Dateline 31^th July 2019

 FT NRFC 3 Prachuap 1

Attendance; 3615

The Swatcats began the game with fancy midfield passing movements but the final balls were often going astray - much to the chagrin of the home supporters!!

 At the other end, the Swatcat defence seemed vulnerable to Prachuap’s rangy strikers, with an angled drive rolling inches wide of the home team’s post.

The Swatcats continued to dominate and they were rewarded in the 28^th minute when Lee headed in from a corner to give the men from Korat a deserved lead. Minutes later an Assumpcao drive drew a fine save from the Prachuap keeper.

The hosts now flooded forward, searching for a second with Henri and Assumpcao tormenting the visitor’s defence and as the half drew to a close, the score was a fair reflection of the relative performances of the combatants.

The second half began with a typical Korat maelstrom, with billboards flying and fans retreating to the main stand to get cover from the rain. Prachuap opened brightly and keeper Cunningham had to be on his toes to beat out a viciously deflected shot.

Meanwhile, the Swatcats persevered with excellent counter attacking play. An Assumpcao break put Henri clear but his shot was blocked.

Somewhat against the run of play, Prachuap got back into the game in the 59^th minute when a deflected freekick left keeper Cunningham helpless as the shot rolled into the net.

Prachuap were now beginning to tire and were looking vulnerable, so it came as no surprise when yet another break forward from Assumpcao in the 65th minute led to Henri being fouled just outside the box. Assumpcao stepped up and buried the ball in the left-hand corner of the net - surely Assumpcao is the best dead ball specialist in the league.

In the 70^th minute, Amadou (who was having an uncharacteristically quiet night), put Henri clear but the Ivorian’s near post drive hit the woodwork.

The men from Korat finally sealed the deal in the 86^th minute when a mazy run from Assumpcao ended with the ball at Henri’s feet. The striker calmly stuck the ball in to the net to put the hosts 3-1 up.

Hmmm, not too convinced by this performance. The defence was frequently exposed and our attacking force was misfiring today. Nonetheless a vital 3 points. On another day we could have lost this match. It just exposes the fine lines between winning and losing - never mind, my night was complete having met and chatted with one of my former Swatcat heroes Ivan Boscovic!!!

Match Day 21 Stats