Monday 8 October 2018


Season 2018 Review

After a surprisingly bright start that saw the team soaring into the top 6, the team settled into a comfortable mid table position although, it must be said never more than 4 or 5 points clear of the relegation zone. This was a crucial season for the team, with 5 down, I was not alone amongst Thai football pundits in thinking that they might be one of the favourites for the dreaded drop.

The club’s rather bold mid-season decision to end the contracts of Adiyiah and Rangel and bring in Assumpcao and other supporting squad players appeared to have paid off with improved second leg results.

The low point of the season was the walloping at home by Port followed by another home defeat to Chonburi. These were two dreadful performances and my spirits fell alarmingly as the spectre of relegation loomed large.

Highpoint was probably the run in the league cup, ended unfortunately by the loss on penalties to Chang Rai in the semifinal. A good day out for the fans and a morale booster for the players.

Questions will be asked of coach Joksic. My take is that he has led us to a fairly comfortable mid table finish with an average bunch of players. The team is now established in the Premier League and only investment in better players will help the club to kick on. Unfortunately, I think this is unlikely to happen so the future seems to be mid table obscurity.

Positives are that Malaysian striker Shehrel looks to have a great future with the club and the team’s defence, although at times appearing disorganized has looked fairly secure.
Assumpcao’s future is questionable and I am not sure that he is the right man up front. Coach Joksic’s promise of new strikers being brought in must bring his future into doubt. The coach has also promised that fans will see a more positive approach next season and that he is 100% confident that the team will finish in the top 7 - here’s hoping.


Dateline 7th Oct0ber 2018

 FT Bangkok Glass 1 NRFC 2

Attendance; 5053

In this the last game of the season, Bangkok Glass needed a solitary point to avoid relegation.

The home team opened brightly, dominating play in the first 20 minutes but not really creating many clear-cut chances. In the 31st minute, a poor Cunningham clearance was returned to Totti who rifled in from 18 yards to give Glass a deserved lead.

With the Swatcat’s usual lack of constructive forward play thus far, this looked like an easy 3 points for the home side.

In a totally unexpected turn of events, the visitors came out of their shell and Akekanat swept in from close range after the home keeper dropped a cross. Minutes later, Tanaboon brought down Assumpcao just outside the box and was shown a red card for the offence. The home crowd was then stunned into silence as Assumpcao fired in beautifully from the free kick as they saw their side stare relegation in the face.

At half time The Swatcats were lucky to be 2-1 up and Glass were beginning to look anxious and panic stricken.



The second half began and the expected onslaught from Glass came. An 18-yard free kick was deflected just over Cunningham’s bar but the host’s desperate surges forward of course left gaps at the back and Akekanat was unlucky with a glancing header.

Glass continued to play the better football but the Swatcat’s defensive resolve was proving hard to conquer. They pressed, as in the first half, but again clear-cut chances did not come. In the 58th minute, man of the match Akekanat kicked clear in a goalmouth scramble to defy Glass and on 67 minutes an angled drive flew just over.

 In the 79th minute a delightful cross presented Kunath with a chance to tap in, but unbelievably he mistimed his effort and the ball was cleared.  Glass countered and in another goalmouth scramble Cunningham bravely cleared the danger. With increased desperation Glass flooded forward and Decha this time was the hero as he cleared a dangerous situation. A minute later Cunningham saved miraculously from a point-blank header as the pressure built.

In the 80th minute Cunningham was again the hero when he pushed out a close-range shot - he took a real battering tonight as for the third time, a Glass forward clattered into him - he really is a warrior in times of need!!

With crosses raining in and Glass’s desperation growing the Swatcat defence time and again cleared their lines and in the 80th minute Cunningham brought off another blinder of a save from a close-range shot.

 In the closing minutes, Bangkok Glass’s defence was again found absent when substitute Shehrel blasted over with only the keeper to beat - in reality, despite Glass’s pressure, the Swatcats had produced more quality chances.

