Dateline 30^th 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 19^th minute - the Swatcats goal line was leading a charmed life !!

The home team was awarded a penalty for a clumsy challenge in the 28^th 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 42^nd 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 4^th 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.