Friday 23 December 2016

Dateline 23rd Dec 2016

Friendly FT NRFC 0 Buriram United 2

 In front of around 3-4000 fans, a toothless display from the home side resulted in a victory for a polished Buriram outfit. The Swatcats were unable to produce any meaningful chances and Buriram punished some poor defending to run out comfortable winners.

Noah Chivuta and Bjorn Lindemann were brought on at half time and both did indeed inject some much needed quality but were unable to influence the final result.


 Although only a friendly and against a top opponent, I feel that, on this performance, goals may be hard to come by in the coming campaign. Based on this match, Lindemann will be missed and we can only hope that a replacement of real quality is being investigated.

Monday 17 October 2016

The Latest Drama – my take.

First I would wish to offer my sincere condolences to the Thai people following the King’s death.

However…. this drama should not be able to hide itself under the shield of grief that is currently present in Thai society. This drama has been brought about by the usual blatant ineptitude of the FAT – if there is a wrong decision to be made, it would seem that the men in charge are the first in queue to make it.

We now have the ridiculous situation where it is OK to ogle girls (boys) in scanty attire and feathers at Alcazar and their like but not OK to watch the premier football league season draw to a conclusion.

The FAT jumped the gun – no other way to describe it. By making the rash and early decision to cancel the season they gave the nod to individual clubs to say “Ok the season is over that’s fine by me” – 4 clubs followed this lead – one of whom stood to retain premier league status by accepting the cancellation.

The FAT decision has once again led the TPL into a period of uncertainty and unending court action. I personally am growing tired of the off pitch dramas – I am a simple FOOTBALL fan. These dramas erode the confidence of ordinary fans in the league leadership.

Chainat and Army have been robbed of the chance to retain Premier League status by playing FOOTBALL and I feel for them. If I were a Chainat or Army fan, I would now be considering whether to support this league in the future – more much needed fans lost, maybe forever.

In my professional life I was taught to communicate, negotiate and consult before any decision was made. Had the FAT followed these innate professional procedures, this whole drama would not have unfolded.

What the FAT should have done:

Step 1 – check what the situation was regarding the parameters of the entertainment ban before cancelling the season.
Step 2 - Consult with the clubs.
Step 3 - Negotiate the ways in which Thai football could pay its respect to the Nation’s loss
Step 4 - Consider all the football implications of any decisions made.
Step 5 - Make the decision.

In my opinion, taking FOOTBALLING angles and the need to show respect, the following decision should have been taken.
The season should be allowed to conclude. The matches to be played behind closed doors (with the usual full live TV coverage available). 1 or 2 minutes silence pre-match, black armbands of course and teams to wear plain (no adverts or logos) black and white strips. This I feel would have shown full respect and would have received a positive response from the Thai people.


This drama was self inflicted and avoidable and to be honest my only thought now is “How long until the next disaster befalls Thai football… I don’t think we will be waiting long.

Monday 26 September 2016

Dateline 25th September 2016

 Pattaya United 4 NRFC 1

The Swatcats rolled into “sin city” searching for points to help achieve a top ten finish and possibly place one of the final nails in the coffin in the Blue Dolphins’ fight for premier league survival.

 The visitors began with a bang with a goal from Pratan in the 3rd minute – a fine, powerful header from a well flighted corner.
The blue dolphins fought back with a series of raids forward, looking effective and particularly dangerous. With the Swatcat defence conceding a series of free kicks, one sensed that this could still be a long night for the men from Korat.

In the 10th minute an angled shot from Pattaya struck the post and minutes later a lob went inches over the visitor’s crossbar.
In the 16th minute a free kick was awarded just outside the box and the kick was expertly converted to equalize the score. The home team continued to probe and looked a decent team going forward. The Swatcats looked jaded and seemed to have no answers as Pattaya pressed.

Pattaya went ahead when a disputed penalty was awarded and converted in the 31st minute - a lead they probably deserved. In the aftermath Lindemann was lucky to stay on the pitch following a head butt on an opponent. Minutes later a rare chance for the Swatcats as a half volley was well saved and from the resulting corner Tagbajumi headed wide.

After conceding yet another free kick, a whipped in cross was headed into the net to give the Blue Dolphins a 3-1 lead as the first half came to a close. In added time Chanatphol was dismissed for a dangerous tackle. All in all a bit of a horror show from the visitors so far.

With the match all but a dead rubber, the Swatcats failed to make the home team feel under any real pressure as the home team searched for a fourth goal and in the 60th minute Pinto, completely unmarked inside the 6 yard box, headed in to complete his hat-trick.

A now demoralized Swatcat team played out the final 30 minutes hoping not to concede again and presumably left to wonder “what went wrong tonight?”


Not too many positives to be taken from this encounter. A stuttering performance with no real cohesion between defence, midfield and attack.  Few real chances were made and the defence looked very shaky throughout. The team was well beaten by a side tipped for relegation by many and the result was a bit of a shock to the many fans that made the long journey to watch the match – in short a reality check for the Swatcat team.

Saturday 17 September 2016

Dateline 17th September 2016

 NRFC 2 Buriram United 0

The “Big Dawgs” of Isaan clashed tonight seeking the temporary bragging rights of the region.

In front of a feisty crowd of 22 000 fans (nice to see the stadium almost full to capacity), the Swatcats went immediately on the attack with Bjorn Lindemann hitting the woodwork with a thumping header from a well flighted corner in the first minute. Tunez then went close with a close range flick as the match immediately burst into life.

In the 6th minute a quick counter attack ended when Lindemann drew a fine save from the visitor’s keeper – can this tempo last for the remaining 84 minutes!!

The game settled into a midfield battle with both sides jostling for dominance with Buriram looking more polished but being more than matched for endeavour by the home team. Diogo in particular looked real class.

On 21 minutes a free kick on the flank from Lindemann again brought the opposition keeper into action – Bjorn really is on fire at the moment!!! Minutes later Chanatphon went close with a 20 yard free kick.
After a quickly taken free kick, a cross was launched into the box and found Tagbajumi who bravely headed into the net to give the Swatcats a 30th minute lead.
Buriram then began to exert pressure with a couple of half chances created and in the 44th minute, in a somewhat harsh decision, a penalty was awarded for a challenge inside the box. The penalty taker spurned the chance to level the game, sending the kick narrowly wide.

As the half drew to a close, on chances alone, the home team was in charge but with Buriram’s pedigree and experience, they were still in the game.

The second half began with the home team probing and Buriram looking largely flat going forward. In the 59th minute the visitors went close with a close range shot going wide. They continued to press and Diogo was unlucky when his shot was deflected wide in the 66th minute. The home team countered and a Lindemann break led to a dangerous cross which was almost converted into a second goal as Chakrit flicked it over the bar.
In a further break by Tagbajumi in the 78th minute, continued with a superb ball into the box from Lindemann, May T failed to convert what would have been a killer goal. The home team continued to flow forward confidently putting the Buriram rearguard under pressure but Buriram broke and hit the right upright with a diving header in the 82nd minute – a close shave for the men in orange!

In a frenetic and emotional finale to the match, Buriram again hit the post but the home team immediately countered and Lindemann provided the “icing on the cake” with a superb solo effort to put the Swatcats two up.

A great contest and a most satisfying result for the men from Korat. The team is continuing to put in decent performances. I have said it before but it bears repeating, the team is playing better under Joksic than they were at any point last season – and we finished 8th.

In terms of TPL dynamics, Buriram are certainly not the force they were and NRFC seem to be in the ascendancy. Tonight the Swatcats proved again that they can compete at the highest level… I think next season they may raise a few people’s eyebrows!!

Saturday 10 September 2016

Dateline 10th September 2016

 Suphanburi 3 NRFC 1

10th plays 11th as in form NRFC take on the underachieving War Elephants in this weekend’s fixture. Suphan finished an excellent 3rd in the TPL last year but this season they have struggled to string together a decent run of results.

The visitors opened confidently, dominating possession but the home team manufactured 2 decent chances on the break in the 15th and 16th minutes. In the 22nd minute Lindemann, on his old stamping ground, broke thought the Suphan defence and his low drive was well saved by the keeper.

