Match Preview
by Paul Murphy
4th June, 2014
Army Utd fan Paul Murphy, shares his thoughts ahead of the Chonburi v Army Utd match on 4th June, 2014.
It’s reasonable to assume that the season so far has surpassed the expectations of most Army United supporters.
In the close season, the club lost popular coach, Mano Polking, and arguably last season’s four top performers - midfielders Bjorn Lindemann and Jung Myoung-Oh, striker Aron Da Silva and goalkeeper Tossaporn Sri-Rueng.
After a series of dispiriting results and performances in pre-season friendlies, talk was of a relegation battle rather than aiming for an improvement on last season’s 6th place finish.
A somewhat fortunate opening day victory over Bangkok United was followed by an abject display in a 2-0 defeat at Chainat. Another poor performance in a home draw with TOT reinforced the view that a season of struggle lay ahead.
Things started to turn around, however, with an impressive 3-1 victory at Police United. Since then, there has been just one defeat - away to a buoyant Ratchaburi.
After a fine run of form, it was anticipated that the wheels may come off in a series of fixtures against last season’s top four. But the Boys in Green have come through the first two of these challenges with two points. A 1-1 tie in Suphanburi demonstrated the steely approach that Matt Elliott has instilled in the side and it says much for the new found optimism among the support that many were disappointed at the failure to defeat reigning champions Buriram Utd on Sunday.
Army United put in a confident performance against the Thunder Castle, attacking last season’s double winners from the start. A 2-2 draw was a fair result but many fans saw this as an opportunity wasted against the struggling title holders.
Army were less impressive in a home victory over Air Force but still managed to grind out a 2-0 win. They followed that with a disciplined and determined performance at league leaders and title favourites Muang Thong United. The Army boys stuck to their tasks and came away with a 0-0 draw, with Wellington Priori outstanding in central defence.
The overhaul in management and personnel perhaps explains the poor start to the season. Left-back and new captain Dawut Dinkhet, central midfielder Anuwat Noicheunphan and winger Mongkol Tossakrai are the only regular starters this season who were also integral to the old regime.
Goalkeeper Sarawut Konglap has silenced his doubters with some impressive performances. Wellington Priori and Zdenko Kapralik have begun to look more solid in the heart of defence, though some fans still feel that Wellington would be more effective in midfield. The leadership and organisational skills of club captain Chaiwat Nark-iam are sometimes missed, with the centre back used very sparingly this season.
There is strength in depth in midfield where Masahito Noto has stood out for his guile and attacking instincts while Ekkachai Rittipan is getting better with every game. And Brazilian playmaker Raphael Botti demonstrated the influence he can have in an outstanding display in a 3-2 victory over Bangkok Glass. The veteran may not start every game but he is a very useful player to have in the squad.
Up front, the form of Tanakorn Danghtong has been a pleasant surprise. He struggled to break into the team after returning from a loan spell at TOT last July and was rarely impressive when selected. However, this season, he has been transformed and is top scorer with seven league goals, two ahead of Goran Jerkovic. Much was expected of Jerkovic but he has not been a regular starter, something that has baffled fans. His strength in the air was missed against Buriram as several set-piece opportunities came to nothing.
Overall, progress for Army United has been good. The Boys in Green may not have the squad to mount a challenge for the title but nor do they look like a side that will become embroiled in a battle to beat the drop.
While Chonburi will start as favourites to beat Matt Elliott’s side on home turf this Wednesday, they will have to fight hard to earn that right.
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