In a final desperate and final flourish, Totti went close in the dying seconds but the visitors held on for the victory.




A dour defensive performance which sent Bangkok Glass plummeting down into Tier 2. A lucky 3 points, however the defence must be commended for some brave and at times heroic work to keep Glass at bay.
7th place in the league following this result - a commendable effort from an average bunch of players who have been coached - by necessity I believe, to avoid defeats. Not great to watch but the alternative, especially in this 5 down season was relegation!!

Match Day 34 Stats and end of season table








Wednesday 3 October 2018


Dateline 3rd October 2018

 FT NRFC 1 Chang Rai 1

Attendance; 2356

The home team started adventurously with Shehrel and Jakkit breaking positively down the right flank. This strategy was rewarded in the 13th minute when Akekanat ghosted into the box to nod in from a free kick.

After near constant pressure, on 20 minutes, Assumpcao launched an angled drive that was well saved by the visitor’s keeper. Kitsada also went close with decent shot as the Swatcats pressed. Minutes later Noppol put in a bullet header from a corner. This effort was thwarted by a world class save from the keeper.

With the Swatcats seemingly well in control - in fact probably the best half of football played by the team this season, they were shocked by a fine shot that Cunningham managed to tip over and then on the stroke of half time, Sarawut converted a corner with a fine header to level the scores
.
As the first half drew to a close, the Swatcats were perhaps unlucky not to be ahead.



The second half started with the home team trying to regain their lead, but Chang Rai had other ideas. Striker Bill went close in the 50th minute and minutes later Cunningham brought off an excellent save from a 20-yard free kick.

With the visitor’s confidence growing by the minute, Bill spurned a great chance when he hooked over from 6 yards - the Swatcats were living dangerously!! These chances apart, the second half yielded little of merit and as the game petered out, one’s thought was that a draw was a fair reflection of the game.



In a game punctuated by incidents of brutish behaviour from Chang Rai players and 9 intermissions for players to receive medical attention, this was a decent if not spectacular performance from the Swatcats. If nothing else, the point gained tonight cements their tenure within the Premier League.

With the possibility of a top ten finish within the team’s reach, I guess the season might be viewed by some as a successful campaign - I personally am on the fence in this regard.

Match Day 33 Stats





Sunday 30 September 2018


Dateline 29th September 2018

 FT Chonburi 3 NRFC 1

Attendance; 3769

As the game commenced, the Swatcats had an early let off when they carelessly gave the ball away in midfield and only a great save from Cunningham avoided a disastrous opening. In the 5th minute, we saw the other side of keeper Cunningham when he mis controlled a back pass and presented Kroekrit with the ball. Kroekrit accepted the gift and tapped in to give the Sharks an early lead.

The visitors persevered in midfield but the inability to convert possession into chances was, as usual, evident. Assumpcao had a free kick blocked in what was one of few chances managed in the opening exchanges.

As Chonburi began to dominate, Ciro almost made the most of poor Swatcat defending when he nipped in and drew a near post save from Cunningham. Minutes later, more woeful defending presented an unmarked Worachit with a tap in on 32 minutes to put the Sharks two up.

On 38 minutes, Assumpcao gave the Swatcats a glimmer of hope when he beat two defenders on the edge of the box and fired in from 12 yards - a fine solo goal.
In the dying seconds of the first half, VAR drama, as the official checked whether Cunningham had brought down a Chonburi striker. He quickly decided that there was no offence committed.


                                        
The second half was largely played in farcical conditions as the heavens opened to produce a deluge that I have rarely experienced at a Thai football match. Constructive football was a nonstarter, although by then, Chonburi had already sealed a victory. The only highlights of note - barely visible through the stair rods of falling rain, were a Nebihi dazzling solo run through the defence ending in a tame shot and the Shark’s third goal, a weak shot from Kroekrit that literally crawled across the waterlogged pitch into the net to evade a stranded Cunningham.



