Chiang Rai held but Buriram, Sharks win

Sixth-ranked Chiang Rai were held to a 2-2 draw by lowly BBCU at home last night after a spectacular curler by Jitpanya Tisud lifted champions Buriram United to a 2-1 win over Suphanburi the day before.

In the other early game yesterday, Sukhothai smashed four goals past hosts Pattaya United to claim a 4-2 win in a highly entertaining game.

On Saturday night, hosts Suphanburi struck within the first five minutes of the match as Dellatorre put them ahead.

Suphanburi conceded the equaliser when Kaio Felipe found the net for Buriram in the 28th minute. However, their biggest blow came five minutes later when Dellatorre got himself booked for the second time and was sent off.

The depleted Suphanburi side failed to cope with Buriram’s attacks and Jitpanya pounced on a bad clearance by home team defenders. His match-winning curler ended up in the net after brushing a post.

The match turned rough and Buriram’s Kaio was red-carded for elbowing Suphanburi’s Natthaphong Samana five minutes before time.

Buriram United coach Afshin Ghotbi said: “It was a close game. The goal from Jitpanya Tisud was really world class.”

Also on Saturday, Chonburi went on a goal-scoring spree as the Sharks routed Chainat 7-2 at home.

Bangkok Glass picked up three points at their Leo stadium after labouring to a 2-1 victory over struggling Nakhon Ratchasima.

In other matches, Army United won 2-1 away at Navy and Si Sa Ket piled more misery on relegation-threatened Super Power Samut Prakan by inflicting a 5-1 defeat.