Pattaya United’s return to Thai Premier League action on Saturday, July 20, resulted in disappointment for travelling Dolphin supporters as they saw their team lose 2-1 away at Osotspa M-150 FC in Saraburi.
Following a goalless first half in which United had arguably the better of the few chances created, the home team broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Chananan Pombuppha beat the Pattaya offside trap before rounding the keeper and calmly slotting the ball into an empty net.
Worse was to follow soon after for the visitors when Osotspa doubled their lead in the 65th minute: United keeper Chanin could only parry a close range header from Moura into the path of Ostospa defender Kosawat Wongwailikit who nodded the ball home from 3 yards out.
Pattaya gave themselves a late lifeline back into the game through a fine individual goal from their S. African forward Makhosonke Bhengu in the 83rd minute but it proved to be no more than a consolation as time ran out for the visitors who were consigned to their fourteenth defeat of the season.
With defending champions Muang Thong United having a free weekend, both Buriram and Chonburi failed to take advantage of their rival’s inaction as they were held to away draws at Bangkok Glass and Army United respectively.
Meanwhile it seems that Sisaket FC, who have only competed in three games this season, could face the prospect of automatic relegation as the club continues an ownership battle in the courtroom. Thai Premier League president Vichit Yamboonruang said earlier this month, “Given Sisaket’s inability to play, we may have no choice but to demote them to Division One next season. We might nullify the results of three matches they played, but we have to consider this matter again in order to ensure fairness for every team.”
If results are nullified the three teams affected would be Muang Thong United, Chainat FC and Songkhla United.
Pattaya United’s next Premier League fixture is on Sunday, Aug. 4 away at Army United. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
| Thai Premier League Results & Standings July 21 | ||||||
| Team | P | W | D | L | +/- | Pts. |
| Buriram United | 18 | 13 | 5 | 0 | 30 | 44 |
| Muang Thong United | 18 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 16 | 41 |
| Chonburi FC | 18 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 35 |
| Suphanburi FC | 18 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 33 |
| BEC Tero Sasana | 18 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 27 |
| Songkhla United | 19 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 27 |
| Bangkok Glass FC | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 26 |
| Army United | 18 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 25 |
| Osotspa Saraburi FC | 18 | 6 | 7 | 5 | -3 | 25 |
| TOT SC | 18 | 6 | 6 | 6 | -5 | 24 |
| Chainat FC | 18 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 22 |
| Police United | 18 | 5 | 7 | 6 | -3 | 22 |
| Ratchaburi FC | 18 | 3 | 7 | 8 | -4 | 16 |
| Bangkok United | 18 | 4 | 4 | 10 | -14 | 16 |
| Samut Songkhram FC | 18 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -10 | 13 |
| Chiang Rai United | 18 | 1 | 8 | 9 | -11 | 11 |
| Pattaya United | 18 | 3 | 1 | 14 | -22 | 10 |
| Sisaket FC | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -4 | 1 |
| Results: Osotspa-Saraburi FC 2 v 1 Pattaya United, Bangkok Glass FC 0 v 0 Buriram United, Chiang Rai United 0 v 0 Suphanburi FC, Army United 1 v 1 Chonburi FC, Police United 1 v 0 TOT SC, Samut Songkhram FC 0 v 0 Bangkok United, Songkhla United 2 v 0 Chainat FC, BEC Tero Sasana 0 v 3 Ratchaburi FC, Muang Thong United P v P Sisaket FC | ||||||
