Heberty strike helps Muang Thong salvage draw
Rangsan Viwatchaichok celebrated his elevation to full-time Police Tero coach status with an “exciting” 2-2 draw against struggling former Thai League 1 champions SCG Muang Thong United late on Wednesday night.
Rangsan, a former Thailand international, was happy with the way his men played against Muang Thong, who slumped to a share of fifth spot with Chiang Rai United as a result of the stalemate on their home turf.
Rangsan said: “It was an exciting game. Both teams played attacking football and there was a lot in it for the fans.
“The match could have ended in our favour but we missed a few good scoring opportunities. Apart from that, we did very well in the game.”
He added: “I am happy to have become the full-time coach, but I haven’t made any drastic changes to our line-up or style.”
Kirins’ caretaker coach Santi Chaipuek was in a contrasting mood after the match.
“We are quite disappointed that we could not pick up three points from a game that we were hoping to win,” said Santi.
“We could not concentrate on our defence alone because we had to attack as well,” he added. “We had to keep adjusting our tactics according to the situation.
“Now, we have to check on the injury sustained by Suporn Pinakatapo during the game as well.”
After a goalless first half, Myanmar striker Aung Thu was fouled by Peerapat Notechaiya in the box and Michael N’Dri converted the resulting penalty with ease to put Police ahead.
Muang Thong quickly equalised through a goal from Tristan Do, but Police Tero regained the upper hand through an Adisak Srikumpang header. The Kirins were rescued by a 77th-minute strike by Heberty Fernandes.
In the other late match on Wednesday night, Bangkok United ran riot at their True Stadium to thrash relegation-threatened Navy 5-2.
The big win ensured that the resurgent capital side does not lose the sight of league leaders Buriram United, who have 29 points — five more than second-place Bangkok United.