Reis double helps Prachuap rally past Ratchaburi, Pattaya pip Sharks in derby battle
>> Jonatan Reis grabbed a second-half brace to help PT Prachuap rally to a thrilling 2-1 Thai League 1 victory over visiting Ratchaburi last night.
The victory ended a three-game winless run in the league for Prachuap, who have an enviable record at home.
After a goalless first half, both sides shifted to a higher gear and Nerijus Valskis didn’t take long to give Ratchaburi a one-goal edge.
Reis put t he home t eam on level footing at the hour mark after picking up a bisecting pass from Piyachart Tamaphan.
Ten minutes later, the Brazilian forward executed a nifty pivot inside the box before guiding the ball into the near corner of the net to pick up the winner for Prachuap, who are in their first season in the top flight.
Ratchaburi’s hopes of finding an equaliser were dashed when defender Praweenwat Boonyong picked up his second yellow card of the match and was sent off in the 74th minute.
Meanwhile, Pattaya United claimed a last-gasp goal to edge Chonburi 2-1.
The action heated up in the eastern derby midway through the second half and a large crowd at the venue was entertained by three goals.
Carlos Silva of Pattaya United was the first to find the net but the visitors were not able to hold on to their advantage and conceded a quick equaliser when Napat Thamrongsupakorn scored for the hosts in the 76th minute.
The match was heading for a draw when Lukian Almeida bundled home the winning goal for Pattaya United in the last minute after claiming the possession of ball in a scramble inside the box.
Navy squandered a two-goal lead to allow visiting Chainat salvage a 2-2 draw.
Vitor Silva and Chontawat Srisuk scored for the home team. Captain Florent Pongolle converted a penalty and Doumbia Henri netted the leveller five minutes from time for Chainat.
In another match l ast night, hosts Chiang Rai United were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-placed Air Force Central.
Tonight, Port will be attempting to end defending champions Buriram United’s seven-game winning streak in a home game.
Third-placed Port are f acing problems with the fitness of their key players as they plot a revenge on the league leaders for their 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat on Wednesday.
Also in action tonight will be No.2ranked True Bangkok United who face Nakhon Ratchasima and struggling former champions SCG Muang Thong United, who travel to Suphanburi.