Another insipid display, rather typical of the Swatcats’ recent performances. Little up front and tonight fragile at the back. The second half maelstrom had negligible effect on the result although it did reduce the match to farce. Sheltering under the stand with fellow boisterous Swatcat followers during the storm did nothing to reduce the malaise of tonight’s spectacle. How I yearned for the comfort and cover of my usual seat in the main stand at the 80th Anniversary Stadium!!

Match Day 32 Stats






Saturday 22 September 2018


Dateline 22nd September 2018

 FT NRFC 3 Prachuap Kiri Khan 3

Attendance; 2372

Striker Jakkit looked lively in early exchanges as the Swatcats probed - he is not the finished article just yet but I feel he will make a useful target man in the future. Despite the home team having the better of early encounters, Reis drew a fine save from Cunningham in the 18th minute.

The Swatcat’s approach play was fine tonight but often the final pass went astray as they pressed for an early advantage. The home team’s first real chance came in the 31st minute when Akekanat headed a Pina corner onto the crossbar. Almost immediately Prachuap broke forward and Reis missed from 8 yards with only the keeper to beat.

With the game suddenly bursting into life, the home team went ahead when Kitsada swept the ball in at the far post after a fine break from Ekkachai.

As the half drew to a close, the home team looked good value for their 37th minute lead.



In the 49th minute Ekkachai pounced on a poor clearance from the keeper and sent a 40 yard rocket just inches wide of the upright. As the Swatcats began to dominate, Assumpcao went close in the 54th minute and in the 64th minute they went two up when Shahrel tapped in after fine work from Pina.

Prachuap struck back immediately when a deflected Doumbouya shot looped over keeper Cunningham. The home team, still looking composed, was denied a third goal when a sharp near post header from Jakkit stuck the upright.

The points were seemingly in the bag when Assumpcao headed in on 72nd minutes and with coach Joksic looking very emotional on the sidelines, things were looking bright for the men from Korat.
With the Swatcats now rampant, Jakkit fired in from 20 yards, the keeper parried and the ball fell to Assumpcao’s feet but he failed to make a clear contact and the ball was cleared.

With a comfortable and deserved 3-1 lead, the hosts relaxed and Prachuap took full advantage of this lapse. An unmarked Doumbouya nodded in on 81 minutes and the visitors completed the comeback in the 93rd minute when Cunningham dropped an innocuous looking shot and Reis tapped in.

The referee used VAR to review the incident but he allowed the goal.



Two points dropped against a poor Prachuap side - as it happens it doesn’t really matter but disappointing none the less. Joksic started with two real strikers at last - Jakkit and Assumpcao and we scored three goals - perhaps the penny has finally dropped.

Tonight’s performance was fine but why can’t the coach realize that his recent ploy of playing Akekanat - a wing back - as the sole striker is probably not the best strategy. Perhaps the attendance figure is testament to the coach’s negative tactics. Fans will not turn up to watch a team averaging 2 or 3 shots on target per match.

