Dateline 19^th April 2017 – Match day 9.

 FT NRFC 1 Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC 1

The Swatcats entertained Ratchaburi tonight. A sparse crowd of 4700 saw Ratchaburi open brightly with Cameroonian Essombe – who incidentally looked very dangerous all match, shooting narrowly wide in the second minute. The hosts countered with a rare moment of class when Pina drew a tremendous save from the keeper with a 20 yard drive. This shot was, to be honest, the Swatcat’s only real chance of the half.

The visitors looked dangerous up front, with the host’s goal line under threat and their defence looking vulnerable. With the rangy Essombe up front, they created a couple of decent chances.

In the 24th minute a well struck free kick hit the bar and El Jadeyaoui headed in the rebound to give the visitors a deserved lead.

A painful first half for Swatcat fans to watch with Ratchaburi dominating and the hosts chasing the game with little success.

The second half saw the introduction of Adiyiah - within seconds he announced his presence when he dabbed in from 4 yards after a fine cross from Velkoski. In a much more spirited second half performance the Swatcats took the game to a tiring Ratchaburi although the continuing tactic of lobbing long balls over the top was not very sophisticated - or effective!!

Adiyiah nearly bagged himself a brace when in the 57^th minute he wriggled and turned in the box to swivel and send his shot narrowly wide – a classy touch from the Ghanaian. Minutes later Velkoski caused havoc in the visitor’s defence when his low cross was scrambled clear.

In a final flourish, Essombe headed just wide and yet again Adiyiah was nearly on target as both teams battled for a winner.

 

Not a bad performance but another unconvincing home result from the Swatcats tonight. Full marks to Ratchaburi who performed well and were able to neutralize the hosts attacking force. In the first half there was only one team in it with Ratchaburi unlucky to be only one goal up at half time.

Without Adiyiah the Swatcats looked totally toothless up front and with Ratchaburi seemingly able to carve up the host’s defence at will, the salvaging of a point was a real bonus for the home team.

A top ten finish is looking increasingly unlikely as each week passes - let’s hope that the team is not dragged into a relegation dogfight.

 I think we all will have to acknowledge that this season, we have a moderately talented team that is trying hard but will at best be a very ordinary mid table outfit ……. OK with me but what waste of potential!!

Match Day 9 stats.