It's A Habit That Sticks: May 2022

Thursday 26 May 2022

New!! League Cup Chonburi 0-1 Prachuap - Photos: 2022

PT Prachuap 1-0 Chonburi

Wednesday 25th May 2022

League Cup Semi-Final

Thammasat Stadium

Attendance: 1,877

Photos by Rob Bernard

New!! League Cup Chonburi 0-1 Prachuap - Match Report by Rob Bernard: 2022

PT Prachuap 1-0 Chonburi

Wednesday 25th May 2022

League Cup semi-final

Thammasat Stadium

Attendance: 1,877

Match Report

by Rob Bernard

Prachuap advanced to face Buriram in the final of the League Cup with a goal on sixty-four minutes from Brazilian striker Willen Mota in a game of few chances before withstanding prolonged Chonburi pressure to see out the game.

The Killer Wasp’ had the brighter of the early exchanges with a low cross skimming along the six yard line begging for a final touch before both teams began feeling each other out looking for an opening in a relatively dull first half.

A Prachuap quick counter following a Sharks corner saw Soony Saad fire wide. A lapse from Chonburi’s Songchai Thongcham in his own box was cleaned up by a couple of defensive blocks prior to a low bending free kick at the other end from Gidi Kanyuk being well saved by keeper Jirunpong Thammasiha.

Both sides showed more attacking intent straight from the sound of the whistle at the start of the second half. A Sharks move down the left saw a low cross arrive just behind Yoo Byung-soo whose resultant volley was weak and wide.

Saad’s header was easily gathered by keeper Chanin Sae-ear as play went from end to end. The Sharks Dennis Murillo was doing a decent job leading the line, heading just over from a cross. His teammate Kritsada Kaman backed this up with a shot over the bar.

Prachuap should really have taken the lead just gone the hour mark when a superb cross from Saharat Pongsuwan picked out the free Apichart Denman on the back post, but his header missed the target.

Despite the small crowd rattling round Thammasat both sets of fans created a cacophony of noise with drums and chants underneath the large curving roof of the East Stand. It would be those clad in orange who would have cause to cheer when a simple through ball from Prasit Jantum found Mota who brushed aside the weak efforts of Prasit Jantum to finish calmly.

Prachuap’s players suddenly began more prone to requiring treatment from the physio. I can only assume referee Mongkolchai Pechsri put his foot down with a few words as it stopped after a couple of times in quick succession as the Sharks fans and players sounded their disproval.

Kaman was doing his best to fire up his Chonburi troops and came close to capitalising of dithering defenders but could not get enough power behind his half volley to really trouble custodian Thammasiha.

Sharks pressure mounted but in truth their crossing was woeful. The introduction of diminutive wide man Phitak Pimpae created a few problems, but the Killer Wasp backline were having a good night. A scuffed volley from Kaman summed up Chonburi’s frustrations.

Their best chance of levelling came when a superb cross field diagonal pass from Noppanon Kachaplayuk was chested down by Murillo, but the big Brazilian sliced his left footed effort badly wide. Despite a string of corners, the Prachuap defence held firm to set off wild scenes among their travelling support.

A few personal thoughts to go with my report. I’m not sure either side deserved to win in 90 minutes. It was a tight affair lacking in quality. I was surprised when the goal went in. I thought we were certain of extra time and possibly penalties from an early stage.

Onto the venue. Now there’s no doubt that Thammasat is a superb stadium, despite its running track not being ideal for football fans. The stands are steep, and the views are good, but surely there has to have been a more suitable venue in Bangkok for both sets of fans and neutrals to reach. Especially for a 6pm kick-off.

I live in Minburi and rely upon public transport. I decided to leave at 3pm and go by minivan to Rangsit and bus from there. I got into the ground seven minutes before kick-off. The roads were gridlocked in places as returning schools from the previous Monday add to the mounting rush hour traffic.

The catering was fine outside the East Stand, aside from only one stall selling soft drinks. I didn’t see any alcohol available. The ticket prices were good, so fair play to the Thai FA on that.

