New! Chonburi 2-1 Nakhon Ratchasima (23/4/23) - Highlights: 2023

TPL

Chonburi 2-1 Nakhon Ratchasima

(Scorers: Sumanya Purisai, Denis Murillo)

Attendance: 3,983

Chonburi Stadium

Saturday 29th April, 2023

 

New! Chonburi 2-1 Nakhon Ratchasima (29/4/23) - Match Report: 2023

 TPL

Chonburi 2-1 Nakhon Ratchasima

(Scorers: Sumanya Purisai, Denis Murillo)

Attendance: 3,983

Chonburi Stadium

Saturday 29th April, 2023

Match Summary

by Tim Spear

A 2-1 victory for Chonburi. But, in all honesty, it’s hard to say whether it was deserved or not. It was a poor game, with some very poor officiating, and a poor performance by us. However, it’s another three points for Adul. That’s two games and six points.  I must admit, I’m still to be convinced that he’ll make a good manager. Some of his substitutions yesterday were as bizarre as you could possibly imagine – taking off Denis and Yoo Byung-soo and relacing them with Faiq and Jesse Curran, were particularly questionable. Still, the proof of the pudding, and all that. You can’t question that he has turned us around. Upwards and onwards and on to Port next.

New! Interview With An Opposition Fan (Nakhon Ratchasima): 2023

Here is my pre match interview with Swat Cat fan, Hakao.

Please can you introduce yourself?                                                           

My name is Hakao. I am a Thai fan of Nakhon Ratchasima FC.

Overall, how satisfied are you with your team's performance this season? 

Unlike other Thai fans in the FB group (it's normal for Thai fans to want entertaining football), I think we were looking decent for the first 8 matches. I have no complaints about the defensive tactic that Kevin used. We were still scoring goals and gaining points. However, it went downhill around matchday10. I wanted to end the season there. We had no clue how to play the counter attack quickly (even where to move/pass or when to dribble/shoot/pass or how to keep the ball ). Our team play was horrible and defensive mistake cost us so many games. It was painful to watch, like the 2017 season; I was glad then that there were worse teams than us or we would have been relegated. 

What are your hopes for the future of the club? 

My hope for the club is to challenge for the FA Cup again and stay in this league. Also, I would like to see Worawi Makudi leave as chairman. 

Which is the best team you've seen this season? 

My answer is the same as previous years, Buriram Utd. I think the Thunder Castle are always everyone's favourites to win the league. Their transition play, combination play, team play and 1v1 play are always good.

And the worst? 

Lampang. Their squad and coach are still clearly T2 standard. How did they get promoted?!

What have been your impressions of Chonburi this season?

They were quite solid until mid season, but their defence isn’t looking good now; 25 goals conceded in 12 games, that’s over 2 goals per match. However, Chanin is now back from injury. For me, Ouattara is considered the flop of the season.

What are your expectations for Saturday's match?

I expect a draw. If we lose, it means we are in real danger of being relegated. It’s that simple.

Which of our players are you most wary of?

Yoo Byung-soo, for being the super sub. He’s the player who can change the result of a game.

Which of your players do we need to watch out for?

Saharat Kanyaroj for me. He’s similar to Frenkie de Jong, who drops deep and drives the ball forward. He's good in 1v1 situations and can transition from defence to attack, passing the ball to link up with Siroch, Tyronne, and Jordan in attack.

Would you like to make a score prediction?

1-1 (Danilo and Clough to score).

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to add that there's little interest in Thai football from local fans. Most of them are EPL fans. There are lots of Thai people on Twitter - mainly for politics, KPop and Japanese related things. But I also discovered a Thai football community - which also has a lot of foreigners in it. So, I wanted to start a Swat Cat account - in addition to my personal account - to promote my favourite team..

New! Exclusive Interview With Jordan Murray: 2023

My exclusive interview with Nakhon Ratchasima striker, Jordan Murray.

Please can you start by telling us a bit about your background.

I’m from Wollongong, Australia. 1hr south of Sydney. I've played for Central Coast Mariners, Kerala Blasters, Jamshedpur and Nakhon Ratchasima.

How did your move to Thailand and Swatcat come about?
After my last season in India. I won the ISL (Indian Super League) with Jamshedpur. I was approached Nakhon Ratchasima to join the club for the 2022/23 season. I was very excited to experience the Thai league and Thailand as a country. 

