Dateline 2^nd 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 5^th 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 21^st 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 25^th minute and minutes later a close range chance was spurned as 2 attackers clashed.

In the 36^th 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 41^st 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 52^nd minute the excellent Heberty was injured and was unable to continue. The Dragons went 2 up with a smart goal in the 61^st minute as the Swatcats continued to misfire in midfield.

In the 65^th 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 75^th 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 89^th 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.