Chonburi 3-0 PEA - Match Report: 2009

TPL

Chonburi 3-0 PEA Ayutthya

Princess Sridhorn Stadium

Attendance: 6,101

Saturday 29th August, 2009

Match Report

A stunning goal by Pipob On-Mo ten minutes into the second half sealed an impressive win for a determined Chonburi team and sparked scenes of wild celebration for Srindhorn's biggest crowd of the season. But it wasn't all plain sailling.

I thought that PEA shaded the first half and were slightly unlucky to be behind at the break. They started the match brightly and had obviously come to win all three points. However, some poor finishing let them down. Chonburi too were guilty of a couple of poor misses; Micheal Byrne headed against the post when it seemed as if he was sure to score from Nattapong's pin point cross and Adul shot tamely wide after he had created space for himself with a neat turn.

We were also struggling with our passing game and a worringly large number of players constantly lost their footing on a slippery surface. The visitors didn't seem to have such problems and stroked the ball around in a manner that belied their lowly position. They also managed to stay upright!

Our first goal, midway through the half, was the result of a quickly taken free kick. And, as the ball was knocked across the box, the impressive Ekaphan was on the spot to fire home. "Cherry" is in a rich vein of form at the moment and I'm sure that this hasn't gone un-noticed among the ranks of the Thai national team hiearchy.

If PEA were the better team in the first half, Chonburi certainly claimed the second forty five minutes for themselves. Right from the restart they looked as if they meant business and it came as no surprise when Micael Byrne added a second on 48 minutes. A delightful through ball from Arthit saw Byrne clear with just the keeper to beat. He steadied himself before coolly slotting home for his third goal in three games.

2-0 up with just over forty minutes to play. We've been in this position numerous times during this campaign and, for some reason, have been unable to cope. However, there was to be no such problem this time. Five minutes after Byrne's goal, Piob contolled the ball on his chest, swivelled, and cracked the ball into the net all in one sweet move. The delight on his face was there for all to see as he wheeled away in celebration.

For a short time after the third goal, Chonburi threatened to run riot. However, PEA's defence held firm and the deluge didn't materialise. This was a huge win for us and puts the pressure back on Muang Thong (who play away against SriRacha on Sunday). I've been very impressed with our steely approach to the last two league games and it's also pleasing to see the goals being spread around a bit more. If everyone can stay fit and free of suspension (we aren't Pattaya Utd, our suspended players actually have to sit out when they're not eligible to play - Kosin and Kone were both unavailable today) then we could go all the way.