What if….

Chang FA Cup Round of 64
2022-2023

Wednesday 2 November 2022
Chiang Mai FC 1 Bangkok United 3

Chiang Mai FC:


Kiadtiphon
Tanin
Piyachanok
Filipovic
Thammayut
Chatchai
Ronnayod
Phommin
Kiadtisak
Tawan
Gustavsson

In a galaxy far away, and in an alternate universe, Patrik Gustavsson tucks away an equalizing goal in the 69th minute and Chiang Mai go on to a famous win after extra time and penalties.

It was not to be. Football is always a game of fine margins and inevitable what ifs?

It was a glorious opportunity; running in behind the defense and one on one with Warut in the Bangkok United goal, Gustavsson had time to steady himself and pick his target. Instead the ball was scooped over the goalkeeper and the crossbar. His disappointment echoed though the crowd.

But; once again Patrick was in the right place at the right time; his run had created the opportunity. When he scores (the amateurs of Sisaket City do not really count) he could go on to score plenty. Today was not that day.

And in fairness, despite a good 15 minute CMFC spell midway in the second half the visitors dominated this game playing much of it in little more than second gear. They are a good side.

Both teams fielded near-to-reserve teams. It is a shame that the FA Cup (and this is not just a Thailand issue) is no longer taken very seriously. Recognising this a rather subdued crowd of just 849 was in attendance.

This should have been a big day – the visit of the second best club side (on current standings) in Thailand. An opportunity for a giant-killing rather than a useful training match.

Bangkok United play in a very fetching mauve away shirt; it looks rather like something they might have acquired in a bulk order from Pomelo.

Filipovic and Piyachanok were solid at centre back. Tawan started and was lively throughout; though he played on the left side of midfield. Starting as a 4-3-2-1 Gustavsson at times looked lonely up front.  

Bangkok United opened the scoring in the 5th minute. Rungrat released Nitipong on the right side; his cross ran through the six yard box for Chayathorn; his close range shot was well saved by Kiadtiphon but Willen Mota was on hand to tap in the loose ball in front of goal.

Playing with movement and pace Bangkok United were spraying crossfield passes towards Nitipong and Rungrat on the right side. Thammayut  was struggling at full back.

With ten minutes gone Phommin, once again with options around him, tried a 40 yard shot. It was ugly.

Another low cross from the right was met by Chayathorn who drew a low near post save from Kiadtiphon.

Tawan was then fouled by Nitipong on the left touchline. Lining up in the penalty area Tawan reacted first to Ronnayod’s inswinging free kick, ahead of his old teammate Tassanapong, and his glancing header helped the ball with pace inside the near post. A very well-worked free kick.

Chiang Mai’s joy was short lived. Two minutes later Tanin gave away a soft foul 20 yards out in front of goal. Rungrat and Ratchanat lined up to take it. Left or right? It was Ratchanat with his right foot who thumped the ball into the top left corner of Kiadtiphon’s goal. The goalkeeper did not move.

Ratchanat then cleared the bar with another good opportunity while at the other end Kiadtisak’s left foot shot was straight at Warut.

 It had been the visitors’ half – the quality of their football always giving them a little bit more time to be creative.

But it was Chiang Mai who almost opened the second half in style; Kiadtiphon’s smart distribution releasing Tawan down the left wing and his low early cross was met by Gustavsson under pressure and he was unable to convert a difficult chance.

Willen Mota and the substitute Chayawat both cleared the crossbar with shots.

And then came the Gustavsson miss.

The game was over when Ratchanat unmarked at the far post headed home Wanchai’s cross. That was harsh on Chiang Mai as Tanin had left the field after treatment for an injury and the pfficials were slow to let him back on the field; Wanchai taking advantage of the now undefended space.

Heberty made an appearance replacing Mota. There is an authority about his football. As there was about Bangkok United as they calmly played out time.

As a competitive cup tie the game never really got going; as a good workout it was worthwhile. Tawan proved again that he is quick, aware and scores goals; perhaps back to his form of the first half of last season.

Piyachanok once again looked more than capable. He is also a vocal organiser.

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In other local FA Cup results Chiang Mai United beat Kasetsart with an Evson goal in injury time in front of a crowd of just 211 in the 700th anniversary stadium. Embarrassing.

Ghost Gate playing in Doi Saket lost to Prime Bangkok 0-5

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On Saturday 5 November we visit Chiang Mai United. The game is at the 700th anniversary stadium; kick off at 7.00pm. Fireworks are likely.