Dateline 25^th April 2018

 FT Buriram United 2 NRFC 1

Attendance; 8818

This Isaan derby sees first against seventh as the Swatcats strive to dent Buriram’s title ambitions.

The Swatcats started without Adiyiah, Rangel or Chalermpong. The visitors matched their fellow Isaan outfit in early exchanges and they took an early lead in the 7^th minute when an optimistic low shot from Ekkanat deceived the home keeper and crept into the corner of the net. The hosts immediately raced forward and scored an equalizer through Joo Yun Soo when his deflected shot looped over keeper Cunningham.

Buriram took the lead in the 23^rd minute when Tunez headed in from close range following a corner. At the other end, Masuk had a long range shot that drifted over the bar as the Swatcats counter attacked but generally the Buriram defence seemed to be in control.

The second half commenced with Buriram pressing but despite this early pressure they were unable to increase their lead. In the 73^rd minute Nattapong was offered a guilt edged chance to equalise when he struck the ball over the bar from 2 yards following a corner. Seconds later Masuk went close with a drive and then Ekkachai’s shot was saved following a fine solo run. This flurry of chances seemed to rattle Buriram and they began to defend deeper and following further Swatcat pressure, I felt that Buriram were pleased to leave the pitch with their 3 points intact.

The Swatcats were not overawed by the Buriram side and at times they knocked the ball about effectively but one always thought that Buriram would punish any mistakes and they looked very dangerous at corners and crosses from the flanks.

In the end class prevailed but the Swatcats could leave the Thunder Castle with their heads held high. A high energy performance that was unfortunately not enough to hold the powerful Buriram team. In a strange way, this was one of the Swatcat’s best performances of the season. I would like to see how this line up would fare against lesser opponents than Buriram. Well done lads !!

Match Day 12 Stats