Buriram win streak continues
Thunder Castle edge Suphanburi, Muang Thong struggle to victory over sinking Navy
>> Buriram United picked up their sixth victory in a row in Thai League 1 as they edged struggling Suphanburi 2-1 last night to ensure their ninepoint lead at the top would stay intact this weekend.
While the Thunder Castle did not exactly produce the stuff expected from the defending champions in the home game, they however put together what was needed to claim three points.
Veteran defender Andres Tunez gave the hosts a one-goal upper hand even before the fans had settled down in their seats.
Suphanburi levelled through Tanasith Siripala early in the second half but their dream of stealing a point from the league leaders was shattered in the 63rd minute when Diogo Luis Santo converted a penalty for the hosts.
Meanwhile, SCG Muang Thong United’s victory 2-0 at Navy last night failed to mask their shortcomings as the former champions finally managed to end their four-game winless streak in the league.
Against a Navy side which now looks like a sure bet for relegation, Muang Thong laboured in vain for more than an hour before Heberty Fernandez spared the Kirins’ blushes with a late brace.
Shortly after Muang Thong calls for a penalty were ruled out following a VAR consultation, Heberty grabbed the first opportunity that came his way to put the visitors ahead in the 74th minute.
A VAR review three minutes into the injury time ended in the Kirins’ favour after Heberty was scythed down in the box by a Navy defender and the Brazilian converted the resulting penalty for his second goal of the night.
Chainat moved further away from the red zone as they succeeded in holding visiting Chonburi to a goalless draw.
Sukhothai, whose rise and fall in the top have both been spectacular this season, succeeded in winning their first game after four losses and three draws, shocking high-flying PT Prachuap 2-0 last night.
Sakdarin Mingsamorn delighted a large home crowd by netting the first goal for Sukhothai in the 34th minute and John Baggio added the second in the last minute of the match.
The clash between the two top contenders for the runners-up spot — Bangkok United and Port — will headline tonight’s matches.
In other games tonight, Pattaya United will host Chiang Rai United, Police Tero face Bangkok Glass and Air Force Central meet Nakhon Ratchasima.