Pattaya United’s new season in Thai League Division 1 got off to a disappointing start last weekend when the Dolphins slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Sukhothai FC on Valentine’s Day.
The hosts had the ball in the Pattaya net early on in the game but Madagascan forward John Baggio’s headed effort was correctly ruled out for offside. The same player would make no mistake one minute later however as he latched onto a through ball from Pluemjai, rounded Pattaya keeper Piyapatrakitti and powered the ball into the top corner of the goal to give Sukhothai the lead.
Pattaya fought back strongly and felt they had been harshly done to when their Serbian midfielder Bubalo was buddled over in the hosts’ penalty area for what looked to be a clear penalty, however the referee waved the Pattaya players’ protestations away.
Bubalo again came close to leveling the game just before the break but his fierce shot was directed straight at the Sukhothai goalkeeper.
United continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession in the second half and the best chance of the game fell to on-loan striker Komazec, whose powerful header was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Sukhothai keeper Klakrob.
In stoppage time, the hosts had a chance to put the match out of reach but Saranan’s tame shot was palmed away by Piyapatrakitti and out to safety. It mattered not however as the referee’s final whistle sounded soon after.
Pattaya United’s next fixture is a local derby this coming Saturday, Feb. 21, against PTT Rayong at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
In the Thai Premier League, Chonburi FC started their season strongly with a 3-1 away win at Saraburi on Friday, Feb. 13. Thiago Cunha’s fourth minute strike was cancelled out by a goal from Saraburi’s Asurin just before the break and Chonburi then left it late, with 2 goals in the final 5 minutes of the match from Keawsombat and Fernandes sealing the points for the Sharks.