What are your impressions of the club?
Nakhon Ratchasima is a fantastic club with a very large loyal fan base. The club as a whole is very close and definitely has a family vibe to it. The club constantly strive to be better, which is always a good thing as a player.

What do you enjoy most about playing in Thailand?
I really enjoy the league. It constantly tests you. You have quality Thai players and quality foreign players and that really makes you improve. I love the culture of the Thai people. They are very respectful and friendly. Thailand itself is a beautiful country with an amazing landscape and man made structures. And of course the Thai food. Rich with flavours and spices. 

And is there anything you don't like?
Bus journeys are always a killer but it’s still part of the game. Not everything can be good.

What are your feelings on how the team has performed this season?
It has really been a up and down season for us. But the second half of the season I have seen a lot more togetherness and heart in this team and club to constantly wanting to be better. Turning negatives into positives. Coach joe has implemented a strong mentality in all of us to preform better in every game. 

And your own performances?
As a player, I always strive to be better. Coming into a different country and culture was always going to be the first hurdle to overcome. My expectations of myself are always high. Whether it’s in training or games. I would say it's been quite challenging and I can always do better. But this second half of the season I have felt really good so I am looking to continue that momentum. Coach Joe has really given me confidence. Which I’m very thankful for.

What are your hopes for the club next season?
Number one is to keep this club where it belongs, which is Thai League 1. My full focus is to give 100% commitment to doing that for the club and fans. Then from there, it is to continue pushing this club towards the top of Thai League 1.

What have been your impressions of Chonburi this season?
Chonburi started off the season really red hot. They have quality all over. Their attacking football is very good and it’s something we want to stop this weekend. They have some really good players.

What are your expectations for Saturday's match?
It's going to be a very tough encounter. But it’s something we won’t back down from. We obviously have a lot to play for. It should be a high intensity match. 

Which T1 teams have impressed you most this season?
Many teams have been quality this season. Buriram are a very strong team and they have proven that. Muang Thong United have turned a switch this second half of this season. Port have been solid. And Bangkok United as well. 

And which players have stood out?
Many players have impressed me this season. Hamilton for Port has been ruthless in front of goal, as has Rosa from Prachuap. Charlie Clough has been key for us this season. Supachai and Theerathon have shown great quality.

What are your thoughts on the overall standard of the league this season?
I’ve been really impressed with the quality of players and the standard of the league. It’s very competitive and teams play fast football. The fans of the Thai league teams are very passionate and supportive, which makes us players want to be better and better. 

Apart from your own, which Thai grounds have you most enjoyed playing at?
I really enjoyed playing at BG Pathum Utd. Fantastic setup up and the pitch is brilliant. Port was great. Very close and tight, which made the atmosphere electric. Changrai Utd and Ratchaburi were also great. 

How do you enjoy living in Korat?
I really enjoy the city of Korat. You're not too far from everywhere, which helps. The people of Korat are great. There are plenty of things to see and do, which is always good. We are only three hours or so from Bangkok, which is good. There are lots of of things I enjoy here.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you - or a team mate- during your time in Thailand?
Many funny things have happened this season. We have a lot of funny players and staff at the club. 
My personal experience was celebrating Songkran with players and staff in Korat. That was very funny.

With thanks to Jordan and Charlie

Nakhon Ratchasima 4-0 Chonburi (28/4/19) - Match Report: 2019

TPL

Nakhon Ratchasima 4-0 Chonburi

80th Birthday Stadium

Attendance: 12,677

Sunday 28th April, 2019

Match Report

by Russ John

Chonburi, fresh from their amazing 7-5 victory last weekend, were the visitors this weekend.

The Sharks started confidently and could have gone ahead in the third minute when a low drive drifted wide. The Swatcats then slowly built momentum and after a rather sterile opening half hour, during which neither side created clear cut chances, Henry opened the scoring. A superb backheel flick found the Ivorian who stroked the ball confidently into the net.

The Swatcats consolidated their lead with a well-crafted goal in the 40th minute. Henri stepped over the ball from an Amadou pass to leave Assumpcao clear on the edge of the box and he thumped home to put the Swatcats two up.

