FA Cup Final
Chonburi v Bangkok Glass
9th November, 2014
After the corrupt actions of the referee and linesman (that virtually ended our chances of winning the league) at Chai Nat the Wednesday before, Sunday's game at home to TOT seemed to fall a bit flat. Then, after an acrobatic goal from Thiago was followed by a headed own goal from Suttinun at one end and a free header from Jackie (probably the best header of the ball at the club) that completely missed the target from eight yards at the other end, we knew any slim chance we had of the league were slipping further away.
Still, if I'd been offered second spot at the beginning of the season I'd have taken it.
And so on to this Sunday's FA Cup. Growing up in England, the cup was always a bit magical and the showpiece of the season. Here in Thailand it doesn't seem to have the same atmosphere, especially among the locals. But this is my first final and I'll enjoy it anyway.
I always enjoy our matches with Bangkok Glass and, even though we haven't always been successful against them, this year we did the double. They always try to play good football and I'm expecting more of the same on Sunday. Our home match was near the beginning of the season so more difficult to judge, but from the return match in July we can take a lot of confidence from the fact that we controlled the majority of the game and came out worthy 2-0 winners.
Since the shutdown period, while we have been engaged in our head to head with Buriram, Bangkok Glass have been going through an indifferent spell, winning just one of their six league games and only beating Chang Rai in the semi final courtesy of a penalty shootout.
So while all our seven games have been important, must win, games which has meant we've had a competative edge to our game in every match we've played, Bangkok Glass on the other hand have only had their semi final as a must win game. Sitting in mid table all their league games have, for them, been largely meaningless affairs and hopefully our extra competative edge will show through.
Providing we can shake off the disappointment of losing out to Buriram in the league and come out with the right attitude from the start, our general form (just one defeat in the last twenty four games, against Army) is far superior to Bangkok Glass. They do try to play good football though so we must keep our shape and defend with a high line to deny them space in midfield. We must also be deternined, close their defenders down quickly to not give them time on the ball while, at the same time, get our own pass and move football going from the start and be positive in our movement.
Play to our strengths and I expect us to come away with another 2-0 win, the same as we did in the July league game.
Mystic Brian's FA Cup final prediction: Chonburi 2-0 Bangkok Glass
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