Dateline 30^th March 2016

 NRFC 1 Bangkok Glass 2

THE Swatcats welcomed the Glass Rabbits from Bangkok with the visitors hoping to continue their early season good form.

The hosts began with Tagbajumi up front.

In front of about 14 000 fans, the first half began with an early chance for the hosts with Tagbajumi failing to make contact with a Malek cross. The visitors countered with a guilt edged chance missed at the other end. With Malek looking bright and Tagbajumi a threat, the home team looked dangerous and created a couple of half chances.

The men in green countered well and looked dangerous on the break with some swift passing movements causing problems for the Swatcat’s defence. Bangkok Glass were looking a more composed side as the half progressed with some great skill shown in midfield and up front.

Lindemann spurned a great chance in the 20^th minute after some good work from Malek, the resultant corner led to chaos in the visitor’s box with Tagbajumi failing to finish.

In the 34^th minute Malek met a Lindemann cross but headed straight at the keeper from 7 yards. The Swatcats continued to press and in the 37^th minute a penalty was awarded as Lindemann was taken down as he cut in from the flank; he got up to score from the spot.

As the half concluded there was not too much between the two teams with BG having more chances but the hosts having slightly more possession.

The second half saw the visitors opening brightly, with a shot hooked over the bar from 12 yards and in the 54^th minute a strong header from a free kick brought the visitors level. Minutes later a sharp header was saved well to prevent the visitors going ahead.

BG began to dominate and started to show their class with the Swatcats hanging on, withstanding great pressure – at this point with 20 odd minutes to play, I certainly would have settled for a draw!!

Adiyeah replaced Noah Chivuta in the 68^th minute as the visitors continued to press. The Swatcats had a rare chance to win the game in the 88^th minute when Tagbajumi fired over but seconds later

Bangkok Glass went ahead when a long range shot squirmed under the keeper’s body.

A dominant second half performance from Bangkok Glass with their forward play very fluent and penetrative suggests they will stay with the front runners this season. In truth the home team was completely outplayed in the second half.

A competent if not sparkling performance against a strong Bangkok Glass outfit. The match confirmed that NRFC can compete – but not beat the top PLT teams but tonight they will be unhappy that they could not hang on for a draw.