Nonthaburi FC 0 Bangkok Glass 2 - Report

Credit:siamsport.co.th

Nonthaburi FC went down 2-0 at home to Bangkok Glass despite a brave and spirited performance that had looked like it might earn the Division 2 side a draw.

The single-stand stadium was almost completely full and the Bangkok Glass allocation was sold out thirty minutes before kick off. Many away fans and some home fans took up positions around the fenced area of the pitch to watch the game for free. Both sets of fans generated a tremendous atmosphere.

Nonthaburi's line up featured three players on loan from Buriram (I'm not sure if it's "PEA" or "FC") as the owner of Nonathburi is an associate of Newin Chidchob. Korean player K.Sung had a particularly strong game.

In the first half Eka Nonthaburi played a defensive game to a slow pace, a smart tactic that served its purpose of frustrating the visitors and going some way to negate their superior pace and skill. However Eka rarely looked like scoring on the break.

The second half continued in a similar pattern and only some goalkeeping heroics from home 'keeper Marak Matadam - who was confident enough to perform his trademark forward roll with his very first save of the game - combined with a little luck kept out the Premier League side.

The breakthrough came about fifteen minutes from time following a cross from the right wing into the Eka area that was headed home. It was a cruel blow for the home side who had proven themselves stubborn and sturdy despite the pressure they were under. A Michael Byrne screamer not long after put the game beyond doubt despite a late rally by Nothaburi.

The second leg is likely to end with a similar or greater score but Nonthaburi can take great pride and confidence from this encounter as they proved tactically adept and very hard to break down even against a nearly full strength BG.

Man of the match:

Marak Matadam

No doubt about this one: Eka's cult hero Marak Matadam. Had the relatively small sized goalie looked nervous or shaky under pressure, this would not have been such a close contest. Instead, he performed two excellent saves and one tip against the crossbar to keep his side in the game.


The starting team:
1 Marak Matadam
2 Anuchit Gratama
6 Venus Ponsa
16 Gidja Choosing
20 Thanom Sangjangda
15 Bouagba Carrion
17 Sathit Sriuthai
27 Jenwit Boonsuwan
28 Prasop 
29 Kim Young Sung
8 Sarawut Thasong

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Rajpracha Nonthaburi drew 0-0 away to Roi Et. Return fixture is next Wednesday.