Ubon look impressive in Thai League debut
Port steal a point from Ratchaburi in dying moments of injury time
>> Newly promoted Ubon UMT United made their intentions clear on the very first day of the Thai League One as they handed a 2-0 loss to experienced campaigners Si Sa Ket yesterday.
Ubon’s victory came a few minutes after Port denied Ratchaburi Mitrphol a winning start by clinching the tying goal in the final moments of the fiveminute injury time.
Ubon, playing away in Si Sa Ket in the northeastern derby, grabbed their first goal in the 12th minute when Tiago Souza found the net.
Thailand striker Sirod Chatthong, playing his first match in the top flight of national football, had a chance to score but his shot was saved by Si Sa Ket goalkeeper Supawat Seenothai.
Si Sa Ket, with Leandro Assumpcao leading their attack, went on the offensive in search of an equaliser.
However, the openings the hosts created didn’t produce the goal they wanted and Ubon still went into the half-time break a goal ahead.
Ubon were a bit more adventurous in the second half in which Kosovar Bajram Nebihi dealt Si Sa Ket a severe blow by widening the margin for the visitors in the 77th minute.
Ratchaburi looked all set to kick off their 2017 campaign on a winning note but their celebrations were spoiled by Port’s Japanese midfielder Genki Nagasato in the last minute.
After a goalless first half, the visiting Ratchaburi team were put ahead by defender Carlos Santos with a strike in the 77th minute.
Ratchaburi had done well to hold firm amidst unrelenting attacks launched by Port.
Port, who were buoyed by a spirited performance by former Buriram United player David Rochela, made it 1-1, thanks to a fine effort by Nagasato.
Four-time champions Buriram, who are hoping to wrest back the league title after finishing fourth last year, start their campaign today against Chonburi, who are also looking forward to an improved performance this season.
Chiang Rai, who have spent a massive amount of 300 million baht to rebuild their squad and launch an assault on the title, take on Super Power Smaut Prakarn today. They will be hoping that their 50-million-baht signing Tanaboon Kesarat will inspire them to a victory in their first game of the season.
Last year’s runners-up Bangkok United get the chance to test their title credentials when they take on Navy at home.
Also today, Sukhothai, who are hoping to continue their fine run from the last season, are scheduled to host Nakhon Ratchasima, who gathered the steam late last year and survived in the Thai League One.