Thai League 2 2022-2023 – Saturday 11 February 2023
Krabi FC 0 Chiang Mai FC 0
Chiang Mai FC:
Fahas
Sarawin
Sarawut
Filipovic
Piyachanok
Ronnayod
Srithai
Im ChangKyoon
Tawan
Kim BoYong
Amornthep
Apologies for the delayed report – something to do with the 4am start on Saturday.
But this really was not a game that deserves more than a few short notes; a second successive goal-less draw for CMFC in a match that was devoid of drama. It was like being given watered down Red Cup in a land of wonderful coffees.
Krabi have not lost at home under their current manager, Somchai Makmool, and although still in 16th place it is hard to see this rebuilt team as relegation candidates.
For the visitors Sarawin replaced the injured Stewart at right back. Amornthep started on the right side in place of the (presumably) injured Suchanon. Srithai partnered Ronnayod in front of the back four in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The 5.30pm start was far from ideal. It was some 35C at kick off under a baking sun. Conditions better suited to the swimming pool behind the football stadium. There was no shade for away supporters precariously perched on aged scaