Dateline 20^th July 2016

Chonburi Sharks 1 NRFC 1

The Swatcats dipped their paws into Shark infested waters tonight in an attempt to continue their encouraging recent run.

The match began with the Sharks probing but being comfortably contained by the visitors. The first real incident of interest was a drive by the hosts from 18 yards, smartly saved by the Swatcat’s keeper.

As the half progressed the Swatcats offered little up front as the home team pressed – in truth neither side showed much potency going forward.

In the 28th minute after some good footwork, Tagbajumi struck the upright with an 8 yard shot on the turn – a rare moment of drama in the match so far.

On the cusp of half time a fine 20 yard drive from the Sharks struck the post then Tagbajumi broke through the middle, the move ending with a tame lob over from Adiyiah.

A torrid end to a rather sterile first half in which neither side was able to break the deadlock.

In the first minute of the second half Prince rose to head in to give the home team the lead. The goal spurred the Swatcats into a brief period of pressure culminating in a Tagbajumi equalizer in the 54^th minute after the forward fought off a series of challenges.

Adiyiah went close with a header after some good work down the flank by Lindemann in the 62^nd minute, the Sharks countered immediately with a speculative header. The Sharks went close with a diving header in the 69^th minute and again in the 81^st minute with a drive going narrowly wide as they pressed for a late winner. Prompong, on as substitute, missed a sitter in the 90^th minute as he fluffed his shot from 6 yards, blowing any chance of an unlikely 3 points.

A much better second half showing, although not one of our best overall match performances. The players fought well – as we have become accustomed to under Milos Joksic and we looked confident but the forwards lacked consistent service. Our recent encouraging performances have relied heavily on Bjorn Lindemann and he was slightly off the pace tonight. A good away point however and continuing encouraging signs from the team.