Muang Thong SCG 0, Pattaya United 0
Last Sunday Pattaya United visited the SCG Stadium in Bangkok, the home of the current Premier League champions Muang Thong United. Despite Pattaya’s latest fine 3-1 home win against Nakhon Ratchasima, this task was always one that was going to test the Dolphins to the limit.
In the first 20 minutes Pattaya stared well and had more than their fair share of possession, with Milos Stojanovic and Welligton Priori stretching and threatening the home defence. In fact either one of these 2 could have opened the scoring yet Pattaya would have been happy to reach half time at 0-0.
In the second half Muang Thong naturally came out with all guns blazing. However, they were dealing with a Pattaya team who were not going to roll over and take an inevitable beating. Despite a great deal of home team possession Pattaya were rarely flustered.
The great defensive work of the side was well organized, with man of the match Sarawut Kanlayanabandit being particularly influential in central defence. In fact Pattaya could have scored a winner at the end of the game but Anuwat Inyin’s fine effort was well saved by the home goalkeeper.
To come away from the match with a point was a tremendous result. It was of particular significance to the young goalkeeper Pattiwat Khammai who seems to be growing in confidence with every game.
Pattaya United’s next league game is away at Sisaket on Sunday, July 9. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
