by Tim Banks
18th April, 2020
Still in the rosy glow of the birth of my daughter on December 12th, I was flabbergasted when my wife asked early on Christmas Day morning “why wasn’t I going to the Muang Thong v Chonburi league match that evening at Muang Thong Thani”?
Well I immediately rang our esteemed webmaster Dale, and no sooner had I asked for what seemed the impossible, whereupon minutes later both a coach seat and a match ticket somehow materialized and I was set fair!
The traffic approaching the ground was horrendous as it was not only a Sunday, but a jewellery show was on at the adjoining Impact Arena, as well as the match being a sell-out!
We were in the later group of coaches to arrive, but eventually we pulled off the road and into the arena to be greeted by quite an awe inspiring site. As in all my time supporting the Sharks, then and since, I have never seen so many coaches at an away game. The Car Park behind the goal was nearly full with our coaches alone and, having recently beaten Muang Thong in the two legged League Cup tie, our fans were expecting a league repeat and had turned out in their masses.
It was plainly obvious upon entering the stadium that the usual away two tiered section down between the corner flag and penalty area, had been completely oversold and we had at least twice as many supporters as seats. Therefore, we created a standing terrace alongside the internal beer stall, which was definitely added value.
I recall the match having a cracking atmosphere and a running battle of very fierce verbal exchanges between our fan base and the MTU fans behind the adjacent goal. Added to that mix was the fact that the esteemed Robbie Fowler was playing at 9 for the home side.
It was undoubted Thai football at its best and the “proper football stadium” (no running track) with the crowd so close, added to the excitement and noise. In all the years since I have not experienced a more atmospheric nor memorable game
The Sharks won 2-1 and as we poured out into the car park to get our breath, have another beer or two - and to have some space after being sandwiched together for nearly two hours - the singing was truly memorable. It appeared we were on a roll and in with a chance of a League & League Cup double.
A footnote to the day was, as we eventually found our coach from the masses lined up, was that one of our regular expat fans was a little worse for wear from too much of the amber nectar. As a result, he seemed to think our coach was his, but after some support and diligent searching, we eventually found his, as it was pulling way. We also found a very stone faced wife! Dale and I agreed that there was likely to be some heavy GBH of the ear on his way back to Chonburi!
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