Dateline 17^th May 2017 – Match day 15.

Ubon UMT United 1 FT NRFC 3

Two sides were battling for Isaan “bragging rights” in tonight’s encounter in Ubon. The visitors shocked the home side in the 5^th minute when Chakrit volleyed home after a Pina free kick was parried by the home keeper.

Ubon struck back quickly when they equalized on 10 minutes when an unmarked Nebihi slotted home from 10 yards. A minute later Chakrit countered with a fine drive which was well saved.

After this explosive start, the match settled with both sides probing with defences looking vulnerable. Adiyiah - as usual was The Swatcat’s main threat going forward - ably supported by Chakrit.

Velkoski drew a good save from the keeper with a 20 yard drive on 23 minutes as the Swatcats swarmed forward in what was looking like a very open game. Pina then stuck a 35 yard free kick which was again parried by the keeper but the ball was scrambled clear.

On 36 minutes, a low corner was prodded home by Velkoski to give the visitors a deserved first half lead. A decent first half by the Swatcats. They looked very fluid going forward but can the defence hold on and prevent an equalizer??

The second half kicked off with Thaiwolf hoping that the Swatcats do not do the usual and sit back inviting the opposition to attack. Ubon went straight into attacking mode with Nebihi drawing a fine save from the visitor’s keeper then a header from a free kick went narrowly wide.

In what was already looking like a rearguard action, an equalizer was looking likely with the defence sitting too deep.

What do I know? The Swatcats broke forward with pace and Adiyiah fired in from 16 yards - 3-1. Chakrit nearly made it 4-1 with a snap shot in the 64^th minute as Ubon’s heads began to drop.

On 70 minutes Pina sent a free kick inches over in a rare foray forward as Ubon pressed for a second goal.

With the defence soaking up tepid pressure from the home side, the Swatcats were cruising towards a deserved victory when Kantapol was sent off for a second yellow in the 83^rd minute. From the resulting free kick the home side struck the bar with an 8 yard snap shot. Minutes later Nebihi headed over as the Swatcats soaked up some late pressure.

On 91 minutes Velkoski spurned a golden opportunity when he broke clear. He chose to pass rather than take a shot and the ball was cleared. This could have easily been a 5-1 victory

A most satisfying performance and a great 3 points tonight. I have to ask “Why can’t they do this every week?” Ubon are a useful side and this was no fluke. We looked likely to score goals tonight from the start and with the defence performing ably this was a complete team performance.

Good news to report at last – now for Chang Rai !!

Match Day 15 Stats