Thursday 20 September 2018


League Cup Semi final played at Supachalasai Stadium
FT Chang Rai United 1 NRFC 1
Chiang Rai United beat Nakhon Ratchasima 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at the Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok. 
Chiang Rai started brightly and had the first effort on goal in the sixth minute when Phititwat struck his drive wide from 20 yards. After continual pressure, the Beetles opened the scoring five minutes later when Chaiyawat fired in.
In a half completely dominated by Chang Rai whose movement off the ball and slick passing left the Swatcats players chasing shadows, the men from Korat were lucky to go into the half only one down.
The phrase “the team did not turn up tonight” might have been ascribed to the Swatcats in the first half and at half time, it was difficult to see away back for the men in orange.
The second half commenced with a more determined approach from the Swatcats and they began to exert pressure on the Chang Rai defence. In the 49th minute Kunath went close with a clever header after a chipped pass from Pina. Chang Rai then countered and Siwakorn smashed in from 12 yards but the keeper managed to beat his drive away.
In the 68th minute a vicious Pina free kick was headed off the line as the Swatcats searched for an equalizer. With time running out, the Swatcats continued to dominate and their dominance was rewarded when they won a penalty in the 72ndminute. Thanasak brought down Leandro and the Brazilian took the kick himself, firing low into the corner to level the score.
On 78 minutes Swatcat elation was turned to despair when, with Chiang Rai fading, Jakkit slotted home at the far post but the flag was up for offside.
Full time ended with the Swatcats looking the stronger of the two teams although Sivacorn had a chance to win the tie in the dying minutes with his rasping drive going narrowly wide.
A largely uneventful first period of extra time was followed by a second period in which the Swatcats had their chances to seal the tie. Assumpcao prodded over from 6 yards out and then the striker had a real chance to win it when he swiveled but his shot went straight into the keeper’s arms.
The tie then went to penalties and misses from Shahrel, Jakkit and Chanatphon sealed the tie for Chang Rai.



Wednesday 12 September 2018


Dateline 12th September 2018

 FT NRFC 2 Navy FC 1

Attendance; 1465

In a distinctly miserable and wet midweek evening, strugglers Navy were the guests.

The visitors opened brightly, out passing the home team and looking dangerous moving forward. They seemed to be coping better with the sodden pitch but were nearly shocked in the 6th minute when a long range Antonio Pina free kick went inches wide.

The Swatcat defence was opened up in the 11th minute when a cross found Amadou completely unmarked in the 6 yard box - there was no defender within 3 yards of him!!! He slid the ball under Cunningham to give Navy an early lead.

In the 20th minute the Swatcat defence was again ruthlessly exposed when Caton broke through, unbelievably with only the keeper to beat he shot wide from 6 yards - what a let off!!
As the half progressed the hosts were unable to exert any dominance and indeed, Navy looked the more accomplished side.



The second half saw the Swatcats seemingly determined to overturn their first half deficit and in the 49th minute, after some fine interplay, Akekanat was just wide with a drive. A minute later Pralong Sawandee put in a delicious cross for Assumpcao to hammer home the equalizer.

The home team now began to dominate as Navy wilted and with almost constant pressure and several fine passing movements, it seemed only a matter of time before the winner would come.

The hosts went close with a diving header in the 60th minute then Pina tested the keeper with an in swinging corner as the Swatcats pressed. Pralong Sawandee then drew a fine save from the keeper with a swerving free kick.

The chances continued to come as Ekkachai broke forward and only a fine save from his drive prevented a second goal and minutes later another long range free kick from Pina whistled past the post.

Navy caused a solitary moment of panic in the 92nd minute when the ball ping ponged around in the 6 yard box following a corner but the hosts survived and finally the inevitable happened when Jakkit poked the ball home from a sublime cross by Pralong Sawandee to give the hosts a deserved lead.



A real Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Swatcats tonight but in reality safety from the drop has been achieved. An inept and depressing first half performance where in reality they should have been two nil down was followed by a fine domineering display leading to a vital three points.
The importance of this victory was brought home as coach Joksic sank to his knees in the mud as the second goal went in and we can now all relax with 5 games to go and safety assured.

Match Day 29 Stats





Sunday 9 September 2018


Dateline 8th September 2018

 FT NRFC 0 Buriram United 2

Attendance; 15679

The Swatcats welcomed future TPL Champs Buriram United this weekend.

Right from the start it was apparent that this was going to be a “men verses boys” encounter with Buriram confidently stroking the ball around whilst the Swatcats gamely and at times agriculturally tried to get a toehold in the game.

With Diogo a constant threat (what a player he is), the Buriram players were quicker to the ball and their off the ball movement meant that there was always a passing option. The Swatcats conversely appeared to be laboured and unable to maintain possession.

In the second minute a quick break forward by Osvaldo led to his low drive striking the post - an early warning for the hosts. Minutes later the Swatcats were denied a clear penalty when Chanatphon was tripped inside the box - where is VAR when you need it???

