Dateline 18^th 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 24^th 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 48^th 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.