My own fault but I decided to seek out the 510 bus after the game back to Rangsit and take a similar journey without the congestion. A huge electrical storm deluged the area, and no taxis were available. Fortunately, I had my poncho with me but still got a proper soaking before eventually flagging down a cab.

It is not difficult to see why Bangkok United, good attractive tenants at Thammasat struggle so hard to attract crowds. Every match is an away fixture unless you live in Rangsit. But for all that, I’ll give it another go and try to suss out the return bus stops!

With thanks to Rob

Monday 23 May 2022

New!! Interview With Patrick Reichelt: 2022

My exclusive interview with Prachuap's German born winger, Patrick Reichelt.

To start, how would you sum up Prachuap's season?

I only joined them in January so I can’t really talk too much about the first leg. But I think 11 points speaks for itself. Luckily we were able to turn things around in the 2nd half of the season and stayed up. This was my second last game relegation battle in a row. I’m not sure how many more I'll be able to take!! Nerve-wracking.

How happy are you with your personal performances?

I’ve not had the best personal year, with many small injuries keeping me from regular training with the team, but I can’t wait to start again new next year with Prachuap. I made the decision to leave Suphanburi mid season, after they wouldn’t allow me to join the Philippines national team at the last Suzuki Cup. People were telling me I was crazy to join Prachuap with the situation they were in. But, to be honest, Suphanburi we weren’t doing much better. Looking back, it seems I made the right decision.

Prachuap is a small club and achieved a lot in a relatively short space of time, what do you attribute this success to?

Prachuap FC means everything to their province. It’s a super small town, but they love their football and the club so it transfers to the owners and the players. Therefore, they have the responsibility to give their people the best they can.

The League Cup seems like the poor relation of Thai domestic football. How seriously are Prachuap taking it?

For a club like Prachuap, it’s huge. Even if it’s the least meaningful competition. For the club to be able to fight for a title, especially after a difficult season like that, is a great opportunity.

For many fans, the League Cup semi finals schedule changes, to accommodate SEA Games preparations, were very frustrating. What are your feelings on this?

When I first heard about it I thought people were trying to joke with me because it did sound like an absolute joke. It came as a total shock to me that some people can just decide things like that. In the end there's nothing we can do about it but let’s say the word “frustrated” is to small to describe how I felt about it.

How easy has it been to remain focussed on this match, given the league season ended three weeks ago?

Ha, ha! Not easy to be honest. Especially seeing many of my other friends who play in the Thai league already on vacation. But it’s our job and we have to keep going.

How are your preparations going?

I think it’s not ideal when the coach and club had already made different plans for the break, but everybody is super professional about it in training and we can’t wait to play that semi.

What are your impressions of Chonburi as a club and our performances this season?

Chonburi is a huge club with great history but most importantly they always have talented youngsters coming up their ranks. That’s why I think having more then a handful of quality local players is their big strength. Chonburi had a great start and many I think counted them to be in the top four with some major signings they had. I feel with the potential that’s in that squad, more could’ve been possible.

Which of our players have impressed you the most?

I believe Kritsada will go places in the future. Great personality on the field, at this young age, and an absolute quality player. Yoo was huge for you in the second leg.

What are your expectations for Wednesday's match?

I think everything is possible playing on a neutral ground. We haven't been able to win for a couple of games now, but cup football is a totally different thing. Maybe being defending champions and knowing that the club was able to do it before, could give us a litttle push. My final score prediction is 2-1 to Prachuap, after extra time.

What are your hopes for Prachuap next season and beyond?

Being deep in relegation battles - 2021 with Suphanburi and now again with Prachuap in 2022 - I’m just praying for a less dramatic year. I feel like I aged ten years during those two seasons. Relegation is super stressful! I have another year left on my contract here and will give my best to ensure we are in a better position then we were this season.

What are your personal hopes and ambitions for the future?

