Dateline 5^th July 2017 – Match day 22.

 FT NRFC 0 Muang Thong United 1

The stumbling Kirins were the guests at the 80^th Anniversary Stadium in this mid week encounter. The Swatcats surely hoping that they would not be the victims of retribution after a weak run of results by the once mighty Muang Thong.

On a pitch that looked more like a ploughed field and in front of 8429 spectators, the visitors started brightly. In a hectic start the Kirins flooded forward with a chance cleared off the line followed by an acrobatic overhead kick from Heberty that struck the bar.

The hosts countered with a fine 25 yard drive from Pina that was well saved by keeper Kawin. Minutes later Rangel chested down a cross for Adiyiah who failed to test the keeper with his shot.

In a match already littered with chances Heberty drew a fine save from the home keeper with a well struck free kick from 22 yards. The hosts now exerted a period of pressure but were unable to make the final ball count as the Kirins defended effectively.

In the 36^th minute Adiyiah seized upon a defensive mistake and shot inches wide from 20 yards and right on half time Rangel broke clear and shot from 18 yards with Kawin forced to push the effort wide. With the hosts having the majority of play, Muang Thong could consider themselves lucky to go into half time on level terms.

The second half began with both sides sparring on an ever worsening pitch with the conditions precluding any real chance of attractive passing football and one sensed that a defensive error might decide the game.

As the half progressed Muang Thong began to exert pressure and with very little going forward from the hosts, wave after wave of attacking moves from the visitors were forthcoming - could the Swatcat defence hold on?

In a rare foray forward Kritsada had a goal bound shot blocked in the 75^th minute and in the 80^th minute after good work; Adiyiah saw his shot deflected wide, but relentless pressure from the KIrins must eventually be rewarded with a winner.

In the 90^th minute Assumpcao headed in to give Muang Thong the lead and the hosts were unable to respond

With teams around and below them picking up points, the Swatcats face a struggle to keep their heads above water in the relegation stakes. Although I still think that the team is too good to go down, results seem to be conspiring against them and unless they string together a decent run, they are going to find themselves in trouble and at risk of the drop come the end of the season.

Match Day 22 Stats