Dateline 26^th February 2020

 FT Chonburi Sharks 3 NRFC 1

Attendance; 4216

After a somewhat frenzied start with most action in midfield and no clear-cut chances created, the Swatcats were slightly fortunate in the 31^st minute when a decidedly ordinary shot from Wongsakorn trickled into the net after a deflection from the despairing Shark’s keeper.

The visitors then fought hard to maintain their lead and on balance, as the first half ended, the visitors just about deserved their one goal lead.

The second half began with the Sharks coming out with all guns blazing and after almost constant pressure they were rewarded in the 53rd minute with a simple tap in from De Murga. As the Sharks flew forward, a second and perhaps a third looked likely as the Sharks dominated play. Sure enough, in the 63^rd minute a penalty was awarded for handball and Caion converted the spot kick to put the Sharks two up.

The visitors rallied searching for an equalizer but the Sharks put the game to bed with a 91^st minute killer punch as Caion added a third when he was left one on one against a tiring Swatcat defence.

Chonburi certainly bossed the second half and were deserved victors. The Swatcats played with pace and conviction but were unable to create much up front. No need to panic, three points from 3 away games is a decent start. I suspect we will see different tactics when we eventually play at home. The defence continues to be a concern. The Sharks coaching staff had obviously watched our previous two games and continually exposed our defensive weakness on the flanks - why coach Teerasak has not identified this weakness is a worry for me - 8 goals against in three games is pretty worrying.

Match Day 3 Stats