Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
On the occasion of his 100th game in charge of PTT Rayong, Chiangrai United’s former manager and legendary player Teersak Po-On played a crucial role in severely hampering his employers’ chances of winning their first-ever title in a game that also confirmed his current side’s survival in the top division.
Teerasak, more commonly known as Coach Joe, played over 100 games for the side from Northern Thailand and was promoted from captain to coach in 2013 – a transition he reflected on in this exclusive interview with Football Tribe. After managing three respectable mid-table finishes with the side, he departed to make way for their new era of big investment, taking up a job as head coach of PTT Rayong in the second division. In two seasons, he has managed to bring them up to the nation’s top flight and has now succeeded in keeping them there too.
With wins for both Buriram and Port on Wednesday, it was absolutely crucial for Chiangrai to pick up all three points and remain competitive in the title race.
The visitors lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, matching PTT Rayong’s shape. Brinner was flanked by Suriya and Shinnaphat in the backline, with Chaiyawat and Piyaphon providing the width with both attacking and defensive responsibilities. Siwakorn and Phitiwat played as a creator-destroyer pair in midfield with William, Bill and Ekanit tasked with hurting the opposition.
Despite the creative and attacking talents they fielded, Chiangrai continued to prioritize security. Their flexible system often saw William drift into wide areas, looking to make space by beating players down the left flank. This formula was what led to the opening goal, as he picked up the ball on the right flank and found his countryman Bill, who made no mistake in driving the ball into the bottom corner shortly before half time.
Their lead lasted until the 63rd minute, when a cross from Abdulhafiz threw the defense into disarray, with Dennis Murillo arriving into the space to find the net with a header.
Chiangrai took the lead again 10 minutes later when super-sub striker Akarawin Sawasdee got on the scoresheet once again, just like he did in the side’s recent game against Trat, by redirecting Peerapong’s corner into the net with a powerful header.
However, it was not going to be the title challengers’ day as Saharat’s ambitious deep cross into the box was headed on by Victor Cardozo and converted by Anawin Jujeen with just eight minutes remaining on the clock.
With this result, Chiangrai remain in level on points with Port FC in second, two points behind league leaders and defending champions Buriram United. Buriram is set to host Port in the penultimate game of the season. The Beetles will be hoping that a draw in that game could pave the way for a grandstand finish.
However, this result now means that the title race is no longer in their hands, whereas it still would be if they had collected all three points.