Dateline 26 th October 2019

 NRFC 2 Sukhothai 4

Attendance; 19154

 

A crunch match for both teams as the Gladiators marched out in front of 19154 baying fans.

Sukhothai looked the more accomplished side in the first 20 minutes as the home team huffed and puffed trying to string a few passes together. Playing sparkling and imaginative football, it was no surprise when the visitors went ahead in the 22nd minute with a brilliant shot from 20 yards by Khapfa Boonmatoom.

Sukhothai continued to dominate and what was fast becoming a typical lackluster performance from the hosts, the Firebats went deservedly two up in the 28^th minute when Khapfa smashed in from 14 yards - why keeper Cunningham flapped at the cross and Khapfa was left unmarked in the box should be two problems to be given priority by the new coach.

The second half commenced with a more spirited approach from the men in orange. Their endeavors were rewarded in the 57^th minute when Yanto Basna prodded the ball past his own keeper whilst under pressure from Chitchanok.

This fired up the home team with substitute Chitchanok prominent, they went searching for an equalizer and following great work down the flank from Henri and Amadou, Chitchanok prodded home in the 64^th minute.

With the Swatcats now smelling victory, they charged forward with the fans baying for a third but the bubble was burst when Yanto Basna prodded home to regain the lead in the 65^th minute - one has to ask why 3 attackers were left free inside the 6-yard box, atrocious defending!!!

The Swatcat’s disappointing evening was compounded when Sukhothai added a fourth in the 69^th minute as an unmarked (sense the continuing trend here) Herrera headed in. The Swatcats now, with heads bowed plummeted to a potentially disastrous defeat.

A disappointing end to a traumatic season. The Swatcats were outfought by a spirited Sukhothai side. At the end, the team were saved from relegation by Suphanburi’s defeat. I’m afraid if there is not a change to squad personnel and coach (watch this space for a new appointment of coach later this week), the Swatcats will be in another relegation battle next year. This team needs investment and if the present owners are not prepared to put their hands in their pockets, move on and let someone else have a go!!

Match Day 30 Stats