Dateline 16th March 2019

 FT NRFC 0 Trat FC 0

Attendance; 14120

Premier League newcomers Trat FC were the guests tonight.

In an opening salvo, Yayah Kunath headed narrowly wide as the hosts pressed and as the half progressed, Trat seemed content to sit deep and soak up any pressure. In the 24^th minute, in a half of few chances, Assumpcao went close with a 20 yard free kick.

In a rare foray forward, Trat had the ball in the back of the net on 27 minutes but it was disallowed due to an alleged foul on the home keeper.

In the 33^rd minute the Swatcats were awarded a penalty for a handball. Assumpcao stepped up to take the spot kick. The penalty was well struck but the Trat keeper pulled off a great save to keep the scores level.

In a half largely dominated by the home side, in which they played some tidy passing movements, they were unable to make that vital initial breakthrough.

In the opening seconds of the second half, Amucha was sent off for a second yellow, reducing the visitors to ten men. Minutes later new boy Chicanos Xaysensourinthone went close with a deft flick. Instead of this perhaps stimulating a real surge for victory, the Swatcats fell into a soporific period where they completely lost any shape or real desire. As the half progressed, the hosts produced little and indeed, Trat could have stolen all three points with sporadic raids forward.

A disappointing and frustrating night for the Swatcats. Despite having the majority of play, they were unable to pierce a resolute Trat defence. I think the team missed Henri tonight. There was some decent approach play on view but no one to add that vital finishing touch. Two points dropped to an obviously inferior side tonight - we must learn how to break down lower echelon teams if we are to make real progress this season.

Match Day 4 Stats