Dateline 5th August
2017 – Match day 25.
FT Ratchaburi FC 4 NRFC 0
The Swatcats took on the Dragons from Ratchaburi with the visitors
hoping to build on last week’s impressive performance against Si Saket. In the
opening minutes with both sides striving for that vital early goal, the visitor’s
keeper saved well from a low drive and Adiyiah spurned a golden chance when he
shot over from 10 yards.
In the 15th minute an unmarked Essombe flicked in
to open the scoring and seconds later, in a blow for the men from Korat,
Adiyiah went off injured to be replaced by Kitsada. The Swatcats now pressed
forward but Ratchaburi’s well drilled defence was coping well with any threats
and the Dragons continued to look dangerous on the break.
In the 32nd minute, Ratchaburi were awarded a penalty
for handball but Essombe carelessly blasted the spot kick over the bar and minutes
later following a Chakrit cross from the flank and a flick on from Rangel, Naruphol
found himself clear 6 yards out. He blasted his effort goal wards but somehow
the home keeper managed to smother the shot and save a certain equalizer.
In a half of few
chances Ratchaburi had the edge and the Swatcats were still in the match but
without the injured Adiyiah one wondered where any goals would come from with
Rangel playing alone up front.
In the 58th minute Ratchaburi went 2 up with a
simple header from Montree Promsawad and with very little evidence of the
visitors as an attacking force, it seemed like game over with 30 minutes
remaining.
In the 66th minute Ratchaburi put the game to bed
when Montree tapped in after a fine passing move and with all confidence
draining from the visitors, the home team completed the scoring in the 86th
minute with a fine solo effort from Chutipon Tongtae.
The Swatcats countered with a Pina free kick going narrowly
over and Chanatphon shooting wide after a fine move but by then the game was
well and truly over.
A pretty uninspiring performance today - conceding 4 and in
truth only producing 2 chances all match. This was probably one of the team’s
most disappointing performances of the season. The loss of Adiyiah was a blow
but there was little penetration up front and the ease in which the Ratchaburi
forwards carved open the Swatcats defence was worrying. The 4-0 scoreline was a
tad flattering but on balance the Swatcats were well beaten by a superior side.
Match Day 25 Stats
