TPL
Chonburi 3-2 SriRacha
Princess Srindhorn Stadium
Attendance: 4,209
Saturday 22nd August, 2009
Match Report
A pulsating derby match that, in journalese, had "everything". Chonburi started brightly, passing the ball well and looking to put the two recent setbacks behind them. Even before their fourth minute goal they had a few chances to take the lead, with Ekkaphan and Micheal Byrne (starting for the first time) both going close.
However, it was to be the former who broke the deadlock with a stunning strike into the bottom corner. SriRacha responded well and Nattapong had to clear off the line following a mix up in the defence. But it was the "home" team who were dictating the play. Byrne in particular looking busy and shooting at every opportunity. This policy paid off when he broke his duck midway through the first half to put the Sharks 2-0 up.
At half time the main topic of conversation seemed to revolve around how many goals we would score. Unfortunately, nobody from SriRacha was eavesdropping. The Blue Marlin came out with renewed vigour and were causing us all sorts of problems with their bold attacking approach.
Therefore it came as no real surprise when they pulled one back. However, the manner of the goal had the Chonburi fans fuming. A SriRacha defender seemed to go right through the back of Kone to win the ball. A foul in anybody's book. Amazingly, the referee waved play on. The chorus of boos that greeted the resultant goal could probably be heard in Rayong.
But, it was to get worse. A few minutes later a long hopeful through ball was completely misjudged by Chonlatit. As the advancing attacker nipped in behind and bore down on goal, Kosin charged off his line to meet him. There's no question that it was a penalty but a red card? The forward was definitely going away from goal but he made a meal (including starters, pudding, cheese & crackers and coffee) of the challenge and went down dramatically. Needless, to say, the referee's popularity took an even bigger hit.
After a lengthy delay, Suchin entered the fray - at the expense of Byrne - but could do nothing to stop the perfectly struck spot kick. So, 2-2 with twenty minutes left, Chonburi down to ten men and SriRacha with their tails up, it was going to be all hands to the pump. However, Zico had other ideas. I've been quite critical of him and hs tactics recently but now he was about to play a masterstroke. Deciding to go three at the back and take the game to SriRacha was a gamble that could have backfired and he would have been slaughtered on here.
Thankfully, the move paid off and as we entered stoppage time (5 minutes), Man of the Match, Ekkaphan sealed the points with another fine finish. The home support went crazy.
The remaining time was played out without any further scares and the celebrations that greeted the final whistle were tinged with relief.
An extremely entertaining game with, just about, the right result. I'm pleaed that we are back on top and have shown that we can roll up our sleeves when the odds are seemingly stacked against us. As for SriRacha, they are now in serious trouble at the bottom. I genuinely hope that they can pull themselves clear - starting with a win next week against Muang Thong United.
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