Dateline 8^th 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 23^rd 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