In the 32nd minute after a fine break down the right flank Tagbajumi headed just wide and in a half of few real chances, a real opportunity to break the deadlock. Suphan then rallied and Chappuis went close from 10 yards on the cusp of half time.

A competent and well controlled first half performance with some decent build up play in midfield.

The second half began with a bang with a Darko Tasevski shot that thundered off the angle of the upright and the crossbar – the goal frame may still be shuddering!!!

In the 54th minute Suphanburi went ahead with a well worked glancing header. The Swatcats then pressed forward searching for the elusive equalizer but with little effect - in fact Suphanburi looked the more dangerous of the two sides and in the 67th minute the home side went two up with an unchallenged tap in from a corner. Lindemann immediately countered with a fine drive but it now looked all over for the visitors.

In the 82nd minute after the ball was needlessly given away just outside the box the ball was slotted home to put the home side three up. Minutes later the Swatcats had a chance cleared off the line and from the resulting clearance, Pralong Sawandee clouted the ball into the net from 25 yards to give the score a more reasonable appearance.
In the 92nd minute the Swatcats were awarded a very dubious penalty decision. Lindemann drove the penalty way over the bar – perhaps justice was done!!!

The team looked and performed like a decent team tonight and the spirit seemed good despite recent rumours of player’s salaries not being paid. Chances however were as usual at a premium despite decent build up at times – we are by no means a free scoring side!!

Defensive lapses in the second half cost us the points but full marks to Suphanburi for a deserved home win.

Saturday 3 September 2016

The climax to the 2016 TPL season is upon us and a time to look forward – and back to the journey of the team during the year.

With 6 games to go, my feeling is that the team is 100% safe from relegation – relegation that until 2 months ago looked a distinct possibility. The season started badly, with unexpected home defeats, poor performances and dwindling attendances. The team was in crisis – the team lacked spirit and pundits in the know were suggesting that Sugao Kambe’s coaching methods were lacking. As a mere on looking fan, I sensed that the players were lacking motivation and had lost respect for the coach.

The matches and performances lacked any kind of entertainment merit and I was not surprised that the fans voted with their feet – a nearly empty stadium at some of those early home marches was most disconcerting – but at least it was easy to get out of the carpark after the matches!!

The inevitable happened and Kambe was replaced. Milos Joksic, who had brought Pattaya United up into the Premier League, was appointed. He set a target of “top 10” and we all (well I did) cried “No chance!!!”.

What a revelation. An immediate change and some encouraging but not spectacular results. I am no tactician and upon asking some expert friends they could not detect an appreciable change in tactics but there was nonetheless a change. Joksic dropped local hero Noah Chivuta from the starting lineup and Bjorn Lindemann seemed “bjorn again” playing out of his skin match after match. He also made changes at the back and started playing Tagbajumi and Adiyiah together up front.

The squad seemed rejuvenated and a real spirit emerged on the pitch. Results continued to yield points as the team eased away from the bottom three. As I write the team sits in 11th place on the same number of points as 10th place Suphanburi.

So with games against Suphanburi and Buriram United next to test the team’s mettle and then 4 comparatively easy games against teams in the bottom five to conclude the season, a top ten finish does seem, after all a possibility.

So what of the season - well considerable relief if we avoid the drop, pleasure at seeing the improvement in the latter half of the season and optimism for next season – I really do think that the team are playing better now than they did last season.


A topsi-turvy season for sure keeping us all on tenterhooks for large parts…but hopefully with a happy ending.

Sunday 21 August 2016

Dateline 20th August 2016

 NRFC 1 Bangkok United 1

NRFC faced a stern test of their credentials as they took on the high flying Bangkok United at the 80th Anniversary Stadium.

The home side started brightly with Tagbajumi shooting over in the 2nd minute then Adiyiah was on target after a fine run. Adiyiah then fired inches wide after a fine passing move.
Bangkok United attacked sporadically but their moves were looking somewhat sterile early on but the signs of class were becoming increasingly apparent as the match progressed – they have a talented squad.

In the 13th minute a fine break, with astute use of the long ball, Tagbajumi made the opposition keeper work with a low drive. The Angel’s goal now seemed under constant danger as Adiyiah again made the opposing keeper work to keep out a drive.

In a goalless first half, the Swatcats demonstrated that they can compete with the best that the TPL has to offer, in some ways they were unlucky not to be ahead.

The second half commenced with Bangkok on the attack but then a dangerous counter attack ended with Lindemann shooting over. With the home team exerting some fine pressure, Bangkok countered with Mario and Jaycee both going close.

In the 56th minute the deadlock was broken when Chakrit drove home from 10 yards, then in the 61st minute on the break, with 3 attackers faced by one defender, the Swatcats spurned a great chance to put the game to bed with a poor cross ending the move. Chakrit then went close with a fine low drive.
On 65 minutes Mario hit a far post shot that was smothered by the home keeper, Korat then defended as series of crosses with Bangkok looking increasingly dangerous.

The Swatcats then began to sit back - too deep in my opinion and allowed intense pressure from the title contenders. This was going to be a testing 20 plus minutes as the visitors swarmed forward hoping to keep their title hopes alive.
In the 76th minute Lindemann conceded a foul just outside the box and from the resulting free kick, Boscovic struck the bar with an excellent dipping drive - game on!! Minutes later a Jaycee header was cleared off the line with the Swatcat’s defence looking slightly panicky.

Prompong, on as a substitute, had a great chance to put the Swatcats two up in the 84th minute following a superb through ball from Chivuta, but Bangkok broke immediately and the inevitable happened as Jaycee cleverly back flicked the ball into the net to draw the Angels level.

A fantastic performance in which they matched the skill and endeavour of arguably the best team in the TPL. Great atmosphere at the 80th Anniversary stadium with a decent crowd (14-15 thousand would be my guess) and I feel renewed hope and enthusiasm for the team.
One only wonders what the result would have been had the home team not decided to play so deep in the last 20 minutes – inviting as they did, the visitors to exert massive pressure. No team can hope to hold out a team containing danger men Jaycee, Boscovic and Mario Gjurovski for that amount of time. One only hopes that lessons have been learnt. There is no doubt in my mind that 3 points were thrown away by this tactical error. “Game management” should be on the agenda at the next team meeting!!!

Were it not for the team’s appalling start they would be fighting for 5th or 6th place given their recent form under Joksic. The form table based on the last 6 results puts us fifth – what a remarkable turnaround.


Sunday 14 August 2016

Dateline 14th August 2016

 Chang Rai United 1 NRFC 2

 An in form NRFC took on the fancied Chang Rai tonight hoping to haul themselves further clear of the bottom three.

On a damp evening the visitors opened brightly with Tagbajumi, then Lindemann going close in the opening minutes. Chang Rai countered with a shot narrowly wide. The Swatcats were more than holding their own in the first 20 minutes, counter attacking effectively and keeping the home defence on its toes.

In the 21st minute, Tagbajumi was incorrectly adjudged to be offside as he chipped the ball into the net. Literally seconds later, he was again on the wrong end of an incorrect offside decision as his drive was saved by the keeper.

At this point, 25 minutes into the match, Chang Rai’s attacks were looking ponderous and on balance, the visitors were on top with Lindemann and Tagbajumi looking dangerous. The Swatcat’s attacks were getting more frequent with a Lindemann drive being deflected wide and an Adiyiah flick going close.
Chang Rai went close in the 37th minute with a 12 yard drive but this was an isolated real chance for the men in orange and black.

A very encouraging first half performance with the Swatcats producing most of the chances and dominating for long periods of play.

The second half kicked off with my thought that we have been in this situation a few times this season and have conceded second half goals – can we hold out?

Lindemann had a great chance to break the deadlock in the 50th minute as he broke through the defence but he stumbled and was unable to get his shot in. Chang Rai were then unlucky in the 56th minute when they had a flurry of shots with the final effort flying over the bar.
The home team was beginning to get a foothold in the game and they were now exerting a certain amount of pressure on the Swatcat’s defence.

