Swatcat blog

Dateline 6^th May 2017 – Match day 13.

FT NRFC 1 Thai Honda Latkrabang 0

Mazda Swatcats revved up to outpace the Bangkok based Thai Honda in this potential relegation battle. The attendance was 4227.

The hosts opened brightly, creating their first chance in the first minute when Kirati Keawsombat drew a fine save from the keeper after good work from Adiyiah.

In the 10^th minute Jesus shot over from 18 yards after a fine break forward - an early warning for the hosts!! The Swatcats immediately countered when Athibordee curled an angled shot just wide of the post.

In the 19^th minute the Swatcats broke the deadlock when Athibordee stroked home from 12 yards after a fine flowing movement and then in the 29^th minute a brilliant charge forward from Chakrit produced a drive which drifted just over the bar.

In the 34^th minute a further warning for the hosts as an unmarked Jesus headed just wide then Adiyiah caused panic in the opponent’s defence with a mazy run into the box ending with a Chakrit effort being blocked.

Although the hosts were “bossing” the match during the first half, Thai Honda broke forward effectively - producing real chances in the 16^th and 26^th minutes - and certainly stretched the Swatcat’s defence, which looked fragile, at times. A half in which both sides created chances - maybe due to two equally weak defences.

The second half began with the hosts again on the front foot with Kirati Keawsombat charging forward only to be unceremoniously brought down just outside the box preventing a clear scoring chance. Unfortunately Kirati’s fall seemed to have seriously damaged his arm and he was stretchered off in great pain - sportingly many Thai Honda players helped to remove the gurney from the pitch.

The resulting free kick from Pinawas well saved.

In the 57^th minute, Honda scored a headed goal that was wrongly, in my opinion, given as offside and with advertising boards being scattered by the maelstrom and thunder claps beckoning, the teams were taken off the field of play after an early monsoon shower hit the 80^th Anniversary Stadium. Fans flocked to gain cover in the main stand but a sudden wind change gave everyone present in the stand a thorough soaking!!

The game recommenced after 20 minutes and as the game descended into farce like conditions on the waterlogged pitch, the Swatcats were able to hold on to their slender lead despite Thai Honda going close in the 65^th minute and again in the 77^th minute. The Swatcats themselves may have increased their lead with a Pina drive.

An invaluable 3 points for sure but let’s not get carried away. Thai Honda, despite the fact that they created many chances are not a strong side. In fact they could make a case for deserving a point. The Swatcat’s defence looked very vulnerable at times and although they created many chances they still lack the “cutting edge” up front.

We now sit in a comfortable 12^th place in the league - we have taken points off all six teams below us and we are 8 points above the drop zone. Although there are some grounds for optimism, I still think that we will continue to struggle against top ten teams - a big striker please - and soon!!

Match Day 13 stats