Thai Pemier League: Samut Songkhram leaves relegation zone

image: © Thananuwat Srirasant

Another new entry to the TPL found the net in his first game. And wrote history at the same time. Greg Nwokolo together with Victor Igbonefo of Pelita Jaya (Indonesia) moved to Chiang Rai United mid-season. Against Wuachon, both appeared in the starting line-up what would be enough to be called quite historical in itself. Since they have been the first Indonesians to made a debut in the Thai Premier League. Greg has been even able to top it, in founding the net for the final scoreline of 2-2. Who now is surprised at the African sounding names, does not lie wrong. Because the twos are born in Nigeria but own the Indonesian citizenship and have already capped for the national team.

What it means to play on a pitch like a lake district was a new experience to the German Lindemann in the ranks of Army United. It started raining middle of the first half in Chiang Mai and when he came on as substitute with 63 minutes played, the field was filled with puddles. »This had nothing to do with football« the German told us after the match. The tie had to be called off already once in the first half of the season, just to see both sides switching the home right then. Perhaps the officials just worried to call it off for a second time. However, after the half-time score of 1-0, Army United came to level by Prakasit Sansook twice. For the last time, 10 minutes before the final whistle.

"Day of retrieval" between Esan United and Thai Port. The Harbor Lions failed to take an early lead in the first half, after Olof Watson saw his penalty kick saved by former Port keeper Ulrich Munze. But the Swede compensated his mistake after one hour, this time converting from the spot and putting his team ahead. Almost identical, Yai Nilwong on the other side. He saw his penalty kick missed just minutes before Watson scored. However, he scored from set piece to tie the game (78') and just 120 seconds later Esan United scored the winner. From the middle of the second half Esan United had to be without captain Wuttichai Tathong who received his second yellow. After the game Thai Port's Swede blamed himself for the defeat. A Thai web page turned it around and reported: Watson blames the ref.

Buriram United, which from now on have to get along without Franck Ohandza who moved to Bundesliga side Greuther Fuerth, smashed visiting Chainat FC by 7-2 last weekend. Besides, Ekachai Sumrei scored a Hat-trick, Marko Cetkovic netted for the first time for his new club and the Thai American Anthony Ampaipitakwong contributed two assists. The Texan by birth, appeared in all matches since arriving and is showing a great form and style of play. His crosses are a weapon. Fed with a Thaipass it may be only a matter of time, until he receives a phone call from Schaefer. Certainly decisive for the high defeat were the quick sequence of goals. Between the 36' and 56' minute Chainat had to accept, would you believe it, five goals. However, the half-time statistics, with only one shot at goal for Chainat also speaks volumes.

Astonishing for all, league leaders Muang Thong, who started with Teerasil Dangda warming the bench, faced an early deficit against Pattaya United. It was defender Marian Juhas who gave the guests an early lead after only five minutes. The Brazilian Paulo Rangel provided for the half-time score with his first goal in TPL. A deflected kick of Anuwat Inyin reinstalled Pattaya's lead shortly after the break. After Teerasil came off the bench for MTU, the side found the way back to his usual strength and even could have win with 4-2 at the end. However, Rangels goal was called offside. On the coming weekend, the already sold out, big match between Muang Thong and Burriam United is lined up. Countdown to the championship?!

TOT shocked Bangkok Glass with two early goals. Right after 180 seconds, the scoreboard showed a 2-0 lead for the host. At the end it was enough to see the Hello Boys winning comfortably by 3-2. One goal from Arthit Sunthornpit was enough for Chonburi to beat Police United at Chonburi Stadium and to end the clubs unwanted record of scoring no goal over a period of three games. Since the club gained promotion in 2007, the fans didn't had to wait that long. After being beat by Osotspa 0-4 mid-week, BEC Tero just managed a 2-2 draw against BBCU. However, the title as runner-up is still in reach.