In the 62nd minute Tagbajumi was released superbly by a through ball and he stroked the ball neatly into the net to give the visitors a deserved lead.
The home team equalized with a scrappy goal following a free kick in the 70th minute but seconds later, following the restart a long clearance found Tagbajumi who blasted the ball into the net to restore the lead.
In a period of frenetic action Lindemann went close as the visitors pressed, Chang Rai then struck the foot of the post as both teams battled for supremacy.
Tagbajumi was dismissed for a second yellow in the 75th minute as the action became more intense.

With both sides tiring in the heavy conditions the game became a slugging match with neither side willing to concede – becoming a real test of character for both sides.

A Chang Rai header from a corner went just over, then a looping shot went wide as the home team searched for an equalizer in the closing minutes. The Swatcats were now playing deep and inviting the Chang Rai attack to press forward – a mistake in my opinion – one that I hope is not punished!!

The Swatcats held on for a vital and famous victory to hoist themselves well clear of the relegation zone.
The team is playing well and producing some good football. Tonight was a real test of character and a tremendous 3 points. With Chainat, Army and Navy all losing this weekend and our last 4 games all winnable against fellow strugglers I now feel confident that relegation will be averted.

Well done to the team and in particular coach Joksic!!!

Sunday 7 August 2016

Dateline 7th August 2016

 NRFC 2 Navy FC 1

Navy provided the opposition at the 80th Anniversary Stadium in this “6 pointer” relegation battle. The future of either team in the TPL could be decided by this vital fixture.

In early exchanges Navy looked bright on the break but with Lindemann probing, the home team had more of the play.
In the 7th minute Tagbajumi struck the upright with a swiveling 15 yard shot as the home team pressed and minutes later after a superb run and cross from Lindeman, Adiyiah forced a fine save from the visitor’s keeper.
As the first half drew to a close Chanatphol went close with a curling shot from outside the box then seconds later the home team went close twice with the Navy defence in tatters with the keeper again doing well to keep out Lindemann’s drive.
In a final first half flurry Sawandee Pralong attempted a long range drive which went narrowly wide. At the other end Adiyiah was lucky to stay on the pitch after TV replays showed him striking a Navy player in the face. This incident could have been disastrous because had the official seen the offence, he would have been forced to award a penalty.

The Swatcats produced many chances in the first half with the midfield buzzing and producing some smooth and effective moves but the defence looked loose at times with Nagano missing, presumed injured. The home team’s approach play continued to impress but that final ball into the danger areas was proving hard to find as Navy packed their defence.

The second half began with the Swatcats again on the front foot with continuous pressure and in the 63rd minute a superb Chanatphol free kick was well saved by the keeper.

In the 59th minute a Navy defender wrestled Chanatphol to the ground and a penalty was awarded. Lindemann converted to give the Swatcats a deserved lead.
The Swatcat defence was coping well with occasional Navy breaks but in the 64th minute a snap shot from the visitors rattled the bar – a real wake up call for the home side. Navy now sniffing an unlikely point and now having to attack went close again in the 65th minute.

The men in orange regained their composure and Adiyiah went close, then in the 80th minute a sweet move involving Adiyiah and Tagbajumi ended with a goal from Chakrit, driven high into the net from 10 yards.
Navy ensured a tense last few minutes when they scored in the 82nd minute with a diving header but the Swatcats survived to earn themselves the three points despite losing Chalermpong after a red card for a hefty challenge on a breaking attacker.

Another very encouraging performance and a vital 3 points for the Swatcats – a special mention at this point for Pralong and Lindemann both of whose recent form has been outstanding.
 With this victory they have leapfrogged Army and Navy and now have Pattaya and Si Saket firmly in their sights. There is NO WAY that this team will be relegated given recent performances. Another encouraging sign is that the fans are drifting back – the attendance tonight looked to be around 8-9 thousand.

With some tough fixtures ahead but with confidence high the next month is going to be interesting. Chang Rai, Bangkok United, Suphanburi and Buriram fixtures loom. I can see no 3 pointers there but if the team can grab a couple of points, we should stay clear of the bottom 5.


This may be contentious I know but I would venture to say that the current performances are BETTER than in most of the games played last season. Our shape is generally better and we have made fuller use of players in the squad. Milos Joksic has got the players on his side and team spirit and confidence seem high. If (when) we survive this season, I think that we can be pretty optimistic about our chances next year – and maybe 20 000 plus attendances!!

Wednesday 3 August 2016

Chang FA Cup 3rd August

Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC 2 NRFC 1

The Swatcats failed to progress to the next round of the Chang FA Cup.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a decisive 16 yard drive from Chakrit. They then absorbed an inevitable and intense period of pressure from the Dragons.

Adiyiah went close with an angled drive in the 36th minute in a rare Swatcat first half foray as the Swatcats held on to their lead.

As the first half drew to a close, it’s hard to imagine that the Swatcats can hold out for a further 45 minutes of pressure but perhaps Ratchaburi may leave gaps at the back as they strive for an equalizer.

The second half began with Ratchaburi again on the front foot but with the Swatcats looking dangerous on rare breaks. Chakrit missed a chance after fine work from Adiyiah in the 62nd minute but the host’s pressure was relentless. The Swatcats defended stubbornly but surely a home goal must come. A host of chances were wasted as the Dragons pressed forward.

With the home side running out of ideas – and time, an equalizer was poked in off the post in the 77th minute. With both teams now seemingly content to play for extra time, the game drifted to finish 1-1 after 90 minutes.

My view is that, at this point, the only hope of victory for the Swatcats will be to hold out for penalties.
In the 2nd minute of extra time Ratchaburi were awarded a penalty which was converted to give the hosts the lead. In the 112th minute the Swatcats spurned a great chance to equalize as they themselves pressed to force the game into penalties. Minutes later Pratan was sent off for an ugly and brutal challenge from behind.

Lindemann went close in the 117th minute but time was running out as Ratchaburi held out for a hard fought win.


Fielding an under strength team tonight (no Lindemann, Pralong, Nagano or Tagbajumi in the starting lineup) this was a competent defensive performance against a determined Ratchaburi outfit. Given their pressure throughout the game a deserved victory for the home team despite a stubborn rear guard fight from the visitors.

Monday 1 August 2016

Dateline 30th July 2016

 Sukhothai FC 1 NRFC 0

The Swatcats took on the newly promoted Firebats at the Thung Thalay Luang Stadium tonight. On a rain drenched pitch in front of an enthusiastic home following, the Firebats pressed forward with some attractive passing movements with Baggio frequently prominent.

Early doors one imagined that the visitors would have a lot of defending to do tonight. The Swatcat’s offensive moves were sparse but in the 10th minute, a swiveling snap shot from 8 yards went just wide.
The Swatcats gradually dragged themselves into contention with another simple chance squandered by Tagbajumi and some useful and encouraging raids forward.

In the 30th minute after some schoolboy soccer antics by the visitor’s keeper, the ball was stroked into an empty net to give Sukhothai a lead they barely deserved. Minutes later an ugly challenge from a defender prevented Biremi from breaking. There then followed a disgraceful interlude with Biremi attacking the Swatcat player – other players inevitably piled in to give the officials a tough job to clear up – my view was that our man was lucky to be still on the pitch.
NRFC countered with Tagbajumi going close in the 40th minute and as the half drew to a close, my view was that The Swatcats were the better side and unlucky to be one down.

With the waterlogged pitch making it increasingly difficult for good, passing football to be played, the visitors opened the second half brightly and confidently with a deflected shot going wide. Tagbajumi then rose like a salmon in the spring to head just over from a well flighted corner.

Minutes later Prompong fluffed a header from 5 yards after a fine passing move. He claimed that a defender’s hand had deflected the ball and in a rather bizarre situation a Swatcat substitute was shown a red card after some “argy bargy” and I’m guessing abusive language, towards the assistant ref. The behaviour of some of the Swatcat players was not acceptable and in my mind pretty disgraceful – show some respect for the officials please boys!!

