Rajpracha 2 Sriracha 0 - FA Cup

Raj moved in to the last eight with a dominating performance against a flat Sriracha side that avenged the recent league defeat.

Neutrals would be surprised to learn that Sriracha were the top side and Raj the strugglers of D1 as after the first five minutes, the home side always looked the stronger.


Both goals came in the first half - a penalty by Pontawee and a finish inside the box from Pantong.


The only surprise is that more goals did not come. Raj could easily have scored six or seven with better finishing as they knocked the ball around neatly and quickly for much of the game. Sriracha also had chances aplenty and lost out by some terrible finishing and yet another solid display by Yen Emile. It's a shame the stretcher had to appear so much in the second half as Raj really did not need to run down the clock. There was only one team in this game.


A couple of asides - Raj sported a different kit - similar to that of PEA Buriram - for reasons unknown and also appeared late for the second half. This has happened just once before.....in the league game against Sriracha.


The win means Raj are just one of two D1teams  in the hat for the quarter finals.

Crown news

After defeating Prachinburi to make it two impressive wins in a row, Raj will go in for their FA Cup match at home to Sriracha this Wednesday at 1800 at the Thunderdome full of confidence.

If you are in the area, come and support Raj in their bid to take revenge for the 2-1 home defeat against the league leaders.

Raj 1 Sriracha 2 - Report

Raj balanced last week's little stroke of luck with a little misfortune today as they surrendered a one-nil lead to lose one-two at home to Division One leaders Sriracha in front of another large crowd with lots of visiting supporters.

The visitors had most of the possession in the first half but were held out by some deep and numerous defending by Raj. However, around the thirty five minute mark a cross towards Tahamassee resulted in a complete miss-shot by the striker and the ball rolled to Raj's number twenty six Noppon Ponudom. The recent signing from Bangkok United put the ball in the top right corner to take a one-nil lead for his side.

The second half was fought in a similar pattern and Raj held on to their lead only by courtesy of yet another outstanding display of goalkeeping by Yen Emile. Surely this man in the best goalkeeper outside the Premiership?

Midway through the second half a Sriracha forward beat two men to slot home within the six yard box to make the score one all. The referee continued a program of very weak-minded officiating and a bizarre free kick that should have been given to Raj but instead was given against them resulted in a  forward surge and a second goal for Sriracha. Raj fought back in the dying moments but it was not their day.

Nonetheless this was a brave performance and if we can continue playing to this standard, we will be safe. We also have a quick chance for revenge against Sriracha in our upcoming FA Cup fixture.

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Nonthaburi went down 0-2 at home to North Bangkok College to deal a heavy blow to Eka's playoff hopes.

Rajpracha Vs Sriracha

Raj will take on Sriracha at the Thunderdome on Saturday in a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup tie scheduled for the following week. (However, no less than three games are booked in to play at The Thunderdome at the same time on the same day!).


Sriracha sit atop the D1 table after being relegated from the TPL last season. However Raj will be coming into this game full of confidence after their 1-0 win against second placed Air Force last week.


If Raj could win this one, it would have a profound effect on the league title race and with thirteen games left, Raj themselves would be just eight points away from a promotion spot.

Sriracha 0 Raj 0

Actually a very good result, away to the team narrowly relegated from the Prem last season, and the favourites to go straight back up.

I was unable to attend this game but I'll be at the next home game on Wednesday.