missing a host of chances in the first half, including one from the penalty spot, the side were left shocked when Samut Prakan City took the lead in the 63rd minute courtesy of Ibson Melo.
However, the Swatcats responded well, drawing level in the 67th minutes from a corner, courtesy of Ekkanat Kongket. The hosts then took the lead in the 84th minute, when Leandro Assumpcao met the rebound from a corner with a half-volley from outside the box, which bounced through a crowd of players and hit the back of the net, prompting frenzied celebrations from the home side. The Brazilian’s goal opened up the floodgates, as Amadou Ouattara and Bernard Henry scored to round out the victory.
This result sees the Swatcats jump four points clear of the drop zone ahead of their clash with Port next Friday.