Back to the football and again the visitors showed the greater resolve going forward with a series of attacking moves. Sukhothai were looking pretty ordinary early in the half and their rare, lame attacks were dealt with effectively by the Swatcat defence.
In the 65th minute Tagbajumi again rose well but his header was inches over the bar. Minutes later a Lindemann free kick went wide. Lindemann again went close seconds later with a drive well saved after some fine work from Tagbajumi.

Biremi spurned a rare chance in the 80th minute as the Swatcats continued to press and in the 84th minute, a Lindemann free kick appeared to be carried over the goal line by the keeper – the officials thought otherwise and this phantom goal was disallowed!!
In a late, late show Baggio drew a fine save from the Swatcat keeper with a swerving drive as the game drew to a close

A slightly fortuitous victory for Sukhothai tonight. At risk of repeating myself, another decent performance from the Swatcats. This team should be higher up the table but with matches running out, relegation still threatens. I still cannot believe that NRFC will be relegated, but with Chainat’s victory tonight they are still “in the mix” for the dreaded trapdoor positions. Next weekend’s game against Navy will be a vital one to win.


Sunday 24 July 2016

Dateline 24th July 2016

 NRFC 1 Si Saket 1

Fellow Isaan side Si Saket were the visitors tonight. The Koupreys hoping to preserve their position of safety in mid table, the hosts hoping to pull away from the relegation trapdoor.

On a damp evening, the hosts began brightly with a Tagbajumi lob going close. A period of Swatcat pressure developed with 2 or 3 half chances created but Si Saket looked pacey and dangerous on the break at times.
16 minutes into the game and an Adiyiah header tested the visitor’s keeper, then an 18 yard drive went over the bar after some good work from Lindemann.

On 22 minutes the hosts spurned a great chance to go one up when a close range chance was poked just wide. As the half drew to a close a late flourish by the Koupreys presented them with a couple of rare chances.
In a half of almost constant pressure from the home team they might consider themselves unlucky not to be ahead at half time.

The second half began with the hosts again on the front foot and in the 51st minute a Lindemann cross shot was parried by the keeper into the path of substitute Prompong. He was unable to make clean contact and his shot from 3 yards went wide. The home team continued to dominate possession and several half chances were created as they strived for a deserved lead.

In the 63rd minute a drive from Adiyiah went narrowly wide – surely a goal must come soon and with Si Saket producing little up front, surely a winning goal!!

With Lindemann now bossing midfield and Tagbajumi “putting himself around a bit” up front the hosts were looking increasingly dangerous and in the 72nd minute Athibordee whacked his shot against the upright after a poor clearance from the visitor’s keeper. A minute later a well directed header from Tagbajumi, after a fine cross, was superbly saved by the keeper.
NRFC were now well in charge of the match and with Si Saket reeling, the chances continued to come with Bjorn Lindemann featuring extensively in most attacks.

Shock horror in the 81st minute the May T was adjudged to have held back the Si Saket forward and a penalty was awarded with May T dismissed for a second yellow. The penalty was dispatched to give The Koupreys an unlikely lead.
The Swatcats fought back and Adiyiah went close twice in as many minutes and in the 90th minute a 25 yard Lindemann free kick thundered against the crossbar.
In added time, justice was finally done when Dominic Adiyiah slotted home after a fine solo run and one two in the box.

This definitely should have been a deserved home win. Our last two games have yielded 2 points whereas I feel 6 should have been the target. Two valuable points given our position in the table but if our aspirations are “top 10”, to quote Joksic, we must learn to convert draws into wins.
A decent performance tonight - we played some good football at times and effort levels and motivation seemed first rate. Goals still seem hard to come by – not sure why.

The Tagbajumi/Adiyiah partnership is still developing and is definitely worth persevering with – with better service I think this duo up front will blossom.

Wednesday 20 July 2016

Dateline 20th July 2016

Chonburi Sharks 1 NRFC 1

The Swatcats dipped their paws into Shark infested waters tonight in an attempt to continue their encouraging recent run.

The match began with the Sharks probing but being comfortably contained by the visitors. The first real incident of interest was a drive by the hosts from 18 yards, smartly saved by the Swatcat’s keeper.
As the half progressed the Swatcats offered little up front as the home team pressed – in truth neither side showed much potency going forward.

In the 28th minute after some good footwork, Tagbajumi struck the upright with an 8 yard shot on the turn – a rare moment of drama in the match so far.

On the cusp of half time a fine 20 yard drive from the Sharks struck the post then Tagbajumi broke through the middle, the move ending with a tame lob over from Adiyiah.
A torrid end to a rather sterile first half in which neither side was able to break the deadlock.

In the first minute of the second half Prince rose to head in to give the home team the lead. The goal spurred the Swatcats into a brief period of pressure culminating in a Tagbajumi equalizer in the 54th minute after the forward fought off a series of challenges.

Adiyiah went close with a header after some good work down the flank by Lindemann in the 62nd minute, the Sharks countered immediately with a speculative header. The Sharks went close with a diving header in the 69th minute and again in the 81st minute with a drive going narrowly wide as they pressed for a late winner. Prompong, on as substitute, missed a sitter in the 90th minute as he fluffed his shot from 6 yards, blowing any chance of an unlikely 3 points.


A much better second half showing, although not one of our best overall match performances. The players fought well – as we have become accustomed to under Milos Joksic and we looked confident but the forwards lacked consistent service. Our recent encouraging performances have relied heavily on Bjorn Lindemann and he was slightly off the pace tonight. A good away point however and continuing encouraging signs from the team.

Saturday 16 July 2016

Dateline 16th July 2016

 NRFC 1 Ratchaburi 0

Ratchaburi were the visitors tonight as the Swatcats attempted to seal a victory after two consecutive losses.

On a damp evening, in front of 7 000 fans, the hosts began brightly with Lindemann finding lots of space in midfield. A couple of half chances were created as the the Swatcats pressed. In the 19th minute Lindemann almost sneaked a free kick past the keeper at the near post but that chance aside neither team was looking particularly dangerous – one real shot on target all half by my reckoning.

Pretty much not a first half to last long in the memory with NRFC having slightly the better shape and ambition. I’m afraid to say that it’s halves like this that leads to poor attendances at TPL games!!

Ratchaburi went close with an 18 yard drive in the first minute of the second half then the hosts countered immediately with a close range chance going wide. Adiyiah then got a decent shot on target as the Swatcats pressed. Showing great resolve the hosts surged forward with Lindemann again on target.

In the 59th minute a magnificent strike from 20 yards by Chanatphol broke the deadlock – a deserved reward after some early second half pressure. Minutes late Ratchaburi struck the left hand upright with an 18 yard half volley.
The hosts were now playing some attractive quick passing football and the visitor’s keeper made a great save from an angled drive in the 73rd minute.

A 25 yard free kick was well saved by the home keeper in the 82nd minute in what was one of few chances produced by Ratchaburi


A disappointing first half was followed by a much improved performance in the second half. Not a classic by any stretch of the imagination but the team fought well and deserved their victory against an ordinary looking Ratchaburi outfit.

Saturday 9 July 2016

Dateline 9th July 2016

 Bangkok Glass 2 NRFC 1

The Swatcats were the guests at the Leo Stadium tonight, hoping to sneak a point to ease their still lingering relegation fears.

Both sides started brightly with the Glass Rabbits getting the first shot on target in the 5th minute, they then went close again with an effort well defended. The Swatcats continued to battle gamely with Tagbajumi looking dangerous.

A 20 yard drive from an unmarked Bangkok Glass attacker struck the bar in the 15th minute then an angled drive was struck wide as the home team pushed forward. The men in green certainly looked the more polished side in the opening 25 minutes.

With pressure building a long range shot went wide as the hosts strived to open the scoring. The men from Korat were holding on but a home goal seemed inevitable as the half progressed.
In a rare break Lindemann shot wide after good work from Tagbajumi on the flank.

A well struck 25 yard free kick gave the hosts the lead in the 37th minute – a deserved lead in my opinion with the hosts claiming 59% of possession thus far. The Swatcats struck back with a well worked move ending with a Lindemann drive being blocked. From the resulting corner Lindemann struck the bar from 20 yards and seconds later the German blasted in from 16 yards to draw the visitors level.