I’m 33, turning 34 next year. I don’t feel like that, but I guess that’s what everybody says. My goal is to enjoy every last bit of time I have left in professional sport. Football is the greatest sport and I’m blessed to be able to still play.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Chonburi don’t need this as much as we do! So just give it to us. Ha, ha!!

With thank to Patrick

Chonburi FC Semi Finals Record: 2022

AFC Cup

2/10/12 Semi Finals 1st Leg Arbil 4-1 Chonburi

23/10/12 Semi Finals 2nd Leg Chonburi 1-4 Arbil

(Agg: Chonburi 2-8 Arbil)

FA Cup

30/10/10 Semi Finals: Army Utd 0-2 Chonburi

5/10/14 Semi Finals: Chonburi 1-0 Suphanburi

7/4/21 Semi Finals: Chonburi 2-1 Buriram Utd

League Cup

21/9/11 Semi Finals 1st Leg: PEA 1-0 Chonburi

1/10/11 Semi Finals 2nd Leg: Chonburi 3-2 PEA

(Agg: Chonburi 3-3 PEA, PEA won on away goals)

Singapore Cup

20/9/06 Semi Finals 1st Leg: Chonburi 2-1 Balestier Khalsa

23/9/06 Semi Finals 2nd Leg: Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Chonburi

(Agg: Chonburi 2-2 Balestier Khalsa, Chonburi won on penalties)

Sunday 22 May 2022

New!! My Top Five League Cup Ties: 2022

5. 26/7/17 1st Round: Chiang Mai 2-2 Chonburi (2-4 pens)

A very exciting cup game, played in difficult conditions and with a fantastic atmosphere. Chonburi were fortunate to come away with the win in the end, despite bossing the penalty shoot out. Chiang Mai should take a lot of positives from this despite the disappointing end. It was a great cup tie for the neutral supporter and for the home fans (until the 93rd minute). Chiang Mai have been hoping for these kind of occasions (playing big teams with great atmosphere) for quite a few years now.

Home games in the 2nd leg of this season have all had a great atmosphere and of course until this game, a positive result. This was a bigger game against bigger opposition and so there was a special atmosphere both in terms of the cup and playing Chonburi.

Mark Varney

Full report: Chiang Mai 2-2 Chonburi (2-4 pens)

4. 8/8/18 Quarter Final: Chonburi 4-6 Bangkok Glass (AET)

Someone questioned a few weeks ago why I watch Thai football if I'm so negative about it. This is why. No plastic English PL for me, thank you. With its no limit on foreigners nutty idea, built to bolster Murdoch's bank balance and sod everything else, though people are too stupid to realise it.

No, last night’s match was right up there with the 'Parrot Sketch' and 'Fork 'andles’. From a footballing point of view it highlighted the woeful quality of teams, officials and players on show every week at many grounds, but for the neutral, just pure entertainment. And what a roller coaster.

Peter Reeves

Full report: Chonburi 4-6 Bangkok Glass

3. 11/7/18 2nd Round: Chonburi 5-1 Muang Thong Utd

Chonburi fans very happy and rightly so. They’d seen their team give their much vaunted opposition a right royal battering and played well.

Muangthong? Well I don't get to see them very often, but if this is it, good heavens! No defensive shape, no commitment, don't close down, and seem to leave everything to the left winger or Heberty. It was a very poor showing. I can't think that the travelling fans would have been very impressed. Obviously they are not this bad every week, but the Sharks won't mind. A good win in a competition that is opening up for them, as some big names fall.

Great for the fans who put up with so much. Great for the club who need some good will.

Peter Reeves

Full report: Chonburi 5-1 Muang Thong Utd

2. 17/8/11 Quarter Finals 1st Leg: Chonburi 3-2 Muang Thong Utd

Chonburi FC rallied to beat Muang Thong United 3-2 in the first leg of the League Cup quarter finals last night.

At Chonburi Stadium, Muang Thong got off to a fast start when they were awarded a penalty after Teerasil Dangda was tripped in the area by Adul Lahso. Datsakorn Thonglao, who returned from suspension, put the Kirins in front.

