Dateline 29th April 2017 – Match day 11.

 FT NRFC 0 Bangkok United 0

The Swatcats welcomed high flying Bangkok United this weekend, with the men from Korat hoping to halt a disappointing run of results. The Bangkok Angels have scored 10 goals in their last 2 fixtures and will provide formidable opposition.  The attendance was 4531.

After a bright start from the visitors, Velkoski shot over, with an empty net beckoning, after a defensive lapse by Bangkok’s keeper. This was followed by periods of Swatcat pressure with Adiyiah the main threat. Whilst the Swatcats seemed to be in the ascendancy, Bangkok showed glimpes of class and their ability to get men forward quickly was superb and continued to cause the Swatcat defence problems.

In the 19^th minute, an Adiyiah cross struck the hand of a defender - a bolt on penalty not awarded and minutes later after a fine flowing move, Athibordee shot wide - he should have done better!!

In the 32^nd minute after a great solo run from his own half, Decha Sarandee drove just over from 14 yards - minutes later Boscovic sent an angled drive just wide. Minutes before half time the host’s keeper Saranon made a remarkable save from Boscovic to keep the scores level.

At half time, honours were even but with the hosts creating 3 or 4 clear chances, they were probably unlucky not to be ahead.

The second half opened with The Angels pressing but in the 50^th minute Adiyiah went close with an angled drive well saved by the keeper. One sensed that Bangkok had upped their effort but the Swatcat’s defence was able to cope with any threats pretty well. Meanwhile the hosts broke sporadically with effective use of the flanks. In the 62^nd minutes one of these breaks culminated in a chance for Adiyiah whose shot was well saved. Athibordee then shot over from 20 yards.

In the 64^th minute an audacious flick from Adiyiah went just wide and with the hosts continuing to exploit space on the flanks a goal was looking likely.

In the 68^th minute the Swatcats were again denied a penalty kick when Adiyiah was pulled down by the keeper and minutes later Chanatphon’s shot drifted inches wide.

Mario spurned a great chance to seal the win when he shot tamely in the 81^st minute and in a final drama the hosts were denied a third penalty when the keeper upended Chakrit inside the box. The referee adjudged the offence to be outside the box.

A much improved performance from the Swatcats and a real fillip for their fans. Against a tactically more astute team, they battled throughout and produced a number of chances, particularly in the first half. If, and it is a big if, they can produce this form consistently they should just keep clear of relegation woes.

Tonight they were unlucky not to gain all three points. This was their 6th draw - if 2 or 3 of these draws had been converted to wins, the team would be in a far more comfortable position.

Converting 3 of those draws into wins would put the team on 18 points - and 7^th place in the league!!

Match Day 11 stats.