Lukian had a great chance to pull one back when he shot narrowly wide in the 43rd minute and as the first half drew to a close, without doing anything special, the hosts found themselves two nil up at half time.

The second half commenced with the Swatcat defence sitting deep – a team trait that keeps resurfacing. The Sharks countered and began to throw men forward and one wondered if the hosts could exploit gaps inevitably left at the back.

The answer came in the 65th minute when Assumpcao ended a fine solo run with a low drive that was saved by the ex-Swatcat keeper Kampon. Minutes later the Brazilian stroked home to put the hosts three up.

In late drama Assumpcao raced onto a through ball from Amadou. His run was ended by a lunging tackle inside the box from Noppanon and a penalty was awarded. The unfortunate defender was red carded (for a second yellow I think) and Assumpcao converted the spot kick to complete his hat trick.

A decent performance and a great victory tonight. Henry, Amadou and Assumpcao prove yet again what a handful they can be and the Sharks defence just could not cope. A word here for unsung hero Kidsada Hamvipat. He tackled again and again to add some much needed bite in midfield – he’s a real warrior.

A great hat trick from Assumpcao but the Sharks fans really need to know why the Brazilian was left completely unmarked in the box for his first two goals – conceding 9 goals in two matches is worrying, even cataclysmic, for Chonburi and it could lead to potential disaster.

Onwards and upwards, Champions Buriram Utd next. This match should be used as a gauge as to how far we have progressed and could answer the question, “Can we hack it against the best?”

Suphanburi 0-1 Chonburi (28/4/13) - Match Report: 2013

TPL

Suphanburi 0-1 Chonburi

Suphanburi Municipal Stadium

Attendance: 16,212

Gate Receipts : B1,204,550

Merchandise : B824,220

Sunday 28th April, 2013

Match Report

PRE MATCH

Just under an hour to kick off. I'll be Tweeting live updates throughout the match.

FIRST HALF

Chonburi starting XI: Sinthaweechai, Jetsadakorn, Suttinun, Diakite, Nattapong, Noppanon, Kushida, Adul, Anucha, Pipob, Thiago

The teams are coming out. Chonburi are in all red and Suphanburi are in all black. I'm not really a fan of that white bit at the bottom of our away shirts. Is it really necessary?

It looks like a decent crowd. Slightly(!!) more than the 500 or so for the last Suphanburi v Chonburi match in the TPL. (September 19th, 2007)

I had a bit of a panic then. I couldn't find the bottle opener!! But it’s turned up now. So, the Changs are open and we're ready for the off.

Chonburi are lining up ready to start. The Suphanburi players are still (STILL!!) huddling. The referee doesn't seem to care. Ho hum.

The match kicks off.

We're playing in red today. So why is our keeper also wearing red? Well it's certainly a shade of red. I don't really think it should be allowed. Strange. Whatever happened to green jerseys for goalkeepers?

10mins: Suphanburi 0-0 Chonburi

15mins: Indirect free kick to Chonburi in the opposing penalty area, after the Suphanburi goalkeeper inexplicably picks up a back pass.

Goal! Oh, no. Wait. What a shocking decision!! Chonburi score but the referee makes us take the kick again because some of the defenders encroached. Scandalous!! We’re supposed to get the advantage. And, as if to try and justify himself, the official is now waving his yellow card in the general direction of the home team’s players. Oh, that makes it alright then. Berk.

We miss (of course) from the retake. Flippin' shocking decision. Disgraceful. Why wasn’t that one retaken? The defenders did exactly the same thing as they did the first time. Double berk.

20mins: I’m still fuming about the disallowed goal. One of the worst decisions I've seen in nearly 50 years of watching football. But now we've got a free kick about 25 yards out and a chance to take the lead.

Wasted.

25mins: Suphanburi 0-0 Chonburi

30mins: Still 0-0. Our passing has been woeful again. What do they do in training all week?

They've just shown another replay of the "goal". This referee should be ashamed of himself.

39mins: Natthapong scores. It’s a screamer from 25 yards out. I've just scared the cats by jumping up off the sofa.

Disallow that one, you twit!

Into two minutes of time added on at the end of the 1st half.

Half Time: The Referee 0-1 Chonburi

Not a great first half performance by any means, but we're one up and have shown a lot of character after having a perfectly good goal disallowed. Let's hope we can keep it up in the second period.

