Dateline 28^th June 2017 – Match day 20.

 FT Pattaya United 3 NRFC 1

The Swatcats visited the home of fellow relegation candidates Pattaya United.

Early in the match, Pattaya looked a far more polished side than the visitors. They passed the ball through midfield well and looked dangerous up front. For the visitor’s part, the ball was given away cheaply allowing the home team to attack in waves.

The first real chance of the game came in the 10^th minute when Pina hit a 25 yard free kick that drew the best from the Dolphin’s keeper. The home team countered immediately with a 25 yard drive spectacularly saved by Koedpudchar.

In the 14^th minute a second “supersave” from keeper Koedpudchar prevented the Dolphins from going ahead. The Dolphins were now pressing and another miracle save from the visitor’s keeper again kept the scores level.

In the 29^th minute the inevitable happened when Stojanovic blasted home to give Pattaya a deserved lead. Minutes later Adiyiah went clear but his week shot was pushed wide - a good chance missed! From the resulting corner Rangel was adjudged to have been brought down in the box and a penalty was awarded - a harsh decision in my opinion. Replays revealed a blatant dive. Rangel himself converted the spot kick.

The Swatcats ended the half, somewhat fortuitously on level terms at 1-1.

The second half saw the home team still in the ascendancy and in the 58^th minute a fine drive from Santitorn put the hosts ahead. The Swatcats were offering very little up front, with Rangel’s low drive being the only chance of the half.

With Pattaya continuing to dominate they added a third when Wongsakorn added a third in time added on.

After the euphoria of last week a “down to earth” feeling for the Swatcats. They were thoroughly outplayed by Patttaya and in fact could have conceded 5 or 6 goals.

Not a disaster but it does put the team 1 point above fourth from bottom -  a precarious position to be in and with games against Buriram and Muang Thong to come, things could get much worse.

On the bright side, another goal from Rangel but that apart not too much to celebrate.

Match day 20 stats