The second half started with a Lindemann break ending with his shot being well saved as the Swatcats tried to gain a foothold in the game. Bangkok Glass continued to look dangerous up front and they went close from 5 yards in the 54th minute, Nagano then brilliantly blocked a shot in the 71st minute as the hosts again pressed forward.

Noah Chivuta was introduced in the 74th minute with the Swatcats attempting to hang on to their hard earned point. In the 84th minute Swatcat’s hearts were broken when a close range header gave the hosts the lead.
In a late rally by NRFC, a Bangkok Glass defender hits his own bar with a panic clearance and a flurry of chances by the visitors threatened the host’s lead.


Whilst under pressure for large portions of the game, the Swatcats played the ball around effectively at times and will certainly cause problems for lesser teams than Bangkok Glass. I still remain optimistic for the rest of the season. No Noah Chivuta start again tonight and it seems that he is slipping out of contention for a regular berth in the side. It is obvious in my mind that Milos Joksic has turned this team around. Although on paper results do not seem to be too impressive, the performances are most definitely better. The team is breaking forward far more effectively and everyone in the team is closing down opponents impressively in all areas of the field.

Saturday 2 July 2016

Dateline 2nd July 2016

 BEC Tero Sasana 2 NRFC 1

The Swatcats entered the Fire Dragon’s den in a bid to continue their recent vein of good form.

The visitors started with Prompong and Adiyiah up front. The game began with both teams probing cautiously but unable to produce much. In the 11th minute, a wonderful long ball from Adiyiah found Prompong completely unmarked in the box but he miss hit his shot and it went wide. Adiyiah then drew a decent save from the keeper with a 12 yard drive.
The Swatcats were now beginning to seize the initiative with some decent forward play and in the 16th minute an Athibordee shot was tipped over the bar by the keeper. Tero countered with a shot well blocked by the Swatcat defence.

In the 24th minute a Lindemann drive was well saved after a well executed break from the visitors. Then slightly against the run of play Tero went ahead in the 29th minute with a smart half volley. Minutes later they went close with a header and in two minutes of madness the Swatcats conceded again in the 31st minute to go two down.

The first half drew to a close with the Swatcat team wondering “How in hell’s name are we two down in this one?”

The Swatcats opened brightly in the second half with a flurry of chances, the newly introduced Tagbajumi looking lively at times. A wonder shot from Linemann from a full 30 yards brushed the bar in the 52nd minute as the visitors strived to half the deficit. More pressure led to defensive panic as Tagbajumi fired in from close range. Surely a goal must come soon.

In the 66th minute a glancing header was saved bravely by the host’s keeper as the Swatcats continued to press. As a result of this action the injured keeper was substituted.  
At the other end Tero missed a simple chance then on the break they were thwarted by the advancing keeper.

In the 84th minute Tagbajumi scored with an angled shot to give the visitors the sniff of a deserved point. Athibordee was then sent off in the 88th minute for a silly kick out at an opponent.


Another decent and encouraging performance. Quite honestly NRFC outplayed Tero tonight. Points will come if the team continues to play in this fashion. Chances are being produced and the defence is looking pretty solid. There are many reasons to be optimistic for the future.

Wednesday 29 June 2016

NRFC 1 Chainat Hornbills 0

An important battle at the 80th Anniversary Stadium tonight as both teams sought to ease their respective relegation fears. As the second leg commences, a real mid season “6 pointer”.

An encouraging 8000 fans welcomed the two teams. Early sparring led to few real chances but with the hosts playing with more resolve. In a rare foray forward by Chainat, a defender’s clearance bounced luckily off the bar to save an embarrassing own goal.
Lindemann, Adeyeah and Tagbajumi continued to link well and in the 27th minute, the game burst into life when Tagbajumi went close with a diving header after good work from Adeyeah. The Swatcats continued to press, looking dangerous up front and in the 45th minute Nagano went close with a header after a Tagbajumi flick.

The half came to a close with neither side able to break the deadlock but with the Swatcats “bossing” the game.

Chainat began the second half with a flourish with a snap shot well saved. The hosts then continued to press with a Tagbajumi shot on the turn inches wide.
In the 60th minute Lindemann broke the deadlock when he cut in from the flank and unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the box to put the home team ahead – candidate for goal of the season perhaps?

In the 66th minute the hosts struck the post after some good work from Tagbajumi. Adeyeah then fired over from 12 yards as they strived to increase their lead. A weak header in the 80th minute apart, Chainat offered little as the hosts battled for a second goal.

Another strong performance against a weak Chainat team - and another stride towards safety.

A couple of observations - Chivuta is now not a regular starter, maybe because of tiredness or injury Noah is being used sparingly and the team are getting used to coping without him (dare I say playing better without him!!!). Bjorn Lindemann has been playing out of his skin – he seems newly motivated. Adeyeah and Tagbajumi are becoming increasingly effective up front – and I think there is more to come. Adeyeah in particular is putting in real shifts, tackling back and dropping deep to help in defence.


All in all this is a different team to that which played in the early season games – well motivated, better shape on the pitch and playing together as a team. All this must be attributed to Milos Joksic and I commend him for his efforts - all we need now is for the fans to start streaming back!!

Saturday 25 June 2016

Dateline 25th June 2016

 Muangthong United 4 NRFC 1

Top of the league Muangthong took on the resurgent Swatcats at the SCG Stadium. The visitors hoping to continue their positive run of results, the hosts hoping to maintain their “top of the pile” status.
This fixture is a repeat of the season opener in which MT snatched a 1-0 victory.

As the game commenced, the visitors weathered the early expected pressure with Muangthong unable to make their early chances pay. Some desperate defending and mediocre finishing kept the Swatcat’s goal line intact. 72% possession in the first 30 minutes of play by the hosts indicated the dominance of the league leaders.

In the 32nd minute a deflected shot eluded the keeper to give the hosts a deserved lead. Then there followed a further period of constant pressure by the hosts, but on 44 minutes Tagbajumi broke through the middle and slid in an unexpected equalizer - a fine solo effort.

On the stroke of half time the home team regained the lead with a close range shot following a corner.

At half time, at 2-1 the Swatcats were still in the game but clearly playing second fiddle to a talented Muangthong outfit.

The second half quickly saw a fine save from a long range shot by the visitor’s keeper. NRFC countered with a fine effort from a confident Tagbajumi, tipped over by the home keeper.

Muangthong went further ahead with a short range tap in on 54 minutes after a fine break down the left flank. Minutes later the “on fire” Tagbajumi had a goal disallowed for offside after fine work from Chivuta and Lindemann.

MT continued to exert pressure, again dominating possession and producing a couple of decent chances in the process. The Swatcats countered sporadically with Lindemann looking classy in midfield at times but really there was only one team in this contest.
 Muangthong added a fourth goal on 82 minutes to give the score a rather flattering look. A late free kick by Muangthong rattled the bar as they closed out a rather comfortable evening’s work at the SCG Stadium.


Clearly outclassed but not disgraced by the season’s top PLT team. Good spirit and resolute defending kept the score line semi respectable. On balance another pretty solid performance but with no reward – further evidence I believe of the team’s ability to escape relegation.

Thursday 23 June 2016

Dateline 22nd June 2016

 FT NRFC 1 Army United 0

The Swatcats entertained Army tonight, hoping to extend their winning streak to three games. In what was a feisty encounter a Bjorn Lindemann penalty separated the teams at full time. This win, coach Joksic’s third victory in a row, lifted the Swatcats further clear of the relegation zone and added some credence to the chance of Premiership survival this season.

Army started brightly with a long range shot but the hosts were soon on the front foot with a couple of chances going wide. The Swatcats pressed forward and a Lindemann effort was well saved, goalkeeper Sunny then brought down the advancing Prompong and Lindemann slotted home the resulting penalty to give the hosts the lead.

Army man Botti was sent off for a blow to an opponent’s head then a further long range effort from the visitors brought the first half to a close.

Nagano was sent off shortly after the second half began following a clumsy block to reduce the match to ten versus ten. Adeyeah then went narrowly wide following a slick pass from Lindemann. Army countered with a diving header going wide as they pushed for an equalizer.

