Ruthless Thunder Castle unstoppable
Coelho hat-trick helps Buriram rout Si Sa Ket in derby, Police net last-gasp winner to edge Port
>> Thai League 1 leaders Buriram United were tipped to prevail over Si Sa Ket in their northeastern derby last night and the three-time former champions did not disappoint.
The Thunder Castle claimed three points from the match in a dominant manner as they routed their relegation-threatened opponents 5-1.
The upshot in last night’s away game moved Buriram United even closer to accomplishing their mission of claiming the league crown for a record fourth time.
Si Sa Ket, long-timers in the top flight, are left needing a host of miracles to avoid a drop at the end of the season.
Buriram United started off well and their prolific Brazilian striker Diogo Luis Santo did not waste much time to help them move ahead.
Fellow Brazilian Jakson Coelho, who has been having a fantastic first year in the Thai league, struck twice to help Buriram gain a massive 3-0 advantage.
The Koupreys got their solitary goal in the 38th minute from Ekkaphan Jandaporn who found the net with a sizzling long-range shot.
During the last minute of the first half, Jakson completed his hat-trick when he scored the team’s fourth goal off a cross from Diogo.
Buriram United came back strong in the second half and had several chances with Diogo firing the ball a few inches over the bar and Suchao Nutnum being denied by Si Sa Ket goalkeeper Sarawut Konglarp.
The visitors got their fifth goal when Diogo beat an offside trap in the dying moments of the match to complete the big win.
Meanwhile at Boonyajinda Stadium, hosts Police Tero picked up three points after defeating Port 2-1.
During the 33rd minute, Pakorn Prempak of Port conceded an owngoal to let Police Tero claim the upper hand as he attempted to clear a shot but deflected it into the goal instead.
Port put on an attacking game during the second half and equalised through a goal from David Rochela in the 49th minute.
The match was heading a for a draw when Vicharn Nantasri scored the winner for Police Tero just before the final whistle.
Five more matches are slated for today with defending champions SCG Muang Thong United travelling to Suphanburi and Bangkok Glass hosting Chiang Rai United.