Dateline 26^th Feb 2017 – Match day 3.

 FT Chonburi Sharks 0 NRFC 0

The Swatcats travelled east to take on the Chonburi Sharks in this weekend’s fixture. The match began with both sides sparring but with little end effect and both defences able to cope with what few half chances were created.

In the 7^th minute a flailing Victor Igbonefo was lucky not to concede a penalty with a clumsy challenge just outside the 18 yard box. The resulting free kick struck the bar with the visiting keeper well beaten.

Poor balls in the final third prevented either side from creating real chances and at times the fans were subjected to periods of ping pong soccer with both sides alternately belting it long rather than playing it through midfield.

In the 16^th minute Andre Luis tested the keeper with a snap shot and in the 47^th minute, a well crafted move resulted in a Dominic Adiyiah drive that was well saved by the home team’s keeper, were rare moments of class in an otherwise dull first half.

A couple of half chances from the Sharks as the half progressed gave them the edge as the first half concluded.

The second half began with attacking moves from both sides again breaking down with poor final balls, but in the 52^nd minute Chonburi went close with a looping header after a fine cross. The home team began to exert increasing pressure with the men in orange confined to rare breaks forward.

Despite this pressure, clear cut chances were at a premium as the Swatcats defended doggedly, snuffing out any potential threats. The match petered out in a rather uninspiring way with the match ending in a dull stalemate - a useful point for the visitors but with home advantage, Chonburi will be disappointed with their lack of firepower up front.

A poor spectacle tonight with two teams destined, on their performances tonight, for mid table mediocrity. Neither side provided any real and consistent class up front with both keepers experiencing a relatively quiet night.

A dour and determined performance from the Swatcats, which keeps them unbeaten. Still only two goals from three matches which is a worry but 4 points from our opening two away games is encouraging and if we can maintain a decent home record we should be heading for a mid table finish.

Defensively (only one goal conceded so far and that was a penalty) we look sound, but Victor Igbonefo looked sluggish at times tonight and I think stronger teams will expose his lack of pace.

A mention has to be made about the Swatcat’s support tonight. The away section was sold out and the fans were noisy and relentless in their support of the team - well done to the fans. I feel sure that the players appreciate their support.

Dateline 19^th Feb 2017 – Match day 2.

 FT NRFC 1 Police Tero 1

The Swatcats welcomed newly formed Police Tero FC in the inaugural home match of the 2017 TPL season. The Fire Dragons started with ex-Swatcat keeper Kampon in goal.

In front of a healthy crowd of 12 250 fans, the home side had the better of the first 30 minutes although Tero played some neat passing football at times. With Adiyiah a constant thorn in their side, Tero withstood early pressure and in what was otherwise an uneventful opening. Only a long range Adiyiah shot in the 15^th minute and a fine free kick from Chanatphon set the pulse racing.

Tero did not put a single shot of any substance on target in the first half.

Tero went ahead in the 53rd minute after a needless and clumsy challenge by Igbonefo gave Tero a penalty. After going one down the hosts panicked and resorted to the long ball with little effect. They rarely looked dangerous and indeed Tero went close in the 63^rd minute and again in the 79^th minute with a shot hitting the bar.

In the 85^th minute a bullet header from Adiyiah was saved by the keeper and Igbonefo tapped in the deflection. The goal was disallowed as Adiyiah was correctly adjudged to have been offside.

Well into injury time, the hosts leveled when a Chakrit shot was deflected into the goal. Ironic but pleasing that the  5 minutes added on time led to the goal after Tero’s infuriating time wasting tactics earlier in the game.

With literally seconds to go a quick break by Tero saw a shot slide wide in what would have been an undeserved winner.

A disappointing and frustrating night for the Swatcats although salvaging a point was an obvious bonus. The lack of penetration against Tero’s well organized defence is something to work on. In truth, penalty apart, Tero had few chances but I guess they deserved their point.

Still unbeaten but we must win these home games. 4 points against two decent sides is a fine start to the new campaign and I foresee a fairly successful season ahead.

Dateline 12^th Feb 2017

 FT Sukhothai 0 NRFC 1

The Swatcats began their 2017 campaign at the home of the Firebats hoping to get their season off to a flying start.

Playing in a fetching sky blue and white kit the visitors opened brightly with Adiyiah testing the home keeper in the 2^nd minute with an angled drive. A minute later Adiyiah again drew a fine save from the keeper but was ruled offside.

Midway through the first half, and the Swatcats continued to “rule the roost” with Sukhothai seemingly unable to string passes together - early days but the visitors seemed in charge.

The men from Korat opened the scoring in the 27^th minute when Chakrit rifled in an angled drive from 14 metres - Sukhothai look tired - maybe their Chinese exploits in the ACL are catching up with them.

As the first half drew to a close, it was becoming a “one man show” as Adiyiah again went close in the 40^th minute - Sukhothai were yet to register a shot on goal.

The second half commenced and I just do not think that Sukhothai could play as badly as they did in the first half. I think this one may be down to how well the Swatcats can keep their concentration.

Bireme went close for the hosts in the 51^st minute - their first real chance. They looked a little livelier after half time but the Swatcat players seemed quicker to the ball and more dangerous going forward.

With 20 minutes to go, the hosts were growing in confidence and were getting more of the ball. Although creating no clear chances, they fought themselves back into the game and were putting pressure on the visitor’s goal.

In a rare second half foray, Adiyiah shot wide as the Firebats continued to press. Although under considerable second half pressure the Swatcat defence looked solid with Igbonefo particularly impressive

A bright attacking performance in the first half followed by a strong rearguard action in the second half.  An encouraging start to the season by the Swatcats. The team line up looks balanced and they look impressive going forward. Our new acquisitions look to have settled in effectively and this performance leaves me fairly optimistic for the season ahead.

**************WELCOME TO THE TPL 2017 SEASON****************