Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
A number of surprising results on Saturday have made a major impact on the complexion of the relegation battle. Sukhothai and Chiangmai FC both picked up points against Champions League contending opposition, while PTT Rayong managed an unlikely win away at Nakhon Ratchasima and Suphanburi took all three points from a critical relegation clash with Chainat Hornbill.
The weekend began at the Thammasat Stadium as Sukhothai FC traveled to face Bangkok United, looking to put some daylight between themselves and the drop zone. The hosts dominated the early proceedings, controlling the majority of the ball and fashioning a few half-chances in an attempt to break down Sukhothai’s disciplined and organized defensive shape. A lapse in concentration offered Wisarut Imura the chance to put Bangkok United ahead after 38 minutes, but his effort came off the crossbar from point-blank range.
However, it was the visitors who drew first blood when John Baggio snuck it at the back post and got on the end of a speculative ball into the area. His first time-volley beat goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard at the near post and put the visitors ahead against the run of play just five minutes into the second half.
The hosts took just seven minutes to hit back and level the scoring when Tristan Do’s off-target effort was deflected off Jung Myung-Oh and into the back of the net. The Angels then netted a second when Pokklaw Anan’s cross from the left found the feet of Anon Amornlerdsak. The pacy attacker was able to react quickly enough to bring the ball under control in the area, before striking a low effort into the far corner of the net to give his side the lead.
Despite the setback, the visitors were unwilling to lie down in their quest for points, as Jung Myung-Oh redeemed himself for the earlier own-goal by finding the net with an acrobatic finish from a corner kick in the 77th minute. His strike allowed the Fire Bats to leave the Thammasat Stadium with a highly respectable point, which saw them climb as high as ninth, a whole five points above the relegation zone, albeit with more sides below them yet to play.
PTT Rayong were the next side to pull off an upset last night, managing a 1-0 away victory over Nakhon Ratchasima. Teerasak Po-on’s side managed to fend off a wave of attempts from the Swatcats, with captain Victor Cardozo and goalkeeper Peerapong Ruenin making a number of interventions to keep the hosts out.
The visitors hit the front when Pornpreecha Jarunai received a pass from Anawin Jujeen at the edge of the penalty area and struck the ball beyond Samuel Cunningham and into Korat’s net. The victory allowed the side to climb to tenth, level on points with Sukhothai. Meanwhile, the hosts have dropped down to seventh place, having only registered one win in their last five games.
Chiangmai FC also ended a run of three straight defeats by earning a 2-2 win against Samut Prakan City, who themselves came into the match with three straight victories. Despite taking the lead twice courtesy of Ekanit Panya and Mustafa Azadzoy, goals from Sarawut Kanlayanabandit and Picha Autra leveled the scoring at the 700th Anniversary Stadium. Both sides ended the game with ten men after Picha and Wanmai Setthanan were sent off for a brawl during a corner-kick.
However, their hard-fought point was not enough to stop the Lanna Tigers from slipping to the bottom of the table, as Suphanburi FC beat Chainat Hornbill in a critical relegation six-pointer which has reinvigorated their survival hopes. The War Elephants scored the game’s only goal in the 31st minute when Cleiton Silva’s set-piece delivery found Kim Sung-Hwan in the box. The Korean midfielder thumped his header beyond Teerath Nakchamnarn and into the net to give the home side the advantage.
Chainat had the majority of both the possession and the chances in the second half, but they were unable to break through. The Hornbills now have to be wary of slipping into the relegation zone, as 14th placed Muangthong United will be looking to pick up all three points against Prachuap today.
These results have piled pressure onto Chonburi and Ratchaburi, who have slipped into the thick of the relegation battle and are set to play Buriram and Trat tonight respectively.