In the 23rd minute Akekanat swept the ball into the net but was adjudged to be offside - a correct decision from where I was sitting. Buriram continued to push forward and in the 30th minute Osvaldo drew a save from Cunningham after a clever flick from Diogo.
A minute later Diogo finished off a fine flowing move when he swept in from the edge of the box to give the visitors a well deserved lead, and as the half drew to a close it looked a long way back for the men in orange.


The second half commenced with Buriram again in the ascendance with the men from Korat unable to mount a sustainable challenge. Osvaldo was inches wide with an angled drive on 55 minutes and the result was put beyond doubt on 64 minutes when Diogo, in true Diogo style, ran in from deep and swept the ball into the net from 14 yards.

Osvaldo who had been a constant threat all match nearly made it three a minute later when his angled drive went narrowly wide.



The Swatcats were completely outclassed by a side superior in all departments and there is no shame in that. The Swatcats, however, have now managed only 3 shots on target in the last two games. I understand Joksic’s need to grind out the results to avoid relegation but what about the long suffering fans. Sure the massive crowd of 15 000 were entertained by a talented Buriram side but I do wonder how many will turn up on Wednesday for the Navy game.

Football is an entertainment business… in this regard some teams are failing the fans!!!

Match Day 28 Stats





Thursday 6 September 2018


Dateline 5th September 2018

 FT Pattaya United 0 NRFC 1

Attendance; 2328

An explosive start in this mid table clash when, in the second minute, Antonio Pina sensationally lashed in from 50 yards. This goal will 100% be seen as the goal of the season.
An astonished crowd, after recovering from such an amazing event was then subjected to the most successful rearguard action since Peacock’s Hill!!

Pattaya pressed forward gamely, probing and despite creating chances, were unable to break down the Swatcat’s resolute defence.

A 7th minute free kick crashed against the visitor’s crossbar and minutes later Cunningham brought off two miraculous saves to keep out home attempts from close range but with the stage being set, the Swatcats dug in and defended deep.

In the 15th minute, in a rare raid forward, Kunath was denied a stonewall penalty when he was brought down unceremoniously inside the box. Pattaya bounced back and keeper Cunningham was again called into action in the 22nd minute when he tipped a low drive just around the post.

As the half drew to a close, the home team were well on top but were becoming increasingly frustrated at their inability to break the deadlock.



As the second half began, Pattaya continued to surge forward and in the 60th minute a long range shot shaved the post and minutes later Cunningham tipped a free kick onto the bar.

In a late flourish Cunningham parried a close range header but despite almost continuous pressure, Pattaya only managed 3 direct second half shots on target - testament I feel to the visitor’s dogged defending.
In the final minute Kunath, through on goal, was upended and the home defender was shown a red card. The resulting free kick from Pina was well saved by the keeper.



Well, this was a result much against the run of play. The visitors shut up shop after the early opener and then a brave rearguard action against a talented Pattaya team resulted in an important three points. That early goal was one of only two attempts on goal for the team and perversely, Pattaya could have scored 4 or 5 but for some real heroics by keeper Cunningham.

The team is, in my opinion, now safe from relegation - well done to the players and coach - I certainly underestimated the team and now we must press for a top 8 position in the league.
A forthcoming semi final berth (and final maybe) coupled with a potential top 8 finish certainly represents a successful campaign. My early season pessimism was thankfully unwarranted and we seem to have survived the pivotal “5 down” season.

Match Day 27 Stats





Sunday 5 August 2018


Dateline 5th August 2018

 FT NRFC 0 Bangkok United 0

Attendance; 4677

The Swatcats welcomed the Angels from Bangkok in this, the last match before the near month long break for the Asian Games.

In a rather bizarre line up, wingback Akekanat was played up front and Malaysian striker Shahrel was played as a wingback - a role he certainly looked uncomfortable in. Yayar Kunath was also given a start.

