Kirins surge to third place after big win
Struggling former champions SCG Muang Thong United recorded a convincing 4-0 victory over Navy last night to move within striking distance of second-place PT Prachuap in Thai League 1.
However, the Kirins’ big jump to third spot was ensured partly by other results in the league. Muang Thong, who are enjoying an upturn in their fortunes under caretaker coach Santi Chaipuek, were in ninth place ahead of last night’s game.
Prachuap, playing in the top flight for the first time, pulled off a 1-0 victory over Sukhothai to send their rivals tumbling down two places to fourth, and Port suffered a 3-0 rout at the hands of Bangkok United on Saturday to drop to fifth.
Muang Thong struck three times in the first half with Tristan Do (19th minute), Ratchapol Nawanno (37th) and Heberty Fernandes (38th) scoring the goals. The fourth was added by Heberty shortly before the final whistle.
At Sam Aoh Stadium, Jonathan Reis scored the winning goal to help hosts Prachuap take sole possession of second place with 19 points, four fewer than leaders and defending champions Buriram United, and two ahead of Muang Thong.
At His Majesty the King 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium, Nakhon Ratchasima suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of cellar-dwellers Air Force Central.
Jaycee John netted the winner in the 73rd minute to help Air Force claim their first league win this season.
Chonburi claimed a 2-0 home win over struggling Chainat with the help of goals from Kroekrit Thaweekarn and Ciro Alves.
In the late Saturday night match, Ubon UMT United lost 2-1 to Ratchaburi.