Dateline 10^th September 2016

 Suphanburi 3 NRFC 1

10^th plays 11^th as in form NRFC take on the underachieving War Elephants in this weekend’s fixture. Suphan finished an excellent 3^rd in the TPL last year but this season they have struggled to string together a decent run of results.

The visitors opened confidently, dominating possession but the home team manufactured 2 decent chances on the break in the 15^th and 16^th minutes. In the 22^nd minute Lindemann, on his old stamping ground, broke thought the Suphan defence and his low drive was well saved by the keeper.

In the 32^nd minute after a fine break down the right flank Tagbajumi headed just wide and in a half of few real chances, a real opportunity to break the deadlock. Suphan then rallied and Chappuis went close from 10 yards on the cusp of half time.

A competent and well controlled first half performance with some decent build up play in midfield.

The second half began with a bang with a Darko Tasevski shot that thundered off the angle of the upright and the crossbar – the goal frame may still be shuddering!!!

In the 54^th minute Suphanburi went ahead with a well worked glancing header. The Swatcats then pressed forward searching for the elusive equalizer but with little effect - in fact Suphanburi looked the more dangerous of the two sides and in the 67^th minute the home side went two up with an unchallenged tap in from a corner. Lindemann immediately countered with a fine drive but it now looked all over for the visitors.

In the 82^nd minute after the ball was needlessly given away just outside the box the ball was slotted home to put the home side three up. Minutes later the Swatcats had a chance cleared off the line and from the resulting clearance, Pralong Sawandee clouted the ball into the net from 25 yards to give the score a more reasonable appearance.

In the 92^nd minute the Swatcats were awarded a very dubious penalty decision. Lindemann drove the penalty way over the bar – perhaps justice was done!!!

The team looked and performed like a decent team tonight and the spirit seemed good despite recent rumours of player’s salaries not being paid. Chances however were as usual at a premium despite decent build up at times – we are by no means a free scoring side!!

Defensive lapses in the second half cost us the points but full marks to Suphanburi for a deserved home win.