 In a first half almost devoid of chances the visitors showed great passing skills which resulted in large periods of midfield possession with the hosts unable at times to get the ball from their more talented adversaries. Their possession however was not being rewarded by chances created as the hosts defended bravely.

The Angels were restricted to a single long range shot that drifted wide and a headed half chance from a corner. The hosts for their part went close when Kunath failed to connect with a pin point cross and Akekanat dragged a shot wide.

As a rather entertaining first half concluded, neither keeper had been called into serious action.



The second half started with the hosts beginning to assert themselves as the Angels began to fade. The momentum seemed to have shifted in favour of the hosts as they hunted for a vital first goal.

In the 73rd minute Yayar Kunath connected with a well directed free kick but his header was weak and drifted wide - one thought that if it had been Assumpcao on the end of the free kick, the deadlock would have been broken!!
A minute later, the finest move of the match. Assumpcao broke forward and a deft flick put Jakkit clear. His cross was met by the advancing Assumpcao but his chance was foiled by a combination of defender and keeper and the ball was deflected just wide.

In a late Bangkok surge, Robson was inches wide with a fine drive and then in the 93rd minute Pokklaw Anan’s 25 yard shot shaved the post with keeper Cunningham flailing - probably the Angels first real chances of the match.



Another fighting performance to gain a vital point against a technically superior Bangkok outfit. In a game of precious few chances, the Swatcats, fighting for their very TPL existence, defied the Angels from Bangkok and indeed could have snatched all three points with what was arguably their only clear cut chance of the match.
We now go into the Asian Games break on a relative high, sitting in a creditable 8h place and 6 points clear of the relegation zone.

Match Day 26 Stats






Sunday 29 July 2018


Dateline 29th July 2018

 FT Air Force Central 1 NRFC 0

Attendance; 1898

The Swatcats took on league basement side Air Force this weekend. They started without skipper Chalermpong and with Pina and Marinkovic in midfield.

The match commenced in very heavy conditions with heavy rain continuing to fall.

In a rather tentative start by both teams, as they attempted to adapt to the worsening conditions, chances were scarce but the hosts were beginning to dominate possession.

In the 23rd minute Assumpcao missed a tap in from 4 yards - the first real chance of the match. The Swatcats then began to knock the ball around effectively and Assumpcao was denied a clear penalty when he was pushed in the back.

In a thrilling first half final 5 minutes, Assumpcao was again in action in the 40th minute when he finished a fine move with a rasping drive that went narrowly wide. Minutes later Marinkovic let fly with a 30 yard thunderbolt that was tipped over by the keeper. From the resulting corner Assumpcao’s shot was cleared acrobatically off the line.

A half of few chances and little excitement drew to a close with the match deadlocked at 0-0.



The second half began with Assumpcao going close as the visitors went on the offensive. He nearly put the visitors deservedly ahead on 60 minutes after a quickly taken throw in, but his shot was parried by the keeper.

Air Force seemed to have run out of ideas as the Swatcats pressed and on the hour had not yet produced a single shot on target.

As the Swatcats seemed to tire, Air Force bounced back, with a drive narrowly wide and a header just over the bar. Cunningham then saved well from an angled drive as Air Force began to take control late in the game.

Air Force broke the deadlock with a 90th minute winner as Kayne Vincent fired in from 8 yards - unbelievably, their first shot on target in the whole match!!



Disappointing result and back into the relegation mix. This was not a great spectacle, hampered as it was by poor conditions. The Swatcats defended well and Assumpcao could have bagged a hat trick but his poor finishing cost us dearly. We have now made it “squeaky bum” time as we are only 5 points clear of the bottom five. I suspect that we will be safe but with Bangkok United next i.e. no points, we could find ourselves only 2 points clear going into the Asian Games break.

Match Day 25 Stats








Saturday 21 July 2018


Dateline 21st July 2018

 FT NRFC 1 Chainat Hornbills 0

Attendance; 3270

The Swatcats welcomed the Hornbills in this mid table clash. They started with Assumpcao and Malaysian Shahrel up front - still no Yayah Kunath!!