HALF TIME

A summary of the disallowed goal:

We had an indirect free kick on the six yard line. The referee blew his whistle and Pipob rolled the ball to Thiago, who scored. The referee disallowed it because the defenders had encroached on the kick. Absolutely rotten decision. And totally unacceptable All officials make mistakes - I can accept that - but this wasn't a mistake. He shouldn't be allowed to referee again this season. He blew for the infringement after the ball is in the net. An absolute disgrace. Wait until you see the incident. It's unbelievable.

Anyway, upwards and onwards.

SECOND HALF

The players are back out for 2nd half. Once again Chonburi are ready to start and Suphanburi are still huddling.

I'm not sure but I think I saw the referee join in with their huddle ;-)

They've just shown the replay of the "goal" again about ten times and there is at least a two second delay before he blows the whistle to disallow the goal after we score. Our players are already celebrating. The goal should stand. It's as simple as that. He’s messed up.

55mins: Suphanburi 0-1 Chonburi

We used to be such a good passing team. What's happened? We’re relying too much on the (unsuccessful) long ball tactics these days. It's simply not good enough. It's like watching a school team at times. The kind that has a quickish lad up front and the teacher tells all his players to boot it upfield for him to chase at every opportunity.

Sorry for moaning so much. At least we're winning :-)

Prat Samakrat comes on as a substitute for Suphanburi. Therefore, the referee is now no longer the only pratt on the pitch. B'dum. Tsschh!

At this point Danny Baker Tweeted : Look at Reading. Can footballers stop doing that stupid team huddle before games. What's it for? Newcastle did one before yesterdays match! I replied : You should try watching Thai football, Danny. They go into huddle overdrive here!

64mins: Pipob OFF. Samuel ON. Good move. I still don't understand why Sammy isn't starting games. I wonder if that'll change when we play his old team on Sunday?

72mins: A good save by Sinthaweechai to deny Suphanburi an equaliser. He had to dive low to his left to tip a long range shot onto the post. Corner to Suphanburi.

I can still see Suphanburi scoring in this game. The equaliser to come from a late penalty perhaps? Nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Say no more.

74mins: Thiago has a great chance to put us 2-0 up. But he shoots tamely at the keeper when he really should have scored. A real waste.

77mins: Noppanon shoots into the side netting from a difficult angle  after a good run. Unlucky.

78mins: Chonlatit ON. Noppanon OFF. It looks like we're settling for what we already have. Fair enough.

80mins: Suphanburi 0-1 Chonburi

84mins: Still 1-0 up. Therdsak is warming up.

86mins: Therdsak ON. Jetsadakorn OFF

89mins: We're defending a free kick in a dangerous area near the end of the match and Thiago goes off on a stretcher, after lying down with an “injury”. He can be annoying at times. And frustrating at others. There’s clearly nothing wrong with him and he’s left us a man short at the back when we need as many bodies in the box as possible. What is he hoping to achieve?

Thankfully, Suphanburi make a mess of the free kick. Thiago runs straight back. It's a bloomin' miracle!

Into 5 minutes of injury time. FIVE MINUTES!? Where has that come from?

Another good save by Sinthaweechai. Similar to the previous one and again the result is a corner for Suphanburi.

The corner comes to nothing. Phew!

93mins: Thiago with another great chace to wrap it up on the breakaway. However, he blazes over the bar. Maybe if he concentrated more on his football than his histrionics, he'd be the player he thinks he is and we know he could be. Someone needs to have a word with him. Any takers?

We’re in the 96th minute and Chonburi have a corner. Surely that's it?

IT IS!!

Full Time: Suphanburi 0-1 Chonburi (Natthapong Samana)

Again, not a great performance but we defended resolutely and deserved to win. My Man of the Match is Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool. He made a couple of great saves and looked steady and commanding as we faced a second half onslaught. His best game in ages.

Final note. The crowd tonight was 16,212. The last time I was there for a Suphanburi v Chonburi TPL match (in September, 2007) the crowd was about 500!

Chonburi 3-1 Nakhon Ratchasima (29/9/18) - Match Report: 2018

TPL

Chonburi 3-1 Nakhon Ratchasima

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 3,769

Saturday 29th September, 2018

Match report

by Russ John

As the game commenced, the Swatcats had an early let off when they carelessly gave the ball away in midfield and only a great save from Cunningham avoided a disastrous opening. In the 5thminute, we saw the other side of keeper Cunningham when he mis controlled a back pass and presented Kroekrit with the ball. Kroekrit accepted the gift and tapped in to give the Sharks an early lead.

