A season of two halves or how dreams turned to nightmares - the Swatcat season review.

For the first year since we entered the TPL, I was optimistic about the season ahead, based on the firm foundation of the previous seasons defensive displays (they were the fourth best performing defence last year), the promise of a more attack minded approach and the significant addition of strikers Henri and Amadou, backed ably by the classy Assumpcao, this was going to be a season to remember and a top six finish almost guaranteed.

The first encounters were looking promising with the team hovering securely in the top 6 or 7. The displays were sound and perhaps a cup win could be beckoning. As the first leg ended, the Swatcats were in 7^th place. ……. THEN.

As the second leg progressed, injuries to key players and amid rumours of discontent concerning possible transfer targets, the team went into a death spiral, winning just 3 times during the second leg, plunging the team into the lower half of the table and dangerously close to the relegation zone. A 5-1 defeat to bottom placed Chang Mai was the final straw and coach Milos Joksic resigned.

With just 5 games to go to save the Swatcats from the drop, Chalermwut Sangapol took over. With his first match in charge at Port abandoned due to rain, his first real challenge was the home game against aspiring Samut Prakan. A rare and unexpected victory gave the fans hope of a miracle. A superb win at fellow strugglers Chainat boosted their hopes further and it transpired that a win or a draw in the last match of the season would ensure safety.

Played in front of a bumper crowd of over 19000 fans the Swatcats went out with a whimper, being outplayed by Sukhothai, their premier League status only preserved by Suphanburi’s defeat by Chang Rai. 

Coach Chalermwut should be applauded for the victories against Samut Prakan and Chainat, matches that proved pivotal and ultimately saved the club from relegation, but personally, I did not see enough to convince me that he is the right man for the job.

The team was able to survive in previous seasons with a mediocre squad because of the way Milos Joksic set the team up - unexciting to watch but allowing TPL mid table mediocrity. Pressure to play more exciting and attacking football led to the demise of coach Joksic and almost the loss of the team’s TPL status.

Maybe a lesson learnt, maybe not, but perhaps we should all be careful what we wish for.

Dateline 26 th October 2019

 NRFC 2 Sukhothai 4

Attendance; 19154

 

A crunch match for both teams as the Gladiators marched out in front of 19154 baying fans.

Sukhothai looked the more accomplished side in the first 20 minutes as the home team huffed and puffed trying to string a few passes together. Playing sparkling and imaginative football, it was no surprise when the visitors went ahead in the 22nd minute with a brilliant shot from 20 yards by Khapfa Boonmatoom.

Sukhothai continued to dominate and what was fast becoming a typical lackluster performance from the hosts, the Firebats went deservedly two up in the 28^th minute when Khapfa smashed in from 14 yards - why keeper Cunningham flapped at the cross and Khapfa was left unmarked in the box should be two problems to be given priority by the new coach.

The second half commenced with a more spirited approach from the men in orange. Their endeavors were rewarded in the 57^th minute when Yanto Basna prodded the ball past his own keeper whilst under pressure from Chitchanok.

This fired up the home team with substitute Chitchanok prominent, they went searching for an equalizer and following great work down the flank from Henri and Amadou, Chitchanok prodded home in the 64^th minute.

With the Swatcats now smelling victory, they charged forward with the fans baying for a third but the bubble was burst when Yanto Basna prodded home to regain the lead in the 65^th minute - one has to ask why 3 attackers were left free inside the 6-yard box, atrocious defending!!!

The Swatcat’s disappointing evening was compounded when Sukhothai added a fourth in the 69^th minute as an unmarked (sense the continuing trend here) Herrera headed in. The Swatcats now, with heads bowed plummeted to a potentially disastrous defeat.

A disappointing end to a traumatic season. The Swatcats were outfought by a spirited Sukhothai side. At the end, the team were saved from relegation by Suphanburi’s defeat. I’m afraid if there is not a change to squad personnel and coach (watch this space for a new appointment of coach later this week), the Swatcats will be in another relegation battle next year. This team needs investment and if the present owners are not prepared to put their hands in their pockets, move on and let someone else have a go!!

Match Day 30 Stats 

 

Dateline 20th October 2019

Chainat FC 1 NRFC 3

Attendance; 4089

A vital match for both sides as they both battle to avoid the dreaded drop.

Chainat began energetically with keeper Cunningham forced to push out an early drive. The visitors displayed an early edginess commensurate with the importance of this match as Chainat pressed.

The visitor’s response was a Chalermpong free kick going inches over the bar and as they gained a foothold in the match, cracks began to form in the home defence, with Amadou, as usual, the main threat.

In the 23rd minute, the visitors went ahead when an Assumpcao free kick was parried into the path of T May T who prodded the ball into the net. The visitors then began to dominate with first Assumpcao then T May T testing the home keeper.

As the half drew to a close the visitors seemed comfortable and looked likely to add to their goal tally in the second half.

A minute into the second period, a defensive mistake put Henri completely clear but he hooked his measured shot inches wide of the post. Minutes later, this time Assumpcao found himself alone in the box but his weak shot was cleared, then substitute Hartmann latched onto the clearance but he missed from 6 yards.

In the 54^th minute, the Hornbills introduced giant Ricardo Santos who made an immediate impact on the game. With every cross aimed at his massive frame and against the run of play, he rose majestically to nod home the equalizer in the 63^rd minute. Seconds later Cunningham brought off a world class save from the Brazilian as Chainat pressed. Amazingly Santos was again thwarted when Cunningham charged out to save at his feet. The Brazilian was not yet finished and his brilliant lobbed half volley bounced off the bar.

The Swatcats weathered the brief storm and Amadou went on a fine solo run that ended with a shot across the face of the goal. Henri then shot just over and with the hosts looking weary, Assumpcao fired in majestically from 22 yards. This seemed to suck the energy from the home side’s legs and they valiantly capitulated with their fate now sadly destined for Tier two.

The Swatcats were not finished and Assumpcao broke forward and put Hartmann clear inside the box. Unbelievably instead of shooting, he dinked the ball into the 6-yard box and the ball was cleared.

Well into stoppage time, “that Brazilian” drew a fine save from Cunningham, Chitchanok then struck the post with a low drive. The Swatcats then sealed a famous victory when Amadou’s persistence in midfield led to an Assumpcao tap in to put the visitors 3-1 up.

A tense encounter but at its conclusion a fine performance and victory for the Swatcats - put simply, they wanted it more. Great team spirit and desire shown by the whole team and in reality, the score could and should, have been 6-1.

 The final showdown is now upon us as the Swatcats take on Sukhothai in the final match of the season.

A win or a draw will ensure survival, but if Suphanburi lose to Chang Rai, the Swatcats could afford to lose and still survive.

Match Day 29 Stats