Thai League 1
Chonburi 1-2 Muangthong United
11th February, 2021
Match Report
by Stephen Romary
Thailand’s ‘Classico” match last Thursday between Chonburi FC and SCG Muangthong United may well prove to be pivotal for both clubs in this long and drawn out 2020-21 season, now approaching its yearly anniversary. Going into this match there were only three points separating the teams. A win for Chonburi might see the club leap several positions in the table, whereas for Muangthong victory would put them in striking distance of a fifth place finish, or better.
Muangthong had the first opportunity at goal early on, moving the ball quickly out of their half after clearing the corner ball, with Derley going one-on-one at Sinthaweechai who made the initial stop, then lobbed the rebound across the goal line just missing the head of Wongsakorn who was well placed to nod in.
The share of good goal scoring opportunities, however, fell to Chonburi this match. First, Thailand U21 midfielder Channarong was in prime shooting location, but banged the ball over the bar. A few moments later Worachit fed a forward volley to Phanuphong whose powerful drive from distance was beyond Somporn’s fingertips, but off the post.
Next it was Eliandro’s turn, and his drive from the edge of the box was saved by Somporn, and Muangthong right back Suporn was there to clear the rebound.
As the first half entered the final few minutes, Worachit then had a crack from close in, and once again the Muangthong stopper Somporn was up to the task. Somporn has recently taken on the starting keeper role for the Kirin, and comes into tonight’s match with a couple of consecutive clean sheets.
As often happens in football, it’s the team who hasn't dominated to put one in the net. In the final minute of the half, Willian Popp connected with a left-footed volley after the cross from Derley was poorly cleared by Kristsada.
Muangthong were leading 1-0 heading into the second half.
Kristada almost made up for his earlier blunder with a shot from distance that was off the post, again, rebounding against the diving Somporn and taking a fortuitous roll out of bounds for the corner.
Muangthong United were to take back control as the match progressed, with Picha and Chatmongkol entering the game after the 65th minute. A good chance presented itself when Derley out maneuvered Kroekrit to the touch line and cut back the cross to Popp, whose bicycle kick attempt was blocked by J.Eledstal. Weerathep was waiting for the rebound, but sailed the ball well wide of goal.
Coach Sasom, who had earlier brought Durosinmu into the game, now looked to spark some creativity and pace making a triple substitution at the 74th minute mark, with Jaycee for Eliandro, Sittichok for Worachit and Rangsan for Saharat.
Yet soon after it was Willian Popp setting up Derley, who had timed his run perfectly behind the Chonburi line to arrive at the ball before Sinthaweechai, scooping the pass into the goal, and the Kirin now had a 2-0 lead with ten minutes remaining.
Chonburi only increased their attacks after the goal, with Jaycee chasing every ball and pressuring the Muangthong defenders. After heading one over the bar, his efforts were rewarded at the 89th minute, sliding in the close range shot through a sea of white jerseys to bring Chonburi within one.
Time was not to be on the Sharks side however as Muangthong were able to regain control in the five minutes of added time, and the final whistle blew with the Kirin keeping Chonburi pinned deep in their end.
Unfortunately for Muangthong, Willian Popp picked up his fouth yellow and is now banned from Sunday’s home match against Sukhothai. Likewise, Chonburi midfielder Rangsan Wiroonsri earned his fourth yellow and will have to sit out Sunday’s away fixture at Trat FC, which will be an important chance to grab three points from a club heading towards relegation.
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