Dateline 28^th April 2018

 FT Navy FC 1 NRFC 3

Attendance; 2469

The Swatcats visited Sattahip to take on strugglers Navy this weekend.

The match commenced in wet conditions watched by a very sparse crowd but with great support from the visiting Swatcat fans. Chalermpong and Rangel were both back in the opening line up.

Early drama in the 2^nd minute when Ekkachai broke clear but the out coming keeper blocked his shot. Rangel, following through poked the ball just wide. On a very heavy pitch the visitors were gaining the majority of possession in an encouraging start for the men from Korat.

Navy countered and Rodrigo’s drive was well saved by keeper Cunningham as the hosts began to gain a toehold in the game. Cunningham was called upon to make further two great saves as Navy began to dominate.

The Swatcat goal was now being peppered with shots, including an Amadu effort that struck the post, as the visitor’s defence sat deep - so disappointing after the Swatcats encouraging start.

In the 26^th minute, somewhat against the run of play Paulo Rangel nodded in from 9 yards to open the scoring. Minutes later, Cunningham, rapidly becoming a Swatcat hero, saved well again to keep Rodrigo’s angled drive out.

The Swatcats went two up in the 34^th minute, when Rangel turned a Chanatphon cross into the net. Seconds later, Cunningham was again the hero when he leapt high to keep out a vicious drive. I was beginning to think this might be our night!!!

 Unbelievably Rangel completed his hat trick in the 41^st minute when he tapped in a Pina cross

 but Rodrigo nodded in during first half stoppage time to give the home team some hope of a comeback.

The first half concluded with the Swatcats 3-1 up, when in reality they should have been 4-3 down!!

In near farcical conditions with further heavy rain, the second half kicked off and within minutes Rangel missed an absolute sitter when he fired wide from 7 yards. The visitors continued to move forward and Sarawut was denied by a smart save from the Navy keeper.

Rodrigo went close with a long range effort in the 69^th minute but that apart, the Swatcat defence seemed to be in control. In the 75^th minute a superb passing movement was finished by Rangel whose drive was pushed around the post for a corner.

Navy tested Cunningham once more in the 86^th minute and Amadu rattled the post but in the heavy conditions they were unable to launch a comeback as the Swatcats defended bravely.

Unbelievable result for the Swatcats. An excellent smash and grab victory with the team being smuggled out of the stadium wearing striped shirts and carrying bags marked swag. Following on from the Buriram game the team played some excellent passing movements - especially when breaking forward - I didn’t know they had it in them, although the addition of Sarawut might have helped. I am beginning to think that this team has the guts and talent to perhaps gain a top ten finish - I really have been impressed with their spirit so far this season. Well done again boys !!

Match Day 13 Stats.