Dateline 3^rd October 2018

 FT NRFC 1 Chang Rai 1

Attendance; 2356

The home team started adventurously with Shehrel and Jakkit breaking positively down the right flank. This strategy was rewarded in the 13^th minute when Akekanat ghosted into the box to nod in from a free kick.

After near constant pressure, on 20 minutes, Assumpcao launched an angled drive that was well saved by the visitor’s keeper. Kitsada also went close with decent shot as the Swatcats pressed. Minutes later Noppol put in a bullet header from a corner. This effort was thwarted by a world class save from the keeper.

With the Swatcats seemingly well in control - in fact probably the best half of football played by the team this season, they were shocked by a fine shot that Cunningham managed to tip over and then on the stroke of half time, Sarawut converted a corner with a fine header to level the scores

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As the first half drew to a close, the Swatcats were perhaps unlucky not to be ahead.

The second half started with the home team trying to regain their lead, but Chang Rai had other ideas. Striker Bill went close in the 50^th minute and minutes later Cunningham brought off an excellent save from a 20-yard free kick.

With the visitor’s confidence growing by the minute, Bill spurned a great chance when he hooked over from 6 yards - the Swatcats were living dangerously!! These chances apart, the second half yielded little of merit and as the game petered out, one’s thought was that a draw was a fair reflection of the game.

In a game punctuated by incidents of brutish behaviour from Chang Rai players and 9 intermissions for players to receive medical attention, this was a decent if not spectacular performance from the Swatcats. If nothing else, the point gained tonight cements their tenure within the Premier League.

With the possibility of a top ten finish within the team’s reach, I guess the season might be viewed by some as a successful campaign - I personally am on the fence in this regard.

Match Day 33 Stats