 

The visitors persevered in midfield but the inability to convert possession into chances was, as usual, evident. Assumpcao had a free kick blocked in what was one of few chances managed in the opening exchanges.

 

As Chonburi began to dominate, Ciro almost made the most of poor Swatcat defending when he nipped in and drew a near post save from Cunningham. Minutes later, more woeful defending presented an unmarked Worachit with a tap in on 32 minutes to put the Sharks two up.

 

On 38 minutes, Assumpcao gave the Swatcats a glimmer of hope when he beat two defenders on the edge of the box and fired in from 12 yards - a fine solo goal.

In the dying seconds of the first half, VAR drama, as the official checked whether Cunningham had brought down a Chonburi striker. He quickly decided that there was no offence committed.

 

The second half was largely played in farcical conditions as the heavens opened to produce a deluge that I have rarely experienced at a Thai football match. Constructive football was a nonstarter, although by then, Chonburi had already sealed a victory. The only highlights of note - barely visible through the stair rods of falling rain, were a Nebihi dazzling solo run through the defence ending in a tame shot and the Shark’s third goal, a weak shot from Kroekrit that literally crawled across the waterlogged pitch into the net to evade a stranded Cunningham.

 

Another insipid display, rather typical of the Swatcats’ recent performances. Little up front and tonight fragile at the back. The second half maelstrom had negligible effect on the result although it did reduce the match to farce. Sheltering under the stand with fellow boisterous Swatcat followers during the storm did nothing to reduce the malaise of tonight’s spectacle. How I yearned for the comfort and cover of my usual seat in the main stand at the 80th Anniversary Stadium!!

 

 

Match report

by Peter Reeves

You've got to laugh haven't you. That or just weep. You sit down to watch a game of football and then... Monty Python couldn't have written this stuff.

 

Chonburi started positively. Testing the Korat keeper a couple of times from distance. Did they know something?

 

On 5 minutes, Korat's left back, caught in six minds near his own goal, decided on a back pass. A pass that went straight across the box, not to the keeper, but a few metres in front of him. Did the keeper, put in a bit of trouble, come out and belt it down field? Oh no... This one tries to dribble round the approaching Kroekrit, loses it, sits on his backside and watches as it’s 1-0. Oh dear, oh dear.

 

On 12 minutes, the ref decided to show his incompetence as Korat attacked. A ball through into the Sharks’ box, two players offside, but he gave a free kick to the attacking side on the edge of the box because someone breathed on a forward. Nothing transpired.

 

On 19, we had seen the start of the Oscar winning performances and Swatcat's number 5 got himself well positioned to win the 'Neymar' award, with a theatrical dive over his own leg. He was later outdone.

 

Half an hour gone and it was about even, but you could sense Korat were an accident waiting to happen. Another piece of defensive chaos presented a tap in for Worachit from one metre for 2-0.

 

Eight minutes later, Leandro attacks the home penalty area from a central position and tries a one two. He gets the return and buries it quite well. Only trouble was, one of his team mates was 3 yards offside, as he played it in for the first pass. Oh, never mind, our ref doesn't bother with irrelevant things like that.

 

Half time. It had been poor, though at times amusing. Neither team able to hold the ball, keep a shape or do anything really. And we’d had the spectacle of seeing Worachit throwing up, though why he needed a stretcher, I don't know,

 

The game, as a football match, was effectively over as the heavens opened as the second half got underway. It was so bad that you could hardly see the ball, as the screen turned grey.

 

Water ballet commenced as the pitch flooded. There were some highlights.  A Kroekrit soft effort hit the post and the Korat keeper heading it into his own net for 3-1 was quite comical  and our Brazilian hero, Ciro, decided to come back on after being substituted. Then, when quite rightly asked to leave the field, he had a right hissy fit. He screamed and screamed until he was sick! Off he went.

 

With the ninety minutes almost up, there was still time for a Swatcat player to win the 'Neymar' with his audition for Swan Lake down by the goal line. He was booked. Even this ref saw through that one.

