United edge 10-man Sri Racha in derby clash

Pattaya United entertained bottom club Sri Racha Suzuki FC last Saturday in the ninth round of the Thai Premier League season.

Coming off the back of their 1-0 win the previous week against SCG Songkhram, United were looking to pick up another three points against their struggling neighbours; a win that would enable the Dolphins to consolidate their position among the leading teams in the division.

The home team got off to a perfect start when they took a 15th minute lead through midfielder Seehawong, who collected the ball at the far post to convert a cross from United’s Somchai Singmanee with a fierce low shot past Lucas.

Pattaya United’s O.J. Obatola, right, shrugs off the challenge of Sri Racha’s Sujarit Jantakul, left, during the second half of their Thai Premier League game in Chonburi, Saturday, April 16. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat)

The hosts then went on to control the majority of the first half possession but right before halftime both Wonghoi and Thaweekarn had chances to equalize for the visitors but they were unable to find the target when well placed.

The chances of Sri Racha getting back into the match were dealt a cruel blow early in the second period when Sujarit Jantakul was shown a straight red card for a dangerously high challenge on Ludovick.

Reduced to ten men Sri Racha regrouped and came close to grabbing a lifeline in the 53rd minute when Thaweekarn was just inches away with an effort on the Pattaya goal.  United however were not to be denied and just 10 minutes later they doubled their lead through a fine header from O.J. Obatola that beat Lucas in the far corner.

United could have added more to their tally before the end but a combination of poor finishing and some fine saves by Lucas kept the score at 2-0 until the final whistle.

United are now sitting in seventh place in the league, eight points behind leaders Buriram, while Sri Racha are still looking for their first win of the season and are left propping up the table.

United coach Jutaporn seemed happier with the result of the game than the performance of his team.

“Sri Racha made it difficult for us and they played very well, even when down to ten men.  I’m just happy to take the three points at the end of a tough match,” said Jutaporn.

United’s next game is on Sunday, April 24 away to Si Sa Ket FC.

Last Sunday Chonburi ‘Sharks’ recorded an emphatic 5-0 win over Si Sa Ket FC at the Chonburi Stadium with the goals coming from Ribic, On-mo, Abdul Lasoh and a brace from substitute Sukree Etae to keep the pressure on Buriram who are just three points ahead.