No change in Muang Thong’s fortunes
Struggling Kirins settle for one point at Chonburi as Chainat and Navy escape with draws
>> Former champions SCG Muang Thong United’s hopes of rebooting their challenge for this year’s Thai League 1 title were dashed once again last night as the Kirins could only manage a 1-1 draw at struggling Chonburi.
Muang Thong have had a stuttering start to the season which led to their trophy-winning coach Totchtawan Sripan’s resignation last month, and they have continued to deliver mixed results under caretaker boss Santi Chaipuek.
Tristan Do gave the Kirins a good start at Chonburi Stadium when he found the net in the 17th minute.
Muang Thong wilted under the pressure when the hosts started mounting attacks and conceded equaliser early in the second half with Worachit Kanitsribampen scoring for Chonburi.
Elsewhere, defender Pornthep Chankai netted an equaliser in the 77th minute as Chainat Hornbill secured a 1-1 draw at Ubon UMT United.
The home team had claimed the upper hand through Italian-Thai midfielder Antonio Verzura’s goal early in the entertaining second but failed to hold on to the lead.
Meanwhile, the battle between two sides struggling to stave off relegation — Navy and Air Force Central — ended in a 1-1 draw last night.
Hosts Navy owe it all to an 80thminute strike by Chusana Numkanitsorn as they succeeded in skirting their fourth straight defeat in the league.
Aleksander Kapisoda had put Air Force ahead in the last minute of the first half. The draw did little to lift Air Force off the bottom spot.
Earlier on Friday night, a late goal from Ekkachai Sumre helped Bangkok United capture three points by edging Bangkok Glass 1-0.
In the first half, both teams failed to create any real scoring opportunities as the two city rivals opted for a cautious approach.
There was more action in the second half for the sparse crowd at Bangkok Glass’ home ground.
Thitiphan Puangjan was denied the chance to put hosts ahead shortly after the break when his long shot was saved by Bangkok United goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard.
Brazilian Vander Luis, who came in as a second-half replacement for Bangkok United, saw his attempt warded off by Glass Rabbits goalkeeper Narit Thaweekul.
Bangkok United’s winning goal came during the last minute of the game, when a Vander Luis corner was headed in by Ekkachai to help the visitors return home with three points.
Bangkok United coach Mano Polking said: “I am very pleased with the team’s performance today.
“We worked very hard but had to wait for the winner until the last minute of the match. It is the valuable win for us and these three points are important to us.”
Bangkok Glass caretaker coach Amnaj Kaewkew said: “We had several chances to score goal but we could not convert them.
“It is a bit disappointing for everyone in the team that we failed to pick up three points from the match.”
Four matches are to be played this evening with leaders Buriram United travelling to Chiang Rai.