Dateline 22nd April 2018

 FT NRFC 2 Pattaya United 0

Attendance; 8817.

Following 4 defeats in their last five games and with 2 away games to follow, it was absolutely vital for the Swatcats to gain three points in this match.

 The Swatcats started with Rangel up front, but still no Adiyiah and captain Chalermpong was also missing. Samuel Cunningham, having recovered from injury was thankfully back in goal.

The match commenced with Pattaya looking lively but despite the visitor’s pressure, the hosts created a couple of early chances, with Rangel drawing a fine save from the keeper in the 15^th minute as the Swatcats pressed.

The Swatcats opened the scoring in the 20^th minute when Ekkachai slotted home following a corner kick and minutes later, in a bizarre moment, Paulo Rangel was booked and asked to leave the field for wearing a necklace, Paulo was rightfully indignant and had to be pulled away from the fourth official as he argued his case.

The second half saw Pattaya looking for an equalizer but the hosts defended effectively and following a break in the 52^nd minute, Lee headed just wide following a Chanatphon free kick.

Pattaya went close in the 72^nd minute but despite playing some good football in midfield, they created little up front.

The hosts survived a late scare when a goal bound header from Pattaya appeared to be deflected over the bar by a defender’s arm, luckily no penalty was awarded. I suspect that if VAR had been available the decision would have been changed.

In the 86^th minute Naruphol was hauled to the ground inside the box. A penalty was awarded but Rangel’s effort was well saved by the keeper.

The Swatcats sealed the victory with a second, deep into injury time, when Ekkachai broke clear and stroked the ball in from 10 yards.

Super victory for the Swatcats - well deserved and an important three points that places them in a very respectable seventh place in the league. A sound performance from the whole team who kept their heads despite periods of pressure from a decent and technically superior Pattaya outfit.

Well done boys, now bring on Buriram !!

Match Day 11 Stats