Hassan Sunny then pulled off a first class save from a short range header and then Army went close at the other end as the momentum swung one way then another. An unlikely own goal was saved by the host’s keeper as the Army continued to press forward.

Another workmanlike performance with victory just deserved. Army were allowed a number of chances and might have considered that a point apiece may have been a fair result.

Nonetheless, a further three valuable points gained and the promise of movement up the table seems viable.

Saturday 18 June 2016

Dateline 18th June 2016

FT Osotspa Samut Prakan 1 NRFC 2

The Swatcats visited Osotspa Samut Prakan in a vital relegation battle. A victory for the visitors would lift them out of the bottom three, leapfrogging the hosts in the process.

The match began with Lindemann in “midfield” but no Noah Chivuta. The visitors started brightly with a Tagbajumi header going wide. They continued to dominate possession and put pressure on the host’s defence. An Adeyeah drive went close followed by a shot narrowly over the bar as the Swatcats swarmed forward – the Swatcats were purring!!! Conversely Osotspa did not offer much up front in the first 20 minutes.

In the 24th minute Peeraphon fired in from 20 yards after a fine run to give the visitors a deserved lead. The Swatcats were looking a far better side than Osotspa and continued to press and in the 36th minute Pralong Sawandee slid in a second after a defensive mix up.

On the stroke of half time Osotspa went close but in truth it was their only real chance so far and as the half drew to a close NRFC seemed in complete control…. And playing like champions.

Osotspa pulled one back with an excellent 25 yard drive in the 48th minute. This seemed to wake up the home side and they pressed forward with real intent for the first time in the match.
Adeyeah then missed a chance after another defensive error and Lindemann went close with an angled drive as the visitors tried to regain their composure.

The hosts were beginning to seize the initiative as what had seemed to be an easy victory for the Swatcats was deteriorating into a fight for survival.

Noah Chivuta was introduced after 66 minutes in order to bolster midfield but Osotspa continued to press. NRFC broke sporadically but not with the purpose shown in the first half

Osotspa looked a different side in the second half but could not make up for their pitiful first half performance – NRFC tired and sat back, allowing Osotspa to play and this nearly cost them the win.

Tonight we played well in the first half but we have not become a great side overnight – Osotspa were poor and on this performance they are certain to join BBCU in Division 1 next season.

I’m not sure what Milos Joksic has done but the team looks better organized, more confident and seem to be moving the ball forward quickly and with more resolve. Three wins in a week isn’t a bad start for the new coach – and he seems to be doing it all with a big smile too!! Well done Milos.

Saturday 11 June 2016

Dateline 11th June 2016

 NRFC 1 Pattaya United 0

The Rockin’ Dolphins from Pattaya were the visitors today with The Swatcats looking for a rare victory to enable them to improve their precarious position near the foot of the table. The match also was Milos Joksic’s first league game in charge.

The match began in front of a very sparse crowd – possibly fewer than 4000 I would guess – sad times indeed for a club famed in the recent past for its huge fan base. How pitiful the near empty 80th Anniversary Stadium looked tonight.

The Swatcats began on the front foot and put together some decent attacking moves with Tagbajumi looking lively and in the 13th minute after some smart work from Adeyeah, Chanatphon slid in the first goal for the home team.

For the first 30 minutes, Pattaya did not show much ambition up front and seemed content to soak up the home team’s pressure. In the 33rd minute a guilt edged chance was missed by the hosts as a close range header from a corner was miss timed and in the resulting melee a close range shot went wide. The Dolphins then countered with a drive going narrowly wide.

The second half started with Pattaya showing more attack minded intent but following a break by the home team a free kick was smartly saved by the visitor’s keeper and minutes later Adeyeah shot over from 8 yards.
A promising break by the Dolphins in the 60th minute ended with some brave goalkeeping by the home keeper as he came out to smother the resulting shot and in the 63rd minute Pralong Sawandee was sent off following a second yellow card after a silly and innocuous challenge on the keeper.

Pattaya were beginning to get a foothold in the match and one wonders why they only started playing at half time. The hosts seemed to tire and were losing their grip on midfield resulting in pressure being exerted on their defence. Despite this pressure the Swatcats held on to their one goal lead and earned a valuable victory.

A much needed 3 points tonight. The Swatcats looked a decent side tonight – especially in the first half. The midfield seemed more effective and provided more for the frontmen to get their teeth into. I still maintain that Tagbajumi and Adeyeah could form a successful partnership but as yet they have failed to be convincing. We did not miss Bjorn Lindemann (who incidentally was not even named as a substitute tonight).


Against a poor Pattaya team the defence looked OK too. On balance a useful start for Milos Joksic but against stronger teams we will continue to struggle. If we can put away lower echelon teams we should just about survive – and to me, given our poor start that would represent a satisfactory conclusion to the season.

Saturday 28 May 2016

Dateline  28th May 2016

 Buriram United 1 NRFC 0

The Swatcats entered the Thunder Castle hoping to avoid defeat against a Buriram side that has not been firing on all cylinders recently.

The match began with the visitor’s defence soon in panic as a short range shot was deflected just wide after a dangerous cross. Unable to gain much possession, the Swatcats were forced onto the back foot as Buriram pressed forward.
After 14 minutes after yet another in a series of sloppy passes in midfield by the visitors, Buriram opened the scoring with a fine 18 yard drive. The men from Korat countered with a shot on the break well saved by the keeper. Poor defensive work then presented Lindemann with a shooting opportunity.
In the 41st minute the visitors got lucky when a deflected shot bounced off the post. In a flurry of chances, the visitors then countered with a dangerous shot then a snap shot from Kaio was well saved by the visitor’s keeper.

Without looking too dangerous, the home team seemed to be in full control of the game as the first half drew to a close.

In the 48th minute a “cheeky” shot off the side of the foot hit the Swatcat’s post as Buriram pressed. The Swatcats then began to gain some possession as the half progressed but without really causing much difficulty for the home team.
In the 66th minute Adeyeah cut inside and shot from 20 yards but the keeper saved comfortably and minutes later Lindemann rounded off a decent passing movement with a sharp drive.

In a spirited final 10 minutes The Swatcats were unlucky not equalize as they continued to harass and pressure the Buriram defence.

A much improved second half performance which could have led to a deserved point.


Although playing with great spirit against a far from convincing Buriram side, it remains difficult to see where goals are going to come from. Sloppy midfield play continued to put pressure on the defence which battled gamely. Defeat against Buriram is no disgrace but they now must concentrate on the next 3 games – all of which are winnable. They have to put away such lower echelon sides otherwise relegation beckons.

Tuesday 24 May 2016

NRFC – What’s gone wrong?

A team surfing on the back of two promotions.
 A team finishing a creditable 8th place in their inaugural season in the top flight.
A team attracting crowds which most TPL teams can only dream of.

A team now languishing in the bottom three, crowds diving to a lowly 7000 from a first match day attendance of 32 000 and demos protesting at the way in which the team is run. So what has gone wrong?
Let’s be straight, last year’s 8th place was an over achievement and a situation which I foresaw as hard to follow. A pretty ordinary team, who by dint of weak opposition in Division 1 in their Championship season had got into the winning habit who used this momentum and confidence to make a successful assault in the Premiership.
Pundits were making comments about the coaching methods or lack thereof Sugao Kambe and were baying for his removal. Rumours were circulating about the player’s discontent at the lack of rigorous training and coaching…but still the performances last season masked the underlying problems.

A word here on the fans. Swatcat fans are not used to seeing their team lose at home. Regional League and Division 1 home losses were extremely rare. In fact Premiership home losses were rare too – with only a couple of losses and a home draw with Buriram bolstering the home fan’s enthusiasm and support. It really is no great surprise that the attendances have plummeted. One home win so far and far from entertaining football on view. If Bangkok United played in Korat the 80th Anniversary Stadium would be full every week – Korat is a real football City.

This season the wheels have apparently come off. The loss of Lee Tuck was a blow. The acquisition of new striker Tagbajumi has yet to blossom and the returning Adeyeah does not appear to be the answer to our goalscoring problems. Kambe has gone and in the two matches since his departure there has been a real improvement – both in attitude and tactics.

