Pattaya United experienced a roller coaster ride of emotions over the past 10 days as they took on two of the league’s leading teams in their desperate quest to avoid relegation.
On Wednesday, August 14, United entertained local rivals Chonburi FC and despite coming under intense pressure and falling behind in the game twice, the Dolphins produced an inspired display to snatch an unlikely but entertaining 4-3 victory thanks to a late winning goal from Laksana Kamruen.
United’s fortunes would take a tumble just 3 days later however when they travelled to Bangkok to take on second placed Muang Thong United at the SCG Stadium.
Muang Thong United’s Bang Seung-Hwan evades the attentions of two Pattaya United defenders during their Thai Premier League fixture at the SCG Stadium, Saturday, August 17. (Photo courtesy Muang Thong United FC)
Buoyed by their success against Chonburi, Pattaya came out in confident fashion and took a deserved lead in the 11th minute when Kriangkhai Pimrat fired in a superb low shot from the edge of the area.
United held the advantage until 2 minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half when they conceded what appeared to be a harsh penalty and Bolivian striker Edvaldo Hermoza converted the spot kick for Muang Thong to take the teams in level at the break.
A smart header by Teerasil Dangda gave the home team the lead for the first time in the match in the 57th minute after he latched onto a low cross from Pichitphong, and Muang Thong appeared to have sealed all three points 15 minutes from time as Korean Bang Seung-Hwan fired home from close range to extend the advantage.
However, Pattaya came charging back and Obinna reduced the deficit just 5 minutes later as he turned sharply in the Muang Thong area before slotting the ball home. There was to be no fairytale ending for Pattaya this time though as the hosts ran down the clock to the final whistle.
Pattaya United were due to take on Bangkok United at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya this past Wednesday and this coming weekend have an away fixture at TOT on Saturday, kick-off at 6 p.m.
| Thai Premier League Standings August 18 | ||||||
| Team | P | W | D | L | +/- | Pts. |
| Buriram United | 22 | 15 | 7 | 0 | 33 | 52 |
| Muang Thong United | 22 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 20 | 51 |
| Chonburi | 22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 14 | 44 |
| Suphanburi | 22 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 13 | 40 |
| Army United | 22 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 13 | 37 |
| BEC Tero Sasana | 22 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 35 |
| Osotspa | 22 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 32 |
| Bangkok Glass | 22 | 8 | 6 | 8 | -3 | 30 |
| Songkhla United | 23 | 7 | 8 | 8 | -4 | 29 |
| Police United | 22 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 2 | 28 |
| Chainat | 22 | 6 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 25 |
| TOT | 22 | 6 | 6 | 10 | -16 | 24 |
| Bangkok United | 22 | 5 | 5 | 12 | -17 | 20 |
| Ratchaburi | 22 | 4 | 7 | 11 | -6 | 19 |
| Samut Songkhram | 21 | 3 | 7 | 11 | -13 | 16 |
| Chiangrai United | 21 | 2 | 9 | 10 | -12 | 15 |
| Pattaya United | 22 | 4 | 1 | 17 | -26 | 13 |
| Sisaket | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -4 | 1 |
| Results: Bangkok United 4-2 Ratchaburi, Songkhla United 0-2 Police United, Buriram United 2-0 Chiangrai United, Muang Thong United 3-2 Pattaya United, Bangkok Glass 2-3 BEC Tero Sasana, TOT 1-2 Chonburi, Sisaket PSTP Samut Songkhram, Chainat 1-2 Osotspa, Suphanburi 0-1 Army United | ||||||
