Dateline 14^th August 2016

 Chang Rai United 1 NRFC 2

 An in form NRFC took on the fancied Chang Rai tonight hoping to haul themselves further clear of the bottom three.

On a damp evening the visitors opened brightly with Tagbajumi, then Lindemann going close in the opening minutes. Chang Rai countered with a shot narrowly wide. The Swatcats were more than holding their own in the first 20 minutes, counter attacking effectively and keeping the home defence on its toes.

In the 21^st minute, Tagbajumi was incorrectly adjudged to be offside as he chipped the ball into the net. Literally seconds later, he was again on the wrong end of an incorrect offside decision as his drive was saved by the keeper.

At this point, 25 minutes into the match, Chang Rai’s attacks were looking ponderous and on balance, the visitors were on top with Lindemann and Tagbajumi looking dangerous. The Swatcat’s attacks were getting more frequent with a Lindemann drive being deflected wide and an Adiyiah flick going close.

Chang Rai went close in the 37^th minute with a 12 yard drive but this was an isolated real chance for the men in orange and black.

A very encouraging first half performance with the Swatcats producing most of the chances and dominating for long periods of play.

The second half kicked off with my thought that we have been in this situation a few times this season and have conceded second half goals – can we hold out?

Lindemann had a great chance to break the deadlock in the 50^th minute as he broke through the defence but he stumbled and was unable to get his shot in. Chang Rai were then unlucky in the 56^th minute when they had a flurry of shots with the final effort flying over the bar.

The home team was beginning to get a foothold in the game and they were now exerting a certain amount of pressure on the Swatcat’s defence.

In the 62^nd minute Tagbajumi was released superbly by a through ball and he stroked the ball neatly into the net to give the visitors a deserved lead.

The home team equalized with a scrappy goal following a free kick in the 70^th minute but seconds later, following the restart a long clearance found Tagbajumi who blasted the ball into the net to restore the lead.

In a period of frenetic action Lindemann went close as the visitors pressed, Chang Rai then struck the foot of the post as both teams battled for supremacy.

Tagbajumi was dismissed for a second yellow in the 75^th minute as the action became more intense.

With both sides tiring in the heavy conditions the game became a slugging match with neither side willing to concede – becoming a real test of character for both sides.

A Chang Rai header from a corner went just over, then a looping shot went wide as the home team searched for an equalizer in the closing minutes. The Swatcats were now playing deep and inviting the Chang Rai attack to press forward – a mistake in my opinion – one that I hope is not punished!!

The Swatcats held on for a vital and famous victory to hoist themselves well clear of the relegation zone.

The team is playing well and producing some good football. Tonight was a real test of character and a tremendous 3 points. With Chainat, Army and Navy all losing this weekend and our last 4 games all winnable against fellow strugglers I now feel confident that relegation will be averted.

Well done to the team and in particular coach Joksic!!!