THAILAND: THAI PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP

As expected, the top two recorded home victories this weekend. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Muang Thong, who faced a Pattaya United side buoyed by their midweek home win against third placed Chonburi. The Qilins had to come from behind before taking a 3-1 lead and then faced a nervy final few minutes as the visitors – who had been playing with ten men since the 39th minute – pulled a goal back and pressed for an equaliser. Unfortunately for the Dolphins,it wasn’t to be and they remain effectively bottom of the table, three points away from the safety zone.

TPL leaders Buriram United had a slightly easier time of it at the Thundercastle, securing a routine 2-0 victory over Chiang Rai United. The Isaan team have stumbled a bit in recent weeks but this win and performance should give them a boost of confidence ahead of their AFC Champions League quarter final 1st leg tie in Iran on Wednesday night. It also helps to keep a sliver of daylight between them and the only other genuine challengers for the title, Muang Thong.

Elsewhere, there were good away wins for Chonburi and Army Utd. The latter seem to be picking up a headful of steam, collecting a maximum twelve points from their last four matches, and must now be eyeing a top four finish. While the Sharks will be glad to get back to winning ways following the disappointing reverse in their previous outing.

The lowest crowd of the weekend (1,445) witnessed Bangkok Utd’s 4-2 triumph over Ratchburi, and saw the home side leapfrog over their rivals into 14th place and put an end to their five game winless streak. They face relegation rivals Pattaya Utd on Wednesday night and will be hopeful of picking up another three points to edge themselves towards mid table and safety.

At the Leo Stadium, BEC Tero came from 2-1 down to win 3-2, with a brace by Cleiton Silva. Sadly, the match was marred by an unseemly injury time brawl, which resulted in Flavien Micelini (Bangkok Glass) and Chanathip Songkrasin (BEC Tero) both being shown red cards.