Inspired by Therdsak Chaiman, who also returned from suspension, the Sharks piled pressure on the visitors and their efforts paid off just before half time. Therdsak's free kick found Gaston Gonzalez who headed the ball past Muang Thong goalkeeper Kawin Thammastachanant.

Chonburi were dominant in the opening stages of the second halfbut it was Muang Thong who regained the lead through Jakkraphan Pornsai in the 69th minute.

The Sharks equalised in the 76th minute when Ney Fabiano headed the ball into the net from a Therdsak cross. Chonlatit Jantakam then scored the winner for Chonburi later on.

Tor Chittinand

1. 1/10/11 Semi Finals 2nd Leg: Chonburi 3-2 PEA (PEA won on away goals)

In a stormy* match, PEA stunned the hosts after just three minutes when Suchao Nutnum headed the ball home for an early lead.

PEA were leading 2-0 on aggregate as Chonburi needed three unanswered goals to progress.

Guston Silva made it 1-1 on the night in the 25th minute but 60 seconds later, Chonburi were reduced to 10 men when Kenneth Akpueze was dismissed as the referee thought he elbowed Frank Acheampong but replays showed Akpueze did nothing and that Acheampong had feigned injury.

But Chonburi fought spiritedly and Pipob On-mo gave the Sharks a 2-1 lead to then make it 2-2 on aggregate.

In the second half, several players of both sides were booked before, in the 70th minute, Franck Ohandza scored an equaliser for PEA. Pipob made it 3-2 and Ney Fabiano nearly became the hero for the Sharks when his header was saved by goalkeeper Sivaruk Terdsungnern.

Tor Chittinand

Chonburi 3-2 PEA: The Aftermath

*"Stormy" doesn't really cover it. It was a super-charged occasion and the sense of injustice - caused by some very debatable refereeing decisions - spilled over onto the car park following the match. Home fans surrounded the PEA bus and the visitors were locked inside their dressing room for well over ninety minutes after the final whistle.

Emotions were running high and, in the absence of any real security, only the actions of some of the more level headed Chonburi supporters prevented a major incident. However, as there'd also been similar scenes at the league meeting between the two sides a few weeks earlier, we received a heavy fine and had to play our next two home games at neutral venues - the first with none of our fans allowed to attend.

On the pitch, this was one of the best performances I've ever seen from a Chonburi team. The fact it was against all the odds, and we came so close to pulling off an unlikely victory, made it even more impressive. Whilst I'm not condoning what happened outside the stadium, there's no doubt that these events contributed to a remarkable and memorable evening. It's unlikely we'll ever see anything quite like this again. Which is a huge shame.

Saturday 21 May 2022

League Cup Chonburi v Bangkok Glass (Agg: 0-3) - Match Reports: 2010

Bangkok Glass 1-0 Chonburi

League Cup

2nd Round 1st Leg

Leo Stadium

Attendance: 3,629

Wednesday 22nd September, 2010

Bangkok Glass take a slender lead into the second leg. The main talking point from tonight's game is the penalty we should have had, when Sylla Moussa clattered Suree Sukha, just before the home side scored. Had it been given, the defender would also have been yellow carded and therefore sent off, as he had already been booked. We'll see just how big a decision this was after the return match.

Match Report

There were a lot of similarities between this game and last Sunday's league encounter. Bangkok Glass probably shaded it in terms of possession but in reality, it was two evenly matched sides cancelling each other out and providing some decent entertainment along the way.

The home team started off brightly, and for the first ten minutes Chonburi hardly got a kick. However, after this initial period of uncertainty, things evened out and we all sat back to watch the cut and thrust of a late evening midweek cup tie. The visitors probably had the better chances in the first period and Puritat forced Kritsakorn Kerdpol into making a couple of saves. But for all the huffing and puffing, neither side could break the deadlock.

