Pathum pick up 3 points with 10 men
Defending champions BG Pathum United returned to Thai League 1 action last night with a 2-1 home victory over promoted Khon Kaen United.
Chenrop Samphaodi and Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom both struck in the first half to put the Rabbits on course to the triumph.
It was a dominant show by the home team which was only marred by a penalty conceded on 62 minutes which eventually saw national team goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom being sent off.
Khon Kaen forward Ibson Melo remained unperturbed by a lengthy VAR review which confirmed Chatchai’s gaffe inside the box and converted the penalty with ease to narrow the margin for the visitors. Chatchai was initially handed a yellow card.
Being a man short on the pitch forced the champions on the back foot but they defended well and did not give Khon Kaen any more opportunities.
Hosts Nakhon Ratchasima continued their recovery as they picked up three points after rallying past Suphanburi 2-1 last night.
Suphanburi struck in the seventh minute through Ratchanart Arunyapairoj and held the edge until the end of the first half.
Nakhon Ratchasima levelled the score when Marco Sahanek fired home in the 62nd minute and Kwame Amponsah produced the winner two minutes later.
Meanwhile, True Bangkok United failed to realise their dream of joining former champions Buriram United at the top of the Thai League 1 table.
Bangkok United’s game at Ratchaburi was suspended after a heavy downpour left the pitch water-logged.
Earlier in Saturday night’s late game, newcomers Nongbua Pitchaya shocked top-flight old-timers Police Tero 1-0 with Hamilton Soares producing