Nonthaburi FC: Nonthaburi FC 1 Chamchuree 3

Another disappointing defeat for Eka against a good Chamchuree side in a contest that served only to underline long-term problems within Eka.

Chamchuree's goalie makes the catch

Nonthaburi looked sleepy in the first twenty minutes of the game and it was this lethargy combined with one defensive error - caused by ball watching - that set up the visiting pink side with an early 0-2 lead.

It was only then that the home side galvanised and I can’t help noticing that we so often pick up our game when we’re losing and nobody expects us to come back. In other words: we play best when the pressure is off. I think this speaks volumes about the wilting confidence in the side.

Chamchuree’s third goal came in the second half when the entire Eka back line stood still and claimed offside when clearly there was no offside. The home side's consolation goal came from some strong pressure down the wings and was well-deserved.

This was the final game in the first leg of the season and in my humble opinion little has changed because conspicuous problems have not been addressed. We have no natural strikers, neither a big target man to attack crosses and corners nor a quick poacher. It makes me so frustrated to see wide players move to the touchline, look up and see nobody moving into the box. Meanwhile the coach seems to think no touchline interaction is necessary until we are trailing by at least one goal and the back line lack work hard but lack coordination.

Ryan, Joe, Jelani: sadly, they can't help us now.

But there is hope: number thirty, Samart, has speed and dribbling skill, our new long-haired midfielder Autthapon has a fantastic first touch and creativity, and midfielder Sarawut is good at long range passing. The squad as a whole look to have a good level of team spirit and have mastered basic breakaways and counter attacks. Though still lacking full confidence, it’s clear that the lads are developing in that area and are no longer afraid to take responsibility when they receive the ball in play. Most importantly of all, the team never give up or stop giving one hundred percent for the fans and the crowd respond in kind. With so much dedication from players and fans alike, nobody can write us off just yet.

Over the next couple of weeks the club must "wheel and deal" in the transfer market, presumably, without any cash to spend. If we can wrangle some loans or free transfers to bring in a couple of experienced pros or a hidden gem than we might just move up the table.

However if we do nothing or continue our tradition of utterly random swapping and selling, then we will probably stay rooted to bottom spot. The TFA have, I’m told, “not yet announced”(Thai bureaucrat speak for: “We haven’t got our s**t together yet”) if any relegation from the Regional League will take place this year. I hate to say it but in its current state, I can’t see our club surviving relegation to non-league. The future of Nonthaburi FC could be decided this coming fortnight.

Photo credits: Nhong Tim