So what has gone wrong… well nothing really. An overachieving team in their first season in the top flight who really should have finished in the bottom five is going to finish….in the bottom five. Shock, horror!!


One final point. If The Swatcats are relegated – and in my opinion this is a real possibility, it will be a real loss to the TPL. A moderately successful Korat team will attract 20 000 plus attendances. The TPL needs well supported teams if it is to flourish. Here’s hoping that the new coach, whoever he may be, can turn things around and help to maintain the Swatcat’s Premier League status.

Saturday 21 May 2016

Dateline 21st May 2016

 NRFC 0 Suphanburi 0

The War Elephants from Suphanburi were the opponents at the 80th Anniversary Stadium, with the home team hoping to end a dramatic losing streak.
In front of about 5-6 thousand fans the hosts opened eagerly with the opponents being closed down effectively. A fourth minute free kick went just over for the hosts as they pressed forward but Suphanburi looked dangerous at times on the break.

In the 20th minute the visitors scored a neat headed goal but it was adjudged offside. The men from Korat then countered with a decent 25 yard drive going over and minutes later a smart passing movement resulted in a shot inches wide. There then followed a period of pressure from the hosts ending with an Adeyeah 8 yard drive being well saved – a guilt edged chance.

The 40th minute saw a lucky escape for the home team. A shot was well saved but the ball ran loose and a resulting point blank shot was kept out by the sprawling keeper.

The second half began with both teams trying to break the deadlock but it took until the 62nd minute before a real chance was produced when a Suphanburi close range header was well saved by the keeper. Minutes later, persistence by Adeyeah nearly produced an unlikely opening goal. This spurred on the home side with a drive going wide and a period of pressure developing.

In the 74th minute a diving header from the hosts went wide with the resulting corner causing chaos in the opponents defence. The Suphanburi defenders resorted to some rather agricultural challenges to keep the Swatcats at bay with a Lindemann drive following one of these challenges going just wide.


Ultimately neither side could break the deadlock, but a vital point for the Swatcats against a disappointing Suphanburi outfit. A much improved performance from the Swatcats. They challenged and harried opponents and showed real spirit – there has definitely been a change in attitude since the departure of Sugao Kambe. The lack of goals is still worrying but I feel slightly optimistic for the future. Bjorn Lindemann was excellent tonight, as was Noah Chivuta but our options up front seem limited  and I think this department needs bolstering for the second leg – neither Tagbajumi or Adeyeah – both talented players, seem to be the answer to our goal scoring problems.

Saturday 14 May 2016

Dateline 14th May 2016

 Bangkok United 2 NRFC 1

With the Bangkok Angels flying high and the men from Korat struggling and without a Head Coach it will need heavenly intervention if the Swatcats are to gain anything from this game.

The match commenced with the visitors starting with Tagbajumi and Adeyeah up front, with Chivuta omitted.
The hosts started confidently and went close after 5 minutes and then scored the first goal after 10 minutes with a slick move that split the Swatcat’s defence apart with ease.
The Bangkok side looked impressive going forward and seemed to be able to open up the visitors defence at will, with a couple of good chances going begging.
Despite looking the weaker side tonight, the Swatcats seemed a little better organized and showed a bit more spirit than of late – defence looks very “leaky” though.

After 30 minutes with the Angel’s front men tormenting the visitor’s defence and no shots on goal from the men from Korat there is only going to be one result tonight.

A twice taken penalty in the 32nd minute led to a second for the hosts and the teams went in at half time with the Angels two up.

Second half and some good movement from the Swatcats leading to a fine drive from Lindemann and minutes later a reasonable penalty claim was turned down. The hosts countered with a snap shot hitting the bar.
A Lindemann free kick was well saved by the keeper in the 59th minute and the men from Korat were rewarded for their efforts when a superb 30 yard drive went in off the bar in the 61st minute to make it 2-1.

In the 71st minute Bangkok clattered the post with a well taken free kick and with the Swatcat’s defence tiring, the hosts began to exert pressure as the game entered its final phase.


Outclassed, at times, by a more polished side but there were some encouraging signs – especially in the second half. The team however is creating few chances even with two up front which is worrying.

Thursday 12 May 2016

It has been confirmed that Sugao Kambe has resigned as Head coach of the Swatcats.


I would like to put on record that he has brought the club a long way - third tier obscurity to 8th place in the Premier League is no mean feat. Thank you for your service Sugao San and I wish you good luck in the future.

Wednesday 11 May 2016

Dateline 11th May 2016

 NRFC 1 Chang Rai United 4

The visitors tonight were Chang Rai United. After a great start, there has been a stutter in their form but they should still have enough to overcome a struggling Swatcat team.

The first half started with a sparse crowd asking the question “Can the home team discover some spark to energise their season?” No Adeyeah or Tagbajumi up front. Prompong gets a start.

Chang Rai struck in the second minute with an unopposed header to go one up. In the opening minutes Chang Rai look much sharper than the hosts.

In the 16th minute a diving header from the hosts flashed just wide and minutes later a well worked move lead to a drive shaving the bar.

Chang Rai went further ahead in the 26th minute with a freak, long range header that bounced over the keeper. The hosts continued to huff and puff with no tangible end product with Chang Rai looking confident and competent.

Chang Rai completed the half 3 up with a well worked third goal.

The second half again confirmed that Chang Rai are a better, well organized outfit with the hosts being pulled all over the place with slick passing movements and better technique. With confidence ebbing it seems to me that the Swatcat players really don’t know what their jobs on the field are… and are waiting to be told!!

In the 59th minute a completely unmarked Murillo volleyed in the fourth. The hosts plugged away gamely but what is becoming clear is that they have lost their way tactically.
A long range shot was well saved by the Chang Rai keeper and minutes later a Lindemann drive was inches wide as the hosts pressed with Chang Rai taking their foot off the gas.


A late Tagbajumi consolation goal will do nothing to hide the fact that the Swatcats are really struggling. Some action has to be taken quickly otherwise this side is relegation bound. For whatever reason this set of players is not performing and seem to lack any real spirit. There is no part of the team that offers any hope of improvement. The fans are already voting with their feet. Only the real diehards are prepared to turn out to see these substandard performances – there really has been little entertainment at the 80th anniversary Stadium this season. This is such a disappointment after last season but in truth, the team overachieved last year with a mediocre set of players.

Saturday 7 May 2016

Dateline 7th May 2016

 Navy 1 NRFC 0
  
The Swatcats were the visitors at Sattahip for this early season meeting of two of the Premier League strugglers.
At last the penny has dropped – Adeyeah and Tagbajumi start together today. It will be interesting to see how they interact. Lindemann is on the bench.

The match began with tame exchanges from both sides with Navy looking the slightly better side going forward. In a half littered with free kicks and injuries, T Metee was sent off for a second yellow in the 45th minute.

Viewing this first half of football it is easy to see why both teams are languishing at the wrong end of the table. The Tagbajumi/Adeyeah ensemble does not seem to be the answer to The Swatcat’s absolute lack of penetration – at least the home side produced a couple of half chances!!!

Second half and here’s hoping for some football entertainment – I’m not holding my breath!!!

In the opening minute of the second half, a Navy cross was almost turned into the net by a defender – the keeper saved smartly and in the 59th minute a smart overhead kick gave the hosts the lead – only Navy’s second goal of the season!!

In the 73rd minute the visitors put their first shot on target - a weak effort from Lindemann. This apart there was little else to report in a dour final 45 minutes.

Another toothless display. I am not sure where the club goes from here. The club overachieved last year and last season was always going to be a hard act to follow but their performances thus far have been mediocre at best. Any sparkle present last season seems to have evaporated. Here’s hoping that they can turn things around but at the moment I see no areas that provide any confidence that the team can improve.


Saturday 30 April 2016

Dateline 30th April 2016

 NRFC 1 Sukhothai 3

The visitors today were the Fire Bats from Sukhothai. The newly promoted Sukhothai have made an encouraging start to their first TPL campaign.

