Dolphins derailed at Khon Kaen

Pattaya United’s recent charge up the Thai Division 1 table hit an unexpected speed bump last weekend as the Dolphins succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at struggling Khon Kaen FC.

After a recent string of impressive results United were hoping to continue their momentum with victory over the second bottom club on Sunday night, but their hopes were undone by a 24th minute strike from Pitakpong Kulasuwan.  The Dolphin’s failed to close down on the Khon Kaen defender as he picked up the ball in the penalty area and he proceeded to send a curling shot into the far corner of the goal past the despairing dive of United keeper Sankla.

Pattaya United’s Christiano Lopes (2nd left) steers a header towards the Khon Kaen goal during the second half of their Division 1 match at the Khon Kaen Stadium on Sunday, August 17. (Photo/Pattaya United FC)

The Dolphins had chances in the game, the most notable of these falling to Christiano Lopes, but the Brazilian striker saw his second half goal-bound shot cleared off the line and his frantic appeals for handball waived away by the referee.

Khon Kaen could have sealed the game themselves near the end of the match but Sankla saved bravely at the feet of Karada.  Deep into injury time United forced a series of corner kicks, throwing everyone into the box in search of an equaliser, but the home defence held firm and played out to the final whistle.

United’s next league game is a home match against Chiang Mai FC on Saturday, August 23.  Kick-off at the Nongprue Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Near neighbours Sriracha FC fell to an unprecedented 23rd defeat of the season when they lost 1-0 at home to TTM Lopburi last Saturday and with just 8 games left of the current season, relegation for the Marlins to the second division is now all but assured.

In the Premier League, second placed Chonburi slipped three points behind leaders Buriram after only managing a 1-1 home draw against Singhtarua.  The ‘Sharks’ face a huge home match this coming Saturday against third placed Muang Thong United.