Customs 0-2 Chonburi (AET) - Match Report: 2012

League Cup - Round 3

Customs Utd 0-2 Chonburi (AET)

Venue : Lat Krabang 54 Stadium

Attendance: 500

Wednesday 22nd August, 2012

Match Report

by Laus Liedecke

Initially, the hosts wanted to move the Customs United v Chonburi game to Ayutthya. However, two days before the tie, this plan was dropped and the fixture was switched back to Lat Krabang. This was the right thing to do, as the pitch looked good and the neat little stands were all under cover.

Those fans who did turn up (about 1,500) didn’t regret it. The home side played well and were only eventually  undone by a mistake by the goalkeeper. In the 113th minute, Therdsak Chaiman’s shot bounced just  in front of the custodian and looped over him into the net. Three minutes later, Therdsak scored again, and sealed the 2-0 win, with a shot from a rebound.

But we have to question coach Heng’s tactics once more. Akarawin Sawsdee, who was given a start, looked uncomfortable and seemed to get in the way of his striking partner Pipob On-Mo. Geoffrey Doumeng, had another chance to impress in midfield, but was very disappointing again. Both players were substituted at the break.

Also, I felt the team went into this match with a half-hearted attitude, believing that they didn’t have to try too hard in a supposedly easy game. They probably believed that it would be easy to score, however, the goals didn’t come.

It was only after the introduction of Therdsak in the 69th minute that we raised our level of play. Arthit’s appearance at the start of the second half also helped improve the team. There was to be one more twist before the end of the match. Natthapong Samana had to go off injured and, since Heng had already used three substitutes, we had to finish with ten men.

Fortunately, the tie ended in victory and saw us through to the next round, which is the most important thing. But I think that with the right players and the right attitude from the start, we could have this match in ninety minutes. We face Muang Thong United on Sunday and a win is vital if we are to have any hope of catching them. I hope to see a much more positive approach to this game.