Dateline  28^th 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 41^st 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 48^th 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 66^th 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.