Continuing with their AIS League 2 preseason preparations, newcomers Inter Pattaya were comfortable 4-1 winners against visiting Samutprakan FC on Saturday, March 5. ‘Preparation’ best describes both these multinational teams’ approach to a game that at times ranged from amateur to professional, with most of the play on the lower end of the scale.
Inter’s head coach mentioned the team coming off 10 intense training days, which would partially explain their relatively slow start and wayward shooting: Ayota hit the side netting in the 4th minute when well placed and Somchai sent his effort high over the crossbar in the 15th minute for Inter.
Inter Pattaya line up for a team photo prior to their pre-season game against Samutprakan FC in Pattaya, Saturday, March 5.
Play quickened up though, with Samutprakan attempting to attack and Inter countering and a poor goalkeeper clearance by the visitors presented Inter’s Mbazamo with space for the first goal.
Inter’s players, sensing opportunities, began more active play but Samut kept pace. In the 25th minute, Inter’s goalkeeper went off injured and Samut had the better of the exchanges for some time afterwards. However, another goalkeeping error gifted a well-positioned Mbazamo another goal in the 40th minute to make the score 2-0.
Two Samut substitutions helped in their counter-attacking while Inter had a few wayward attempts on goal, with Ayota’s direct shot being comfortably saved to end the first half.
The second half started more aggressively and the first yellow of the game was soon issued to the Samut #12 for blocking an Inter player’s run on goal. Inter’s #10 then subsequently headed the free kick over the bar.
Samut began to look the more ambitious team again, with some direct shots on goal that were well saved by the Inter keeper. The visitors’ counter attacking style was at times exciting but they wasted too many opportunities.
In the 75th minute, Inter’s Narut and Saharat combined for a nice goal while Gabby wrested some pride for Samut by scoring a quick counter to make the game 3-1 in the 77th minute. Samut again showed glimmers of quality, taking on Inter, but they were caught on the break in the 85th minute and Inter’s #10 was gifted an easy goal to make the final score 4-1.
The Inter Pattaya Ultras provided much colour, literally and figuratively to the game and are a great supporter group to any team.
With the season kick-off only a few weeks away, Inter’s assistant coach described the performance as just “okay”, with the many new players still gelling. Samut’s coach also echoed similar thoughts as he works out his first team and second team players, however he commented on the artificial turf at Inter’s ground which his players are unaccustomed to.
