After a short break the Thai football season continued with all four Pattaya teams in action last week.
Pattaya United took on Sukhothai FC away but were not able to repeat their victory from their last encounter and lost 1-0. Premier League football is a different ball game from League One as United are finding out all too quickly.
Pattaya’s second game was at home to Buriram United last weekend, but again it resulted in another loss as the Dolphins went down 3-1 to the current defending Thai Premier League champions. Pattaya scored first through Wangsakorn in the 19th minute but Buriram equalized in the 35th minute. For most of the encounter Pattaya were within range and ended the first half level at 1-1. A quick goal at the start of second half by Buriram dented the home team’s confidence and an injury time third left the Dolphins floundering at the bottom of the table. As one supporter said, “the wins are coming.” Hopefully soon so that Pattaya stay in the Premier League.
Pattaya United captain Tanasak Srisai (left) shields the ball from a Buriram United forward during their Thai Premier League game at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya, Saturday, April 2. (Photo courtesy Pattaya United)
In the lower AIS League Two, newcomers Inter Pattaya continued their determined start with a closely fought game against Naval Fleet Division FC at Sattahip. After some dubious refereeing the game went past extra time and down to penalty kicks. Inter won their second penalty shootout 6-5 to continue their League Cup march to make the final cut of 64 teams.
Inter also played their first home game at Planet Football’s grounds, versus Pathumthani United in front of over 280 ticket holders. The game was a thriller and ended 4-0 to Inter with many other chances created by both teams. The match referee was a lady, showing the many opportunities for women in the game.
Pattaya’s other League Two representative, Pattaya FC, only played one game, losing a friendly against Samut Sakkon FC 1-0.
Apart from the above three teams there is also Pattaya City FC which plays in the AIS League Two Eastern Division. City played Sakaeo FC away last week and won 2-1.
Thai Premier League football takes another break for the Songkran festival and will return on the weekend of the 23rd April. However Cup games will be played in the meantime: Pattaya United are away to Satun United (D2 South) on April 9 while Inter are playing on April 10 at home to Nakon Ratchasima.
