League Cup
Quarter Final 2nd Leg
Chonburi 2-2 Ratchaburi (Agg 2-3)
Chonburi Stadium
Attendance: 4,961
Wednesday 31st July, 2013
Match Report
THE LAST RITES
by Tim Banks
Well, in a first half that Chonburi FC did well to come second in, the team were totally lacking in passion, organisation and tactics as well as little or no interest from Coach Heng we were deservedly left 2-0 down and with a mountain to climb. The players’ body language said we were not at the races but the visitors were well worth their lead with incisive and speedy breaks down both flanks and neat inter passing movements that belied their position in the league table.
As we supped our half time drinks we could reflect upon yet another change at right back (maintaining Coach Heng’s record of a first half change nearly every match), where Surawich, who had a nightmare half an hour, was finally spared any more agony by being replaced by Noppadon, who moved into Jetsadakorn’s right midfield role with Jetsadakorn moving into what was to be a very fluid back four for the final hour.
A lengthy discussion with two senior non playing members of the Chonburi FC squad at half time confirmed our thoughts that all is not well in the camp but confidentiality must of course prevail on this website. However, it was an enlightening 10 minutes, illustrating that that there are serious issues that must be addressed and that recent performances mirror the serious problems and divisions discussed.
An improved start to the second half, led to Kiakitti scoring from outside the box, having the courage to take a long shot ,whereas many had passed up the opportunity in the first half, even with a greasy wet surface where a shoot on sight policy may have reaped rewards.
On seventy minutes a scramble from a left wing corner led to Jedsadakorn equalizing the scores on the night from close range and the Chonburi faithful stirred and began to roar, as perhaps a miracle comeback was yet to be on the agenda. A second yellow card for Jang Gil-Hyeok led to the visitors being reduced to 10 men a couple of minutes later gave the fans further hope.
With still no sign of Heng it was left to his No 2 Worawoot Srimaka to introduce Kiatprawut and move Jackie to centre forward, where he figured in a dual prong attack with Chonlatit for the last 15 minutes. But, whilst we huffed and puffed, it was not to be and our back line was also exposed with Kiatprawut being beaten a number of times for pace and earning a yellow with a blatant pull back. In all honesty we were justly beaten over the two leg performances.
Body language, commitment, teamwork, encouragement, consistency, shared responsibility, game plan, working for others, fitness, working back, professionalism, match tactics, encouragement and confidence are just a few words and phrases that need to be taken on board as we surely begin to rebuild a squad that has certainly gone backwards in the last 18 months and needs a major overhaul with departures and new arrivals.
Thai fans are ever loyal and committed to their team and favorites as any in Asia but to see over 3500 seats still available tonight for our last key game of the season, and many of those in attendance streaming from the stadium with 20 minutes left, was not only an unusual sight but surely a reflection of the malaise that currently engulfs the club.
Also surely Heng,making only one touch line appearance, throughout the whole 90 minutes spoke volumes as regards his future and illustrated the issues that are dividing the dressing room, as again it appeared that only criticism and blame was on offer from the touch line and little or no encouragement and praise. It is plain to see that confidence is at an all time low and even some of the players appear fractious with each other and team spirit could be an issue.
My pre match prediction
I said with the correct line up, right mind set and a game plan built on pace, we would win comfortably and overturn the one goal deficit. Unfortunately we did not deliver on most of these key requirements tonight and the visitors were worthy winners and they will unwittingly contribute to the major enquiry that will start from tomorrow as regards the team and management for 2014.
Man of the Match
The ground staff - as the pitch was in quite remarkable condition given the nearly non stop rain over the last 72 hours and both teams had a good surface to contest this quarter final second leg. Obviously huge efforts were expended to produce such a surface and great kudos to the unsung ground staff for their unstinting efforts ( note to Samut Songkran)
Ratchaburi
Finally, congratulations to Ratchaburi and their hardy band of approximately 150 supporters who braved the rain and journey to witness a thoroughly deserved and memorable victory and perhaps deliver the final blow to an under pressure management team that appears now to have lost many of the dressing room as well as those in the grandstands.
Sunday
With little at stake I fully expect us to win when our visitors return again in the league on Sunday evening but it will be four days too late.
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