Dateline 19^th Feb 2017 – Match day 2.

 FT NRFC 1 Police Tero 1

The Swatcats welcomed newly formed Police Tero FC in the inaugural home match of the 2017 TPL season. The Fire Dragons started with ex-Swatcat keeper Kampon in goal.

In front of a healthy crowd of 12 250 fans, the home side had the better of the first 30 minutes although Tero played some neat passing football at times. With Adiyiah a constant thorn in their side, Tero withstood early pressure and in what was otherwise an uneventful opening. Only a long range Adiyiah shot in the 15^th minute and a fine free kick from Chanatphon set the pulse racing.

Tero did not put a single shot of any substance on target in the first half.

Tero went ahead in the 53rd minute after a needless and clumsy challenge by Igbonefo gave Tero a penalty. After going one down the hosts panicked and resorted to the long ball with little effect. They rarely looked dangerous and indeed Tero went close in the 63^rd minute and again in the 79^th minute with a shot hitting the bar.

In the 85^th minute a bullet header from Adiyiah was saved by the keeper and Igbonefo tapped in the deflection. The goal was disallowed as Adiyiah was correctly adjudged to have been offside.

Well into injury time, the hosts leveled when a Chakrit shot was deflected into the goal. Ironic but pleasing that the  5 minutes added on time led to the goal after Tero’s infuriating time wasting tactics earlier in the game.

With literally seconds to go a quick break by Tero saw a shot slide wide in what would have been an undeserved winner.

A disappointing and frustrating night for the Swatcats although salvaging a point was an obvious bonus. The lack of penetration against Tero’s well organized defence is something to work on. In truth, penalty apart, Tero had few chances but I guess they deserved their point.

Still unbeaten but we must win these home games. 4 points against two decent sides is a fine start to the new campaign and I foresee a fairly successful season ahead.