Dateline 9^th December 2015

NRFC 1 Si Saket 0.

A sparse crowd (maybe 11-12 000 fans present, including pretty strong support from Si Saket) witnessed the latest Isaan derby.

The Koupreys arrived to graze on the lush 80^th Anniversary turf and in a rather lacklustre first half had arguably slightly the better of the first half, breaking dangerously at times. The home team was rather limp in attack and one was again forced to ask “Where are the goals coming from?”

 A sharp header in the 10^th minute drew a fine save from the Si Saket keeper but this chance and a rasping shot from Lindemann apart, the Swatcats created few clear cut chances.

 The first session drew to a close in this typical end of season “nothing to play for” encounter with neither side able to break the deadlock.

The second half saw the introduction of Adido. He added some vitality to the Swatcats attack and at risk of repeating myself, we must give Adido a prolonged run next season – he is undoubtedly talented and has pace but with him being in and out of the team he has failed to make a marked impression. Memo to Coach Kambe!! “Adido must be the first name on the team sheet next season!!”

With Noah Chivuta marshalling the middle of the park with strong support from Lindemann, the home team created a couple of half chances and began to exert some pressure. This pressure culminated in a well taken Adido header, celebrated in fine style by the Ghanaian.

In conclusion, not a pulsating match but 3 points gained that have cemented the Swatcat’s fine 8th place in the Premiership. Again, as in previous matches, the team found goals hard to come by, but full marks to the defence who seem to have upped their game somewhat – they have certainly plugged some of the early season gaps.