The question is, why wasn't the match abandoned when it became clear that play was impossible? I suppose someone was using the brain cell somewhere else.

 

Chonburi, safe now, but in the first half, not very convincing. The team isn't set up properly to play five passes at the back and then hump it forward.

 

Korat? Is this the club of Tuck, Sartoshi, Lindemann and Chivuta? Please don't anyone tell me they've got better. Billy Bunter on the touch line has had a long time to sort out the defence. Nothing. He'd be better off going back to working with Stan Laurel.

 

So Sharks fans breathe a bit easier and look forward to next season. Maybe a proper coach and 8 new players coming in will make a difference. It might be harder next year, with a lot of the really bad teams gone. Time for some good management decisions...for a change!

Chonburi 1-1 Nakhon Ratchasima (20/7/16) - Match Report: 2016

TPL

Chonburi 1-1 Nakhon Ratchasima

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 4,507

Wednesday 20th July, 2016

Match report

by Peter Reeves

I was quite looking forward to watching tonight’s match. As always waiting to see which Chonburi would turn up but also to see the ‘new’, allegedly, Swatcat. Living so close to the stadium I had seen them many times until the club’s self-centred attempt at reducing the population of Korat by allowing 34,000 into a stadium that holds 24,000 against Buriram last season. Only been back twice since then, once to meet up with the webmaster, his wife and Russ and then sit with the Chonburi fans earlier this season and again to meet up with Sven against Chiang Rai, a 1-4 defeat when I left at half time . Would we get a good open game tonight?

 

Ratchasima started tough. Pressing all over the pitch, some rather crude challenges, something ‘new’ if you like for them. They were quite clearly here to get something out of it. Nothing wrong with that. I wondered how long it would be before we saw the first ‘Dying Swan’ act. Didn’t take long. 5 minutes on the clock and Leandro clashed for a 50/50 and down he went clutching his right leg with more animation than Demba Ba in China this week, who had his left leg broken in half. Four replays showed no contact with his right leg at all. Cheat. Play acting. Disgusting. Needless to say despite his Oscar winning performance he was up running around again less than a minute later.

 

The effort level from both teams was high if the quality not so good. An example came in the 8th minute as Prince was played in down the right and humped the ball behind the goal rather than into the box. Poor technique.

 

A few minutes later a break down the left and this time a decent cross into an empty penalty area. Swatcat keeper dived out to his penalty spot to take the low ball. Where was Rodrigo? Isn’t his job to be in there on the end of that? It’s called formation if they don’t know, and clearly they don’t. Ratchasima were really being very physical. Nothing wrong with that.

 

20 minutes gone. Chonburi just on top, but looking so vulnerable behind. Dos Santos missing from defence and Kroekrit (wherever he plays-difficult to know sometimes) suspended. Dos Santos was certainly missed in there, but as you don’t see much of the other one in a team situation it made no difference he wasn’t around. But it is so obvious to me as it must be to others, that there is still no organization to this team and no one seems to know what they are supposed to be doing and what their job is. Defenders are supposed to defend. Midfield are supposed to be the link between attack and defence and be the creative engine room. They are supposed to try and cut off threats by the opposition as they come forward. Given that why did Rodrigo run 30 yards back towards his own goal to catch a player on the halfway line, when a midfield player should be dealing with him? When he arrived he just pushed him in the back and gave away a free kick. Well done.

 

It is clear there are too many players playing for themselves. It’s the same most weeks. An example, Leandro broke down the left, cut inside, but instead of having a quick look for options, and noticing he had two players free to the right, attempted an effort that almost rolled along the floor for the keeper to pick up. Bit lacking in the old ‘team ethos’ department I suspect. Mind you he was still in pole position for the evening’s ‘Oscar’.

 

On 23 a penalty shout for the Sharks. Would have been a little harsh, but with the referees here you never know.  Then a let-off for the home team as a Swatcat player whose name began with ‘T’ (couldn’t read the rest?), on this performance another one recruited from giving kids rides on Blackpool beach, hit the post.

 

On 39, Chonlatit should have gone. A two-footed, off the ground, lunge, certainly a booking, but then when the foul was given rushed over and chest bumped the ref and put his face in to give some abuse to the official. Off you go, son, and grow up. Childish antics and a weak referee. No change there then.

