Dateline 19^th May

 FT NRFC 4 Chiang Mai 2

Attendance; 10365

Struggling Chiang Mai were the opponents tonight.

In a stunning start to the match, 30 seconds in, a cross from Assumpcao was deflected inches wide of the upright by a Chiang Rai defender. Chiang Mai quickly settled and in fact they played some decent passing football belying their lowly position in the table.

With Amadou an almost constant threat, Kunath latched onto one of his crosses and headed into Assumpcao’s path whose low drive from 12 yards was blocked on the line by a defender.

The hosts continued to probe but with the visitors playing arguably the better football - indeed spurning a great chance to go ahead on the break in the 39^th minute, an entertaining match drew to a goalless first half conclusion.

The Swatcats opened the second half brightly with Assumpcao’s attempted flick going close. Minutes later he atoned for that miss when he pounced on an exquisitely timed Amadou through ball and stroked the ball calmly into the net to give the hosts the lead.

Minutes later Akekanat went close with a towering header as the hosts began to dominate. Later in a carbon copy move Akekanat again rose like a salmon out of an evening stream but this time made the net bulge to put the Swatcats deservedly two up.

There then followed a dramatic final 15 minutes during which 4 goals were scored. Chiang Mai pulled one back in the 76^th minute when Mustafa Azido outpaced Akekanat to slide home then Henri struck from outside the box to regain the two-goal lead.

 The brave Lanna Tigers again struck back when they were awarded a disputed penalty for handball in the 86^th minute.  Gionata converted the kick.

The game was finally put to bed when Amadou scored a sensational forth as he cut into the box and larruped the ball into the net.

Three points and another four-goal haul in this exciting encounter. Things are looking good for the Swatcats at the moment and given the present momentum, I expect the team to hover around the top six mark for the rest of the season.

The signings of Amadou and Henry were a masterstroke and as their partnership with Assumpcao develops, I see only productive times ahead.

A word here for Chiang Mai, they fought bravely with some skillful football - I hope they stay up.

Match Day 11 Stats