Local amateur football team Pattaya City beat early league leaders Phoenix FC on October 1 after a rampant 1st half display that saw City take a 2 goal lead through Chris ‘Megatron’ Wilmott. The burly striker capitalized on excellent work from fellow Scot Ross Crichten to score the first goal with consummate ease and soon doubled his tally, and his team’s lead, when he latched on to a fine pass from Josh Carr.
City were all over the early season pace setters and Tommy Rooney went close through an excellent strike which hit the underside of the bar. Chances were coming thick and fast for the away team, who were still reeling from their sickening late defeat the week before.
Bobby ‘the Bottler’ was working hard on the right and delivered a couple of teasing crosses that nearly produced a couple of assists. It has been a testing time for ‘the Bottler’ who has been blaming his wayward shooting on the lack of spectators at the ground. He commented: “I am a big game player and I need an audience to be there for me to perform. The reason I am shooting too early is because there is a lack of spectators and atmosphere. As soon as the people start turning up… then I will start providing!”
Phoenix finally started to function after 30 minutes and soon after got their first shot on target. Unfortunately for City it was a deflected free kick that hit the wall, surprising the usually nimble footed Steve Skolley in goal and made it 2-1.
After half time Phoenix were suddenly a different team. They started brightly and City had to dig in, as they were under constant pressure, but they withstood the onslaught thanks to the fantastic defending of their back four. Although there was a lot of pressure, not much came by the way of chances and City held firm. With 5 minutes to go City put the final nail in the Phoenix coffin when man of the match Wilmott crossed perfectly for Strawberry blond bombshell Carr to head home and seal the 3 points.
Goal scorer Willmott said after the game, “It was a great performance from the lads, we dominated for long periods. When they came at us we held firm… a great result!”
Anyone interested in playing casual league football should visit Pattaya City Facebook page.