 

Just before half time a flurry of activity, as a good shot struck the post from Chonburi and a clear chance showed us why Adiyah was probably recruited from the same beach as his ‘strike’ partner. At half time I tried to think what the match reminded me of and then I remembered. It looked like one of those original football computer games where players were just rushing in all directions and you had no control over them. Swatcat had changed as a team. They had lost their first big asset from last season in that the strike force had lost its potential with Lindemann playing out of his best position and Lee Tuck replaced by I don’t know what, and their second, any creative composure they had last year in midfield, who could actually calm things down a bit and play some football, was sitting on the bench. But then he doesn’t run around at 100 mph aimlessly so maybe that doesn’t fit the ‘new’ style Swatcat! The defence did look a little better but as they didn’t have one last year that wasn’t hard. Two teams of headless chickens charging around. The one bit of quality, Adul. But he was limited in that he didn’t have much to play with.

 

Chonburi had shaded the first half and were certainly the better of the two teams in the second, as Swatcat began to run out of steam. The old Swatcat defence turned up for the second half as a harmless cross from the left into the box was not taken by the keeper, nor headed clear by a defence that just stood and watched as the ball landed on Prince’s head two yards out. Couldn’t really miss. Great defending. A justified lead for Chonburi and now they should go on and finish it. But no. They returned the favour a few minutes later as a harmless ball over the top found a Swatcat player bearing down on goal with three, yes three, defenders around him and close, and a keeper in front of him, yet still he managed to poke it in.

 

At that moment I stood up, knocked over my half time cuppa and screamed at the TV. I can’t repeat here the comments I made to the defenders. I will have to apologise to the neighbours this morning. This is not even schoolboy defending. Not even a challenge from any of them. Not even an attempt at a challenge. Just let him through and said ‘after you’. Useless. Worse than useless! Professional footballers my backside. Dos Santos would have taken him out and deposited him and the ball somewhere near the corner flag. Legally of course. Gutless defending by gutless players. You’ve gathered I was slightly angry. Still am when I think about it.

 

On we went, Chonburi still having the most of the possession but as usual doing little with it. Rodrigo had a headed chance on the right but instead of heading it down as you are taught to do he lobbed into the keeper’s hands, a couple more crosses into the box, more weak headers. The keeper spilled one and as the ball came out to the edge of the box, humped over the bar. Rodrigo cut in from the right wing, God knows why he’s out there, and his shot rolled towards the keeper. They didn’t look like they would get another. So it ends 1-1. Chonburi should have won on possession and chances but if you have a bunch of ballerinas in defence, potentially one of your best players who is a cheat, ill-disciplined players who push referees around, a lack of formation and shape and no real creativity and an incompetent strike force then you won’t. What will Therdsak do? Nothing. No change there either. Leandro though won the Oscar.

 

At the end we had seen a mid-table team going nowhere and a team still in relegation trouble- no matter what they might think. Lots of running around but no formation, no shape, no plan and apart from Adul, who was good tonight, no quality. But isn’t that the same most weeks? There are many reasons why attendances are poor. For both teams. This is just one of them.

Chonburi 1-1 Army Utd (27/4/16) - Photos

 TPL

Chonburi 1-1 Army Utd

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 3,837

Wednesday 27th April, 2016

Chonburi 1-1 Army Utd (27/4/16) - Match Report: 2016

TPL

Chonburi 1-1 Army Utd

Chonburi Stadium

Attendance: 3,837

Wednesday 27th April, 2016

Match report

by Peter Reeves

Matchday evening.

I’ve always liked midweek matches under the lights. Always something very atmospheric about them so tonight I am looking forward to it. 6pm kick off so make sure all my ‘chores’ are done by 5, then I can have a shower and settle down with a glass of red for an evening’s football. It has to be better than last Sunday in Korat I convince myself. 4.30pm the other half announces she needs to go the market. “Take the car” I tell her. “I’m not driving there, too dangerous” she replies. I ask why I put her through her driving test. “I drive to 7-11” she replies. You can bloody walk there from here. It’s not even off the estate we live on.

