Dateline 25^th November 2015

Buriram United 4 NRFC 0

In a great stadium, with a great atmosphere – just as football everywhere should be, the two best supported teams in Thailand entered the arena to a slightly disappointing turnout – the stadium seemed about two thirds full - maybe 18-20 thousand – lowered perhaps due to  the midweek kick off and the fact that it was Loy Krathong day.

A large, colourful and vocal following urged on the team from Korat, amassed in one corner, a sliver of orange in a sea of deep blue at the aptly named Thunder Castle.

With both teams vying for bragging rights in the rural Issaan derby, the high flying and highly talented Buriram outfit went immediately on the offensive with NRFC failing to make any great headway. The early Buriram surge continued with NRFC not showing much ambition early on and content to soak up the pressure

Almost constant pressure led to a 12^th minute strike to give the home side the lead. NRFC eventually settled and started putting some pressure on the home team’s defence.

In a first half dominated by Buriram the men from Korat were fortunate to be only one down.

The second half was still young when Buriram raced into a 2-0 lead with a smart header. The home side continued to press and created a couple of good chances culminating in a solo effort from Diogo to make it three. NRFC continued to labour but a snap shot that hit the post raised the spirits a little.

A fourth from Diogo sealed a fine win, with the last 10 minutes resulting in shooting practice for the future Champs!!

In conclusion the Swatcats were simply outclassed. Buriram looked the better side – they were simply tactically and technically superior. They are the team by whom to judge yourself by if you have any ambition. NRFC certainly were no match for them tonight

I was impressed with Buriram. They looked a complete, confident and well coached outfit with good shape that they were able to maintain. NRFC in contrast seemed unable to match the home side in any way.

 I see little chance of current TPL teams being able to challenge the men in blue in the seasons to come.