Dateline 16^th 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 19^th 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 59^th 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 73^rd minute.

A 25 yard free kick was well saved by the home keeper in the 82^nd 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.