Pattaya United suffered some post-Songkran blues last Saturday when they found themselves on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline to Bangkok FC at the 72-years Anniversary Stadium in Bangkok.
United struggled to make headway against a resolute home defence and it came as little surprise when Bangkok, after going close on a couple of occasions, finally took the lead in the 28th minute of them game: Ivory Coast midfielder Ali Diarra, on loan from Premier League outfit Muangthong United, received the ball 5 yards out from the United area and his first time shot took a wicked deflection over the head of Pattaya keeper Sankla Hassachai.
Bangkok FC midfielder Woranat Thongkruea (33) prepares to shoot at the Pattaya United goal during their Yamaha Thai Division 1 fixture at the 72-years Anniversary Stadium in Bangkok, Saturday, April 19. (Photo courtesy Bangkok FC)
Despite increasing pressure on their goal, the Dolphins managed to keep the score from getting any worse until the 80th minute of the match when Bangkok’s Brazilian forward Júnior Valci connected with a left wing cross from Sulaiman Arwarekaji to convert from close range.
Elsewhere in the Yamaha Thai Division 1, Sri Racha FC suffered their 8th consecutive defeat of the season with a 1-0 home loss to Krabi. The Eastern Seaboard team remains anchored to the foot of the table with zero points.
Up in the Premier League, Chonburi ‘Sharks’ dropped off the pace when they could only draw 0-0 at home against Suphanburi to leave them trailing league leaders Muang Thong United and Singhtarua by three points.
Pattaya United’s next fixture is this coming Sunday, April 27, at home against Khon Kaen FC at the Nongprue Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
