After losing their coach before the break and first game afterward, Pattaya United returned to winning ways this week. First, there was a 2-1 win versus Thai Honda in the FA Cup round of 32 on Wednesday 15th June and repeating the performance against Bangkok Glass.
Again, The Dolphins dynamic duo of Pinto Junior and Soony Hassan were the scorers. This was Pattaya’s first big scalp of the season with the League’s third place team challenge on the title now more fragile.
Bangkok Glass game plan appeared simply attack. Daniel and Surachat made this clear in opening three minutes. However, Pattaya showed it had a response with Chayawat showing skill, control and composure despite the resultant shot. Bangkok Glass, with a plan in hand, still appeared to be going off script with Smith, at times, appearing to be asking where to play the ball out of defense. The Dolphins, again off the determined control of Chayawat, were able to get a goal from Pinto Junior off a Sonny Hassan assist. Overall an excellent example of team effort.
The Glass Rabbits kept hopping to the attack but could not finish the build-up. P-Rahpong was guilty of many missed chances with the others not being much better. Pattaya responded in kind with Soony guilty on not latching on to a well-worked cross from a corner. Both teams at times appeared lazy with Bangkok’s lack of finish accentuating the lapses. The Glass Rabbits’ defense, however, was working with the first yellow of the game going to Captain Smith for a manful challenge on Chayawat. Bangkok continued attacking but not scoring.
The offensive mode continued in the second half with the Rabbits bringing on a forward for a midfielder. Pattaya got their first yellow six minutes into the half with defender Kim Jinkyu literally kicking off a scrimmage. Intensity was up but not sense. Bangkok kept their camp in Pattaya’s half which resulted in an exposed defense. Another attacking substitution by Bangkok left gaps in the 72nd minute with Soony Hassan losing a footrace with Suwannapat.
Sensing the opportunity, Pattaya brought on forward Wongsakorn for midfielder Woranat. The Dolphins kept absorbing the barrages looking or the quick counter. This strategy paid off in the 84th minute with Soony Hassan scoring off a Chayawat assist sprinting down the right.
Bangkok kept their heads on and decided to throw the proverbial kitchen sink into the attack and was rewarded in the 89th minute through a well-placed Surachat.
With four minutes of extra time, Pattaya attempted to slow the game down with two substitutions and some wayward kicking. All to run the clock down. It worked with Pattaya holding on for the win.
Neither lucky nor lazy is likable, but supporters all say, “We want wins.” Pattaya’s new coach appears to be delivering despite the stumbling start. Next game is on Wednesday 22nd June away to Navy.