 

Off we go and dark clouds are looming. “Storm” I ask, “Don’t think so” she answers as we arrive at the market. In she goes and I sit in the car watching it all get very gloomy. Few spots, actually very large spots, of rain and then a bang and a big flash. No storm eh I ask myself. Back she comes, running, having bought nothing because the thunder and lightning scared the hell out of her. Home we go. It is now raining very heavily and the wind is getting up. By the time we get home it is pouring down. And day has turned into night. “Good” I tell her “there are a lot of people that need this.” What is not so good is that I have to now go to 7-11 because there is something she needs she didn’t get at the market. Big puddles on the roads already, it is lashing it down and I am soaked. Again. Get to 7-11, shut! “Sod it, I’m going to have a coffee at Amazon”. Shut! 

Hang on has the world ended and no one told me? I suddenly realize nothing is open. Everything in darkness. Power cut. Home I go. House and the street in darkness. Another soaking getting the car up the drive and locking the gates. Dog looks at me and seems to say “I am not going out in this!” Don’t worry mate, you’re not. Out come the candles.

Now 5.30, better get ready for the match, and the penny drops. Why am I sitting in the dark? No electricity. What needs electricity? Internet and TV. Oh bloody hell! No match tonight unless they get it fixed. We hear that at least four trees have been torn down in different parts of the city which in turn have brought down power lines. They are trying to fix them. It’s going to take a while. It is 10 to 6. The Thai guys here are really very good. They work through the storm attempting to fix it. Not like the UK, or the south of it anyway, where they would all go home and have tea until it stops raining and then make an attempt. On double time no doubt!

 

I set up alerts on my phone so I can at least keep track of the score from Chonburi. Should be a straightforward home win and a chance to play well against a struggling team. Sitting with my glass of red I decide I am not going to miss my anticipated evening’s football entertainment and switch on the Ajax channel on my phone to watch the highlights of the ‘ruud et vit’  walloping PSV in Eindhoven a few weeks ago.  It is now really coming down hard as I sit on the verandah outside and the garden is flooded as is the road outside. Flashes and bangs everywhere. It is biblical. I love it, apart from the fact I am missing ‘live’ football. My other half is hiding in the bedroom. Are all Thai ladies scared of storms or just mine? The rice farmers are happy. Good luck to them.

 

It’s been a disappointing evening so far but it will get better. Maybe they’ll fix it in time for the second half. My disappointment is compounded. My phone is flashing, battery low! “Oh bloody hell, what else can go wrong?” Ok only one way to charge the phone. Sit in the car. Another soaking getting there. At least the rain is warm. Something I still cannot get used to. Get in, turn on the engine, and the aircon-blessed relief- and phone is charging. Phone beeps. Alert! Sharks have scored I think. About time. Errr no! Chonburi 0 Army 1! What on earth are they doing? Half time still 0-1. Surely they will beat this lot.

 

Still charging the phone a warning light flashes on the dashboard. Petrol low. I take on Victor Meldrew pose. “I do not believe it!” 48% on the phone, that’s enough, turn off the engine and get another soaking getting back to the house whilst avoiding a frog in the driveway the size of a small pick up truck. I am certain it growled at me. Quick look around the grounds, Buriram losing at home 0-2. Has Newin or his wife or both suffered internal human combustion? Twitter message from Tommie, Port not doing so well and he’s about to assassinate the coach. I am missing my live football tempered only by Davy Klaassen cracking one in from 20 yards that bent three metres through the air and sent the PSV goalkeeper into a rubber band impersonation trying to keep it out. He shouldn’t have bothered. When Klaassen hits them they stay hit!

 

Rain stopped, but no electric (or aircon) yet. Alert! 1-1. That’s better. They can go on and win now. But no. 1-1 finish. Must be very  disappointed with that. Buriram 0-3. Newin has definitely combusted now. Perhaps it was the team that disappeared on their recent trip. Maybe they are not so good as they like to think they are.

8.30, on it comes. Three cheers for the Thai electricians. Determined to see a bit of live action I turn on to watch Noah for Swatcat at Sisaket just in time to see another defensive shambles, gift Sisaket a goal straight from a corner. Some things never change. Some things never will.

 

I go out on the drive to sweep the water away onto the road and am confronted by the frog version of King Kong. My rather large dog comes to investigate and doesn’t fancy it either and goes back to the verandah. I retreat with him. Sometimes you have to know when you are beaten. It’s been an interesting night if a little disappointing.

 

So that was my matchday evening, Hope yours was better. (It wasn't - ed).

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