Chulalongkorn, Thammasat share the spoils
Engrossing traditional match ends in 1-1 draw
>> A match-tying late goal from Chulalongkorn University’s Nattapong Sairiya gave their traditional football match with Thammasat University a fitting finale yesterday.
The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, didn’t pale in comparison to the fanfare and other activities that preceded the battle on the field as a large crowd of supporters from the country’s top two academic institutions was kept engrossed in the game throughout.
The match at Supachalasai Stadium marked a first in the 72-year history of the traditional encounter as Chulalongkorn University used a foreigner, Scott Cooper, as head coach of their team.
Chulalongkorn were powered by national team stars Peerapat Notechaiya and Thitiphan Puangchan and Thailand U23 captain Chenrop Samphaodi.
Thammasat, on the other hand, had the services of Thailand internationals Sarach Yooyen, Adisak Kraisorn and Chananan Pombupha at their disposal.
Thammasat had a good start when Kasitdech Vechayawong put them in lead shortly after the five-minute mark, when Chulalongkorn defenders failed in their attempt to clear the ball, allowing Kasitdech to plant it into net from pointblank range.
Chulalongkorn had a chance to level the score in the 28th minute but Chenrop’s shot was warded off by Thammasat defenders to ensure that their team went into the half-time break with their slim lead intact.
The second half mostly belonged to Chulalongkorn as they gained control of the game and went all out in search of the equaliser.
After Sarawut Masuk had fired a shot off the mark, Chulalongkorn had another chance to score but Thitiphan was denied by Thammasat goalkeeper Chanin Sae-ear.
Chulalongkorn persisted with their attacks and their efforts finally paid off in injury time.
Chonburi midfielder Worachit Kanitsribumphen sent in a floater from the right corner and Nattapong, left unmarked by Thammasat defenders, had little trouble in heading home from close range, forcing the two sides to share the trophy.