The breakthrough finally came midway through the second half following a neat piece of trickery from Michel Byrne. The former Shark turned his defender and crossed the ball into the middle. It was helped on by a team mate to spare man Anuwin Jujeen, who turned and hit a perfectly placed shot into the bottom corner. It was a bitter blow for the visitors who had had a cast iron, nailed on penalty appeal turned down only minutes before, when Sylla Moussa clattered Suree Sukha with the ball nowhere in sight. Excuse me if I sound bitter but the ref completely bottled it, especially as he'd given us a free kick, and booked the offender, for an identical challenge on Natthapong Samana in the first half. It was a shocking call by the official.

Fortunately, the players stuck to their task and could have equalised on a couple of occasions but for some wayward finishing and top class saves by the home keeper. At the other end Michael Byrne had a shot tipped over by Suchin and also went close with two other long range efforts. Overall, I was disappointed to lose - I thought a draw would have been a fair result - but this tie is far from over. Bangkok Glass have a tough crowded schedule over the next month or so and will need to be at their best for the return leg, when we are sure to give them a torrid time.

Chonburi 0-2 Bangkok Glass (Agg: 0-3)

League Cup

2nd Round 2nd Leg

Chonburi Sports College Stadium

Attendance: 3,281

Wednesday 20th October, 2010

A very tired looking Chonburi side went out of the Toyota League Cup earlier this evening.

Match Report

I think the less said about this match, the better. In all the years I've been following the club, I can't remember such a disjointed Chonburi performance. The players looked tired and listless and this feeling soon spread to the fans, who were as quiet as they've ever been. There were one or two pockets of support amongst the 3,281 crowd who were doing their best to rouse the team but, by and large, the place was like a library.

It would be easy to blame the players but the number of games played in recent weeks seems to have caught up with them. I think the news that PEA had beaten Sisaket, to leapfrog over us into second place, just before kick off also added to the mood of despondency. There was certainly a strange atmosphere around the place. And things were to get worse.

Within a couple of minutes of the start, the visitors took the lead. The speedy Ajayi left the unfamiliar centre back pairing of Kenneth Akpueze and Phaisan Pona in his wake before slotting the ball into the far corner. He then kept on running to join the hundred or so celebrating Bangkok Glass fans in the North Stand.

On his return to the pitch, he spent the next ten minutes tormenting the home defence. I feared the worst, as did most of those around me. Thankfully, he wasted a couple of other good chances and Chonburi worked themselves back into the game. Arthit went close with two free kicks, one hit the post and one was well saved by the keeper, but otherwise we never really looked like scoring.

Bangkok Glass packed their defence and hit us on the break and we didn't haven't have the nous to deal with it. It came as no surprise when Sutee doubled the lead midway through the second half and put the tie beyond any doubt - should there have been any uber optimistic Chonburi fans still clinging to the hope of an unlikely comeback.

Hopefully, the bulk of the first teamers will get a rest before the FA Cup semi final a week on Saturday. We are destined to finish third in the TPL and are out of the League Cup so all our efforts must go into ensuring that there is no repeat of the recent slip up against the Army in ten days time.

League Cup Chonburi v Phitsanulok - Match Previews: 2010

Match Preview

Phitsanulok v Chonburi -

League Cup

1st Round 1st Leg

29/8/10

The first ever meeting between Chonburi and Phitsanulok will take place later today in the much maligned Toyota League Cup. The tournament has caused a few ripples, mainly due to its late inception, the way the draw was made and the two legged format, but very little in the way of genuine interest. If this had been a one off match, I would almost certainly have made the effort to go, in spite of the distance involved and the inconvenient kick off time. But the fact there will be a second tie in Chonburi on Thursday made the whole exercise seem rather pointless - although as I'm writing this there is a part of me wishing that I'd gone.

Coach Jadet has hinted that he will pick a strong team and I think that is the right decision. I don't suscribe to this, "I'm not that bothered if we don't go through, we have other priorities," approach that some fans have. I want us to win every game, regardless of the competition. For me winning matches is the best form of instilling confidence in a team.

