Monday 25 February 2019


Dateline 23rd Feb 2019

 FT PTT Rayong 0 NRFC 1

Attendance; 4637

The season’s opener saw the Swatcats visit premier league newcomers PTT Rayong.



The first half was dominated by a bright, quick passing Rayong team that had the visitors reeling. The home team were well drilled and had good shape and conversely, the Swatcats looked rusty and disorganized. As the first half whistle blew. The visitors trudged off not quite knowing what had hit them and pleased not to be a couple of goals down.




The second half began with a more spirited stance from the visitors, just like a light switch had been turned on, they attacked with real menace, stringing passes together and putting Rayong on the back foot. In the 53rd minute, Henri - who by the way had a fine game, cut inside and unleashed a thunderous drive that smashed against the bar and bounced down onto the goal line. A goal was awarded but amid protests from the PTT players, VAR was utilised and the goal was ruled out.

PTT responded and keeper Cunningham did well to tip over a deflected effort and then minutes later a long-range drive went inches over the bar. The Swatcats continued to deal effectively with more pressure and as the game was drawing to a close, a looping cross was met by Assumpcao whose header evaded the keeper to nestle gently in the back of the net.

This was definitely a “game of two halves”. PTT looked a fine team in the first half but a better second half performance from the Swatcats put PTT under pressure and ultimately, this second half performance was rewarded with the winning goal.

A rather fortunate three points against a PTT team who, I think will do well this season. A morale boosting away win that should give the men from Korat confidence and their fighting spirit bodes well for the battles ahead.



Match Day 1 Stats












Tuesday 5 February 2019


2019 Season Preview

With the 2019 preseason Leo Cup only a week away (tournament starts on 12th Jan, Swatcats’s first game 13th Jan), it’s time to look forward to the Swatcat’s prospects in the Premier League this season.
I certainly am more optimistic about the coming season than I was at this time last season. With coach Milos Joksic promising a more attacking approach and a top 7 finish, things are looking bright for the upcoming season.

The acquisitions of midfielder Amadou Quattara and striker Bernard Cedric Doumbia (Henri) adds further evidence of a step forward for the team. Building on last year’s defensive strength with this bolstering of the team’s attacking options, suggests that this could be a breakthrough season for the team.

Nakhon Ratchasima FC have been sensibly and sustainably building during its 4-year tenure within the Premier League with sound mid table positions becoming the norm but now the team is at an important crossroads - does the team invest in quality players and attempt to procure a top six position or is the club content with a sustainable and highly respectable mid table obscurity?
I tend to think that the latter option is the way forward. We will never compete with Buriram, Muang Thong, Bangkok United or Port. Simply put, these teams have the financial resources to fill their teams with high quality players - and best of luck to them. We can however compete within the next echelon of 4 or 5 teams and this should be our target.

The club is currently investing heavily in its Youth Academy and that bodes well for the future but unless we discover a rich “sugar daddy” our chances of advancement into being a top Thai side are limited. Currently coach Milos Joksic is doing a fine job with a mediocre squad of players and I suspect that if he were given the right tools, the sky would be the limit.
So mid table is our lot. I am happy with this scenario and my view is that relegation will not be on the agenda - perhaps with a few lucky breaks, we may break into the top six !!