Dateline 12^th Feb 2017

 FT Sukhothai 0 NRFC 1

The Swatcats began their 2017 campaign at the home of the Firebats hoping to get their season off to a flying start.

Playing in a fetching sky blue and white kit the visitors opened brightly with Adiyiah testing the home keeper in the 2^nd minute with an angled drive. A minute later Adiyiah again drew a fine save from the keeper but was ruled offside.

Midway through the first half, and the Swatcats continued to “rule the roost” with Sukhothai seemingly unable to string passes together - early days but the visitors seemed in charge.

The men from Korat opened the scoring in the 27^th minute when Chakrit rifled in an angled drive from 14 metres - Sukhothai look tired - maybe their Chinese exploits in the ACL are catching up with them.

As the first half drew to a close, it was becoming a “one man show” as Adiyiah again went close in the 40^th minute - Sukhothai were yet to register a shot on goal.

The second half commenced and I just do not think that Sukhothai could play as badly as they did in the first half. I think this one may be down to how well the Swatcats can keep their concentration.

Bireme went close for the hosts in the 51^st minute - their first real chance. They looked a little livelier after half time but the Swatcat players seemed quicker to the ball and more dangerous going forward.

With 20 minutes to go, the hosts were growing in confidence and were getting more of the ball. Although creating no clear chances, they fought themselves back into the game and were putting pressure on the visitor’s goal.

In a rare second half foray, Adiyiah shot wide as the Firebats continued to press. Although under considerable second half pressure the Swatcat defence looked solid with Igbonefo particularly impressive

A bright attacking performance in the first half followed by a strong rearguard action in the second half.  An encouraging start to the season by the Swatcats. The team line up looks balanced and they look impressive going forward. Our new acquisitions look to have settled in effectively and this performance leaves me fairly optimistic for the season ahead.