In all honesty, this cup tie should be a pretty one sided affair and the Sharks are red hot favourites to win - whichever team they decide to put out - especially over two legs. In a single game, anything can happen but the likelihood of us losing against a team from the third tier over 180 minutes is fairly remote. I would like to see a good professional performance today and I'd especially like to see Baga have a good game. If anyone needs a boost it's this young man. Tonight's match will be the perfect opportunity for him to get on the score sheet and hopefully silence a few of the boo boys who have been getting on his back in recent weeks. Fingers crossed that he can shut them up.

Match Preview

Chonburi v Phitsanulok

League Cup

1st Round 2nd Leg

2/9/10

With Chonburi already two up after the first leg and seemingly safely through to the next round, the big questions regarding tonight will mainly be focused on our starting line up and how many will turn up to watch. I still expect Jadet to pick a reasonably strong team and I hope he does. Football has a habit of surprising you - which is one of the main reasons we all love it so much - and complacency could be our most difficult opponent this evening. Therefore, I would hope to see most of the first team regulars on the pitch when we kick off. We need to be professional and treat this fixture like any other in order to avoid any slip ups.

In one respect, it would be good for the tie if Phitsanulok were to get an early goal but I'd much rather we ran out comfortable winners than have to spend the evening chewing my fingernails down to the elbow.

As for the attendance, I doubt that there will be more than 1200 there. The club surprisingly haven't reduced prices and it's highly unlikely that the visitors will bring many - although any who do travel deserve an awful lot of credit - so it's hard to imagine much in the way of a crowd. However, I'm sure that those who do make the effort will try their best to create a bit of an atmosphere. Certainly putting the kick off back an hour to seven o'clock will make it a lot easier for people who are coming from work but it's hardly the most appealing fixture.

Tuesday 17 May 2022

League Cup Rajpracha 0-4 Chonburi - Match Report: 2013

League Cup

Round One

Rajpracha 0-4 Chonburi

Bangkok University, Rangsit Campus Stadium

Saturday 23rd March, 2013

Match Report

A comfortable win but a far from convincing performance against Rajpracha yesterday. Once again the defence looked an absolute shambles. They made far too many mistakes for my liking and would undoubtedly have been punished by a much better strike force. The biggest worry was the lack of any real leadership. No-one seemed to want to take charge in Sinthaweechai's absence and this certainly contributed to the unsettling number of sloppy errors. Noppanon was the biggest culprit in this respect but not once did I see anyone - team mate nor coaching staff - attempt to gee him up or offer any encouragement. Signs of deeper underlying problems? I hope not.

In midfield, Kushida was his usual hard working self but still showed a lack of desire to go forwards. There were two or three occasions when he had the chance to make a run with the ball or shoot but chose instead to go backwards. I really wish he'd show a bit more ambition. Yesterday was the perfect opportunity for him to assert himself on a game but, once again, I'm afraid he fell short. Maybe he was saving himself for Wednesday night?

The front two worked very hard and reaped the rewards by netting all four goals between them. Boskovic had his best game so far in a Chonburi shirt and the confidence he will have surely gained from his performance against Rajpracha will hopefully see him step it up in the TPL. If hadn't been for the fact that Thiago scored a hat-trick, the Montenegrin would have been my Man of the Match.

As for Thiago, he too was outstanding. He obviously has a desire to score goals and was not afraid to try a few audacious efforts, which sadly didn't come off. Goals aside, he also impressed me with his tireless running and was still tracking back right up until the final whistle. If he can stay fit - and out of trouble - he could well be one of the shining lights in this season's domestic leagues.

So, overall, a workmanlike performance, with one or two bright spots, against a poor team that sees us through to the second round of the League Cup. If we get lucky with the draw, and the club takes the competition seriously, there's no reason why we can't make it to the last four at the very least. We'll face much tougher opposition than we did yesterday, and we'll need to play a lot better, but I'll personally be disappointed with anything less.