Chang FA Cup 3rd August

Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC 2 NRFC 1

The Swatcats failed to progress to the next round of the Chang FA Cup.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 7^th minute with a decisive 16 yard drive from Chakrit. They then absorbed an inevitable and intense period of pressure from the Dragons.

Adiyiah went close with an angled drive in the 36^th minute in a rare Swatcat first half foray as the Swatcats held on to their lead.

As the first half drew to a close, it’s hard to imagine that the Swatcats can hold out for a further 45 minutes of pressure but perhaps Ratchaburi may leave gaps at the back as they strive for an equalizer.

The second half began with Ratchaburi again on the front foot but with the Swatcats looking dangerous on rare breaks. Chakrit missed a chance after fine work from Adiyiah in the 62^nd minute but the host’s pressure was relentless. The Swatcats defended stubbornly but surely a home goal must come. A host of chances were wasted as the Dragons pressed forward.

With the home side running out of ideas – and time, an equalizer was poked in off the post in the 77^th minute. With both teams now seemingly content to play for extra time, the game drifted to finish 1-1 after 90 minutes.

My view is that, at this point, the only hope of victory for the Swatcats will be to hold out for penalties.

In the 2^nd minute of extra time Ratchaburi were awarded a penalty which was converted to give the hosts the lead. In the 112^th minute the Swatcats spurned a great chance to equalize as they themselves pressed to force the game into penalties. Minutes later Pratan was sent off for an ugly and brutal challenge from behind.

Lindemann went close in the 117^th minute but time was running out as Ratchaburi held out for a hard fought win.

Fielding an under strength team tonight (no Lindemann, Pralong, Nagano or Tagbajumi in the starting lineup) this was a competent defensive performance against a determined Ratchaburi outfit. Given their pressure throughout the game a deserved victory for the home team despite a stubborn rear guard fight from the visitors.