After a short hiatus for the Songkran holiday break, Pattaya’s professional football clubs dried off and headed back to competitive action last weekend.
Pattaya United were away to Army United on Sunday in the top flight Premier League and managed to attain a 2-1 victory in Bangkok in a huge ‘need to win’ encounter. The Dolphins went into the match languishing at the foot of the table but opened the scoring through Brazilian Junior Negao in the 31st minute and wrapped up the valuable three points with a goal in the 85th from Lebanese striker Soony Saad. Army United were able to stay in the game in the first half via a penalty in the 42nd minute. Pattaya United had the better of the exchanges during the match but could not capitalize until Saad’s late winner.
Pattaya United striker Soony Saad (10) is congratulated by teammate Júnior Negrão (9) after scoring the winning goal against Army United FC in Bangkok, Sunday, April 24. (Photo courtesy Pattaya United FC)
With their first win of the season the Dolphins moved off the bottom of the league standings and out of relegation zone but the Pattaya team will be looking for more similar performances as they continue the battle to stay in the top tier of Thai football.
Pattaya United’s next game is away at Chainat FC on Sunday, May 1 with kick-off scheduled for 6 p.m.
In AIS League Two East (Bangkok Region), Inter Pattaya continued their winning ways by sinking the Naval Fleet with a 1-0 win at the Navy Stadium in Sattahip. Inter did not break stride despite changing coaches over the holiday period and new head coach Bertrand Crasson would be happy with the welcome victory. The win keeps the pressure on division leaders Samutprakan United, with Inter second on goal difference.
Dolphin supporters celebrate the team’s first league win of the season. (Photo courtesy Pattaya United FC)
Another of Pattaya’s footballing representatives, Pattaya FC, lost 4-2 to Look Issan which leaves them currently 8th in the 11 team league. Pattaya FC chased for most of the game despite being level at 2-2 at one point, however they could not keep up with their opponents and Look Issan pulled away for the win. Pattaya FC’s next game is away to Kasen Bundit University on the 30th April.
There is also Pattaya City FC, which plays in the AIS League Two Eastern Division and who lost 2-1 to neighbors Chonburi FC at the weekend but stayed 4th in the 12 team table.
