Eka were actually very, very lucky to emerge with three points in a game that was high on excitement at times but usually way below standard in terms of skill.
As per last season, there were various types of opening ceremonies and entertainments before kick off. The idea was that NSRU would simply turn up to allow Eka to display their title credentials.
Only, the opponents hadn't read the script and took the lead after less than ten minutes with a short, high cross that was headed home from the six yard box.
At this time I noticed the line up was missing several new players. I was told that Jelani Grant and three other players were sat in the crowd because they had not received clearance to play in the league yet, though it was unclear if the problem was with immigration, the RL or the player's respective home countries. Whatever the reason, the team was far weaker for it.
Nonthaburi equalised about fifteen minutes later with an almost mirror-copy of the goal at the other end, scored by number ten, Ale.
The rest of the first half was slow, mainly thanks to a lot of time wasting and a whistle-happy ref. Eka repeatedly gave the ball away in their own half and slowly resorted to long balls instead.
The home side started better in the second half and scored a great free kick from number eight Nipol Panprom before very, very heavily riding their luck when the back line went to pieces on more than one occasion. Only two unbelievable misses from NSRU kept Eka in the lead. As injury time beckoned the visitors threw everything forward and Eka hit them on the break twice and really should have buried at least one chance. The final score was 2-1.
Of course, the result is always the most important thing but repeats of this performance against better teams in D2 such as BCC and North Bangkok will see us punished heavily. Nonthaburi need to rush through paperwork for the new players, spend a lot of time coaching the defence and also coaching the players' tactical discipline.
A note for penny pinchers. Rajpracha's games at Wat Boat Stadium were always free. Today's game was free too but I recall last season's opener was also free to promote the team to potential new fans. So by the next home game, we should know if Eka fans will be treated to an entirely free home season.
Man of the match:
17 Arthit, great first touch and reading of the game.
No team list as all players have new squad numbers for the new season. A new squad list will be produced ASAP.
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