TPL
Chiang Rai Utd 1-1 Chonburi
Chiang Rai Stadium
Attendance: 2,221
Saturday 5th November, 2022
So, after going into this match expecting us to lose, I came away feeling extremely disappointed that we didn't win. Especially given the manner in which we were robbed of the full three points. The "offside" decision to disallow our match winning strike - and what a strike it was. Who remembers crab football? - was beyond a joke and yet again highlights why VAR is a blight on this game we love. For the sake of us all, bin it now!
Anyway, on to the match itself. I thought that the home side shaded a fairly uneventful first period - those stats that broadcasters love to trot out seemed to support this. Even though we'd enjoyed the bulk of possession - 55% to 45%, for any of you who are interested - it was Chiang Rai Utd who'd had more attempts on goal, including the one that actually went in, giving them a 1-0 lead (the only stat that really matters). So far, so same as it ever was for us up in the frozen north. After a shrug of our collective shoulders, we settled down to reflect on the opening forty minutes, discuss the recent improvements to Leeds city centre and swapped recommendations for current TV crime series - 'The Devil's Hour' - starring former Thailand resident, Jessica Raine - was my submission.
Suddenly, our conversation was interrupted by the resumption of play. (Double cliche alert!!) I don't know what the lads had in their half time cups of tea or what Sasom said to them, but it had done the trick. Chonburi were much the better side in the second period and confidence grew in our little group.
Our mood improved even further following the awarding of a penalty on 67 minutes - another bloody VAR decision. However, feelings were mixed as to whether it should have been given or not:
Tim: It's a nailed on penalty!
Me: I don't think so. We've got lucky there.
Claire: Is there a match on?
Nui: Would anybody like another drink?
Osman: Why do they keep showing it over and over again?
Sadly, it all turned out to be academic, as the normally reliable Danilo blazed his shot over the bar. Maybe, it was the 40 minute wait* between the perceived offence (it's my blog, Tim!) and the penalty being taken that had affected his concentration, but we still trailled and justice was done (again, it's my blog, Tim).
*at least that's what it felt like
Pleasingly, the miss didn't seem to upset our rhythm and we continued to dominate the game. Therefore, it came as no real surprise when we eventually drew level with ten minutes remaining. There was only going to be one winner now.
Unfortunately, that winner was to be the 'Video Assistant Referee' and its human counterparts. I will go to my grave convinced that Channarong's wonder goal should have stood - as I suspect 99.999999% of everyone who also saw it, will too. Only the most biased of Chiang Rai Utd fans, Chonburi detractors and fans of VAR (who are these people?!) will think otherwise. Bless them all.
Overall, it was a pleasing performance and we came so close to putting an end to our Chiang Rai hoodoo. I saw enough yesterday to suggest that the club is slowly gaining its composure after a traumatic couple of weeks and, with a relatively easy home match against struggling Lampang up next, there is a real chance to get our season back on track. VAR permitting.
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