Thai Football: Prachuap scorched by Muangthong

PAK KRET, NONTHABURI: PT Prachuap FC have fallen further down the lower rungs of the league ladder following a five-goal shutout last night to Muangthong United.

Played at the Thunderbolt Stadium, just north of the Thai capital, the match was the 10th for both sides of the 30 fixture season.

Going in, Prachuap were ranked 9th, while Muangthong United’s ‘Kirin’ (a mythical Chinese dragon) were 12th of the 16-team Toyota Hilux Revo Thai League.

The opening goal was a header scored by Estonian striker Henri Anier in the 16th minute.

The home team doubled their lead in the 24th minute with a goal by Thai midfielder  Wongsakorn Chaikultewin. Though his initial strike was blocked by the Prachuap keeper, Wongsakorn’s follow-up second attempt did not fail.

The match’s third goal was a penalty,  awarded after a questionable challenge in the box. It was scored by Uzbekistan midfielder Sardor Mirzaev  Mirzayev in the 44th minute.

The home side extended their lead in the opening minutes of the second half with a header by Brazilian defender Lucas Rocha, connecting a free kick on 48 minutes.

And though the visitors were able to maintain better possession they were unable to penetrate the defenses of their opponents, taking only two shots on target the entire match.

It was the home side to get the final cheer and goal when their Thai winger  Phumin Kaewta scored in the third minute of extra time to seal the result.

As a result Muangthong, with their first win in six matches, moved up a spot into 11th, while Prachuap now hold the 12th position.

Both sides have 10 points from as many matches. though are seperated by goal differences: Prachuap have a deficit of 9 and Muangthong a deficit of two.

Battered Prachuap now return home, looking to reedeem themselves in their final match of the month.

On October 29 Prachuap host 15th place Khon Kaen United at Sam Ao Stadium.

Khon Kaen haven’t tasted victory in their past six matches, having won only one of their 10 league matches — beating Lampang on September 3.

They were, however, able to hold league leaders Buriram to an impressive 1-1 draw in their Isan derby on Saturday.

Despite their lower ranking, they may prove to be a formidable opponent for Prachuap this Saturday. Kickoff is 6pm.