The home team started brightly and Shahrel shot just wide in the third minute. They then began to dominate and with Chainat throwing 3 or 4 men forward in rather a reckless fashion surely openings would be left at the back.

In the 15th minute, a Chakrit cross was deflected goal ward by a defender but an alert keeper managed to palm the ball just wide of the post - a lucky let off for the visitors. From the resulting Pina corner, Jakkit headed in to give the Swatcats a deserved lead.

The home team continued to create half chances and with any luck could have been 2 or 3 as the half came to an end.



As the second half progressed, the home defence was put to a real test as the Hornbills strived for an equalizer. Sterling work from Lee and Chalermpong aided by T May T, managed to keep the marauding Hornbills at bay. Despite the Hornbill pressure, they did not create real chances and indeed Jakkit almost put the Swatcats two up with a fine drive in the 53rd minute.

The home team were denied a stonewall penalty in the 64th minute when Assumpcao was body checked in the box but play was waved on - one of many dubious decisions that tonight’s referee made. Assumpcao then had a clear chance to make it two in the 71st minute but his low drive was weak. Minutes later he raced through on goal only to be again body checked off the ball just outside the box - again his claim for a foul was turned down!!



Definitely a proverbial “game of two halves - first half, the Swatcats dominated but second half they defended too deep and allowed a spirited and attack minded Hornbill side to put the defence under massive pressure.

A competent performance from the home side and a massive 3 points. I now feel that the team is safe from the drop and indeed should be looking to cement a seventh place finish. Full marks to the club for adding to the squad at a critical time and despite my early season pessimism, the club appears to have rescued its season.

I consider that the club has massively exceeded expectations - well done to everyone at the club. 8 games unbeaten, bottom placed Air Force next weekend and a winnable FA Cup quarter final to come - things are looking up!!

Match Day 24 Stats






Sunday 15 July 2018


Dateline 15th July 2018

 FT Muang Thong United 0 NRFC 0

Attendance; 6881

The Swatcats visited the home of fallen heroes Muang Thong United this weekend.

The match commenced with the home side pressing. The Swatcats, without the injured Assumpcao, were offering little up front and they were subject to almost constant Muang Thong pressure.

Coelho had a couple of headers just off target as the pressure built and the home side had a bullet of a shot hammer the post as the visitors continued to live dangerously.

Completely against the run of play, Yaya Kunath went close on the break then seconds later T Mat T struck a fine shot that the keeper tipped just over.
In the 36th minute Ekkachai was shown a red card for barging into the referee after a series of decisions had gone against his teammates. A silly reaction by Ekkachai and the referee had no option than to order the player off.

As the first half drew to a close, firm defending and a large dollop of luck prevented the home team from breaking the deadlock but perversely, the Swatcats could be one or two up!!



As the second half commenced, one had to wonder could the Swatcats possibly hold out for another 45 minutes!! The expected onslaught continued but Pralong Sawandee hit a free kick that rattled the crossbar in a rare Swatcat foray forward.
Coelho went close in the 62nd minute and Heberty drew a fine save from keeper Cunningham in the 65th minute but Muang Thong seemed to be slowly running out of ideas as the visitors defended resolutely.

Pralong Sawandee had a speculative shot in the 83rd minute but the hosts continued to probe, searching for that elusive winner. Sawandee had a late chance to win the game with a 22 yard free kick but he fired over and the game concluded goalless. 



A brave Swatcat performance tonight as they challenged a much superior Muang Thong outfit. A well earned and valuable point that extends the Swatcat’s unbeaten run. Pralong Sawandee was exceptional and Yaya Kunath looked lively throughout and did enough to earn himself a regular berth in the side.