In front of a disappointing crowd - maybe 8-10 000 (hardly surprising considering the Swatcats early season performances) the opening 20 minutes were devoid of any major incidents or chances of note.

In the 21st minute a Malek snap shot had the visitor’s keeper on the hop then Tagbajumi blazed over from 12 yards. Minutes later under pressure from Tagbajumi, a Sukhothai headed own goal gave the hosts the lead.
34 minutes in and some neat passing football culminated in a Lindemann drive soaring over the bar. The hosts now seem to be gaining momentum and another sweet forward move resulted in a long range shot.
In a defensive disaster in the 43rd minute, the host’s keeper failed to control a tame back pass and an alert Sukhothai forward pounced to tap the ball into an empty net.

In a half when the visitors offered little up front, the Swatcats, despite not setting the world on fire, looked the better side. Sukhothai look very poor and anything but a Swatcats win tonight would be a disappointment.

The second half started with both teams trading tame attacking moves but in the 63rd minute a Bireme rocket cannoned off the crossbar after some good work on the flank from Biaggio.

Local hero Prompong replaced Malek in the 73rd minute and in the 81st minute in a rare foray forward, an unmarked Bireme headed Sukhothai ahead. Biaggio added a third in the 93rd minute to complete a disappointing evening for the hosts.

The team is not playing badly but does not seem to be able to put teams away. With attendances dwindling and our home form crumbling, this could be a long season ahead - an improvement on last year’s 8th place seems a world away.
I’m not sure what is going wrong at the moment but there seems to be little service provided for the strikers. Also the fact that one week it’s Adeyeah up front and the next it’s Tagbajumi hardly provides much continuity or confidence for either player.


On present performances a relegation battle is looming…how long before the call for Kambe’s head!!!

Wednesday 27 April 2016

Dateline 27th April 2016

 Si Saket 1 NRFC 0

NRFC visited the home of the Kouprey Warriors in this Isaan Derby game hoping to add to their early season point’s total. The Swatcats started without Nagano, Lindemann and Tagbajumi with Adeyeah up front. Former Swatcat favourite Ivan Boscovic figured for the home team
The Koupreys opened brightly with a period of pressure culminating in a long range shot saved well by the visitor’s keeper. The Swatcats countering with a glancing header from Adeyeah in the 9th minute.

A solo effort from Adeyeah then had the keeper scampering as the visitors eased themselves into the game – the Ghanean minutes later being flattened by a flying boot to the face.

The visitors grew in confidence and put some useful attacking moves together with one culminating in a dangerous cross being tipped over the bar but in a half of few genuine chances, honours were about even – Adeyeah’s sharpness may ultimately be the difference between the teams.

The second half came to life with a snap shot from the home team in the 48th minute but as in the first half chances were few and far between. The Swatcats increasingly showed some signs of dominance as the half progressed with the hosts not posing much of a threat.

A sharp header from a corner in the 76th minute broke the deadlock to put the hosts one up.

As the game drew to a close a great solo run Adeyeah ended when he flicked his shot feet wide. Minutes later, Adeyeah again made the keeper work with a snap shot from 14 yards. In what was now becoming the Adeyeah show he again shot wide then was inches wide with a header as the visitors searched for an equalizer.

Adeyeah looked lively but isolated up front often being covered by 3 defenders. I would love to see him operate with a second main striker. The way the team is playing is hardly inspiring and goals again seem to be at a premium. With no consistent selections up front, we seem to have run out of attacking ideas.

On balance the Swatcats deserved a point tonight being slightly unlucky to concede the winning goal – the defence looked in control most of the time but Si Saket were pretty ordinary and we will face far greater challenges in forthcoming matches.

Tuesday 26 April 2016

Dateline 24th April NRFC 0 Chonburi Sharks 0

NRFC hosted the Sharks from Chonburi, In front of a crowd of some 13 000 plus. The home fans hoping that the Swatcats could "squish the fish".

In a rather uninspiring opening 20 minutes, neither side was able to muster a real chance with a Lindemann drive and a further 20 yard shot from Athibordee being the only moments of tepid excitement.
Noah Chivuta nearly broke the deadlock on 21 minutes with a fierce shot but in truth there was precious little service provided for a lively Tagbajumi. At the other end Chonburi failed to produce much themselves up front.

 In the 46th minute Tagbajumi fired in a fine cross shot which was superbly pushed past the post by the keeper – a rare touch of class in the match so far.

With the hosts having slightly more possession, no real pattern of play materialized from either side as the first half drew to a close.

In the second half The Swatcats attacked brightly, searching for a breakthrough and in the 54th minute Noah Chivuta was replaced by Adeyeah. A 59th minute Lindemann shot stung the keeper’s hands as the home side again dominated possession.
 Assumpsao fired in a curling shot in a rare foray forward by the Sharks and Lindemann shot just wide after some smart work from Adeyeah as both sides searched for a winner. As the Swatcats pressed with Adeyeah adding a new dimension up front, a near post shot went close and then at the death, The Sharks nearly poached all 3 points with a stinging shot going narrowly wide in the 93rd minute.

Chances considered, this was not a bad performance. The Swatcats will have to somehow up their game if they are to battle for a top 10 finish.  Whilst a point against one of the better teams in the TPL is not a disaster, there is certainly no need to panic yet of course.

In reality there are 5 or 6 teams who are probably going to finish below them, but it will be a disappointment after last year's 8th place for the club to be mixing it at the wrong end of the table. I am not sure where the goals are going to come from. Worse for me is the fear that after 2 home defeats, a rather squeaky win and a goalless draw, the fans will shun the team....and I'm afraid that a Swatcat team without the advantage of the usual massive home support will really be up against it.

Saturday 2 April 2016

Dateline 2nd April 2016

 Ratchaburi 2 NRFC 0

The Swatcats entered the Dragon’s den hoping to secure an improbable point or three.

The match began with Heberty coming close with a drive in the first minute and from the resulting corner a header was clearly handled on the line but no penalty was awarded. A further drive was cleared off the line as the Dragons pressed for an early advantage.
In the 5th minute a curling shot from Heberty was brilliantly saved as the visitors strived to survive the early onslaught.

With the Swatcats seemingly unable to maintain any real possession, Ratchaburi attacked in waves – surely a goal must come soon - I am detecting a worrying trend – we are making all our opponents look good!!!

Heberty again went close in the 21st minute and seconds later he shaved the post with a 20 yard free kick. This is the worst 30 minutes of play that I have experienced from a recent Swatcat side – I cannot remember a series of more than 2 passes put together by the team.
As Ratchaburi pressed, a header went close for the home team who should by now be 4 or 5 goals up – this is getting embarrassing.
Heberty was again denied a goal by a smart save from a 20 yard free kick in the 25th minute and minutes later a close range chance was spurned as 2 attackers clashed.

In the 36th minute the visitors finally put 3 passes together but to no effect as Ratchaburi again stormed forward. A raid forward resulted in a goal for the home side but it was ruled offside then
in the 41st minute the inevitable goal came from the ever dangerous Heberty with a classy curling drive.

I have rarely seen such a one sided half of football……. but the Swatcats are unbelievably still in it at 1-0!!!!
I am not sure what can be done but surely coach Kambe must make some personnel or tactical changes otherwise Ratchaburi are going to score a shedload of goals.

The second half commenced with the visitors unable to hold onto the ball and the home team pressing. In the 52nd minute the excellent Heberty was injured and was unable to continue. The Dragons went 2 up with a smart goal in the 61st minute as the Swatcats continued to misfire in midfield.
In the 65th minute in NRFC’s first meaningful attack Malek struck the post after good work from Tagbajumi and minutes later the home team themselves struck the post from a 10 yard shot.

In the 75th minute Noah Chivuta hit the bar with a rasping drive as the visitors started edging back into the game and Lindemann drew a good save from the home keeper in the 89th minute but in reality the visitors did not deserve a goal tonight.


An improved second half performance but not much to be positive about tonight - here’s hoping that they have got this poor performance out of their system. 4 defeats and 2 wins so far is not an auspicious start but admittedly 3 of our defeats have been against top teams.