Dateline 9th March 2019

 FT Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC 2 NRFC 3

Attendance; 6315

Starting in an unfamiliar all purple strip and without injured skipper Chalermpong, the visitors opened brightly with Assumpcao blasting in a shot that the home keeper did well to parry.

In the 9^th minute, with Ratchaburi on the back foot, the ball was bundled into the net by Henri following a free kick. The incident was reviewed by VAR and the goal was disallowed for hand ball - the Swatcat’s second goal in three matches to be denied by VAR!!

The Swatcats regrouped and went one up on 20 minutes when Amadou struck a low drive into the net from 30 yards. Minutes later Henri was denied a stone wall penalty. The decision went to VAR review and the decision was reversed. Assumpcao stroked in the spotkick to put the Swatcats two up.

Ratchaburi went close with a close-range effort in the 35^th minute - their only real chance of the half.

A spirited first half from the visitors, putting the Dragons under almost constant pressure and effectively subduing the Dragons as an attacking force.

As the second half commenced, I Just hope that we do not defend too deeply whilst trying to maintain the two goal lead.

Ratchaburi began to exert some early pressure and they almost immediately pulled one back when a rocket shot struck the upright and bounced back into Cunningham’s grateful arms. The visitors countered and Henri went close from an Amadou cross.

In the 65^th minute, Assumpcao connected with a long ball forward and stroked the ball neatly into the net to put the Swatcats three up and with Ratchaburi appearing to lose heart that should be job done and three well earned points.

Ratchaburi scored a consolation goal; in the 85^th minute with a stooped header creeping in - a goal they barely deserved and in late drama Ratchaburi were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. The penalty was scored to leave a tense last minute of play.

Make no mistake, the final scoreline was flattering for Ratchaburi - this was a rout.

One of the best performances I have seen from a Swatcat team - they were on fire against a disappointing Ratchaburi side. I think we are onto a winner with our Henri, Assumpcao, Amadou combo - boy did they look dangerous tonight. This coupled with our usual stonewall defence means that we could be top six contenders this season.

Match Day 3 Stats