Match Day 23 Stats





Sunday 8 July 2018


Dateline 7th July 2018

 FT NRFC 2 Ratchaburi 1

Attendance; 2559

The Swatcats welcomed the Ratchaburi Dragons this weekend with skipper Chalermpong making his 100th appearance for the club.

The match kicked off in a near empty stadium - I have never seen it so bereft of fans.

Ratchaburi looked quite lively in early exchanges and with the home team unable to maintain possession, an early Dragon goal seemed likely. The Swatcats fought back however and a series of corners eased the pressure. They then created a couple of half chances as they grew into the game and Marinkovic went close with a long range shot.

In the 43rd minute, a clever lob from Pralong Sawandee bounced tantalizingly off the crossbar with all defenders looking on in amazement. This was the only real chance in an otherwise uneventful 45 minutes of football.



With the second half  only minutes old, one of the most bizarre own goals I have ever seen was scored by Philip Roller as he sliced the ball in from 16 yards to give the men in orange the lead. Ratchaburi produced a couple of half hearted shots on goal but the Swatcats seemed a little more composed in the second half and began to look dangerous on the break.

The home team now began to dominate proceedings as the Dragons faded and a couple of guilt edged chances were wasted by Assumpcao and Shahrel Fikri. The visitors countered and pushed forward looking for an equalizer, aided, it has to be said, by constant losses of possession in midfield by the home team.

The Dragons deservedly equalized in the 78th minute when Nerijus Valskis nodded in from a corner. A minute later the Swatcats regained the lead with a superb, diving header from Assumpcao.
In a late surge, Ekkachai went close on two occasions in a turbocharged finish for the home team as they swept forward looking to seal the three points but they were unable to add to their tally.



Fleetingly up to 7th place and a vital and well deserved 3 points but there is no doubt that the team is struggling. The inability to maintain possession is putting massive pressure on the defensive unit and the midfield is failing miserably in its task of providing service for the front men. These are the same problems repeated week after week and one wonders if proficient coaching is taking place.

Match Day 22 Stats





Saturday 30 June 2018


Dateline 30th June 2018

 FT Sukhothai 1 NRFC 1

Attendance; 2423

The Swatcats took on the Firebats of Sukhothai in another crucial 6 pointer relegation battle.

 The visitors started with new Malaysian signing Shahrel Fikri up front.

Sukhohai opened brightly with Bonilla going close twice in the first 5 minutes but the visitors countered with Shahrel being just wide with a snap header.

With Baggio a constant threat down the right flank, the Firebats looked dangerous and after constant pressure, Bonilla was inches wide with an angled drive in the 19th minute - the Swatcats goal line was leading a charmed life !!

The home team was awarded a penalty for a clumsy challenge in the 28th minute and Bonilla converted the spot kick to give Sukhothai the lead. They were unlucky not to go two up when Baggio broke clear but his shot was spectacularly scooped off the goal line by a retreating defender.

Somewhat against the run of play Lee converted a Pina free kick with a far post header to put the Swatcats level in the 42nd minute.

 The first half drew to a close with Sukhothai looking a far superior side with the Swatcats struggling to make much impact up front and lucky to be on level terms.



In what I anticipate is going to be a tough 45 minutes for the Swatcats, the half opened with Pina missing an absolute sitter on 48 minutes when he shot wide from 10 yards with an open goal beckoning.
The Swatcats were gaining more possession in the second half with Sukhothai tiring but in late drama Sukhothai had a shot controversially blocked on the line with their players claiming that it had crossed the line. With both sides struggling to create clear chances the match drew to a conclusion with both teams happy with a point.



Outplayed in the first half by a team in poor form is not a good omen for the rest of the season but the team fought well and their second half performance was much improved.
Newcomer Shahrel, despite being quite anonymous tonight will, I feel, be a success in the future and should be a perfect foil for Assumpcao.
This is the 4th draw in a row and 5 matches unbeaten for the Swatcats, the team is ticking over and picking up points which is encouraging - our recent acquisitions should see us just safe come the end of the season.

Match Day 21 Stats.