Chonburi 2 Muangthong United 2 - report

Apologies for not reporting on the big game earlier. Actually perhaps I should say "Super Big Match" as it was billed by the Thai media, who have a knack of creating such lovable yet cringe-makingly naive tags. The Man U Vs Liverpool game is billed in True Visions Magazine as the "Mega Red War" for another example.

Chonburi predictably gave us a tough test and came out of the traps fast but on both occasions when they took the lead, that “winning mentality” was enough to pull us back into the game, courtesy of a close range slot in by Adnan and yet another Teerasil moment.

The perfomances of the last two games are actually less important than the results. Both Buriram and Chonburi honorably stated before their respective clashes with us that they were going for a win. They each desperately needed it not only for the points but the change in psyche it could bring about. Neither side got it.

If Chonburi and Buriram battle to a draw in their upcoming fixture - as we must hope - then we surely have one hand on the TPL title.

MOTM: Piyapol Buntao remained active down the right side throughout and caused more than a couple of headaches for The Sharks.

PS Credit to Ben for pointing out the time-wasting they Chonburi seem to employ so often.

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Muang Thong beat Port to go second

From the BP and the man, the legend, Tor:

At PAT stadium, Muang Thong were dominant throughout.

www.bangkokpost.com

Piyaphon Buntao scored two goals in less than two minutes in the second half, while striker Christian Kouakou erased any doubt with a left-footed shot in the 89th minute.

The showdown got off to a wet start in this raucous affair, and yellow cards and uneven play were the order in the first half as both sides returned from a long mid-season lay-off.

The Kirins started to enjoy more possession near the end of the first half after Port were reduded to 10 men after 38 minutes.

Siwakorn Jaksuprasart was dismissed after a second bookable offence when he tripped Jakkraphan Pornsai.

Piyaphon broke through in the 52nd minute with a low drive past third-string goalkeeper Wanlop sae Jiew.

Barely a minute later, the two-time defending champions broke down the left side and rocketed a shot off the keeper, and Piyaphon was able to head the ricochet past the fallen keeper for a 2-0 advantage.

The Kirins kept the pressure on and five minutes later Jakkraphan made a mazy run dribbling past several defenders to reach the box before blasting over the bar.

A minute later Christian laid off what seemed to be an easy hat-trick for Piyaphon but he fired wide.

Former England and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler entered the match after 61 minutes to much applause, but was unable to ripple the cords before Christian's 20-yard effort just before the final whistle.

The new players

Two new signings to report:

Panuporn Wongsa (image): Defender from PEA, twnety six years of age. Surely a partner rather than a replacement for Jetsada. Could Nawapol be facing competition for his place?

 Piyapol Bantao:  A midfielder signed from Chonburi who previously played for Pattaya. Appears to have been a fringe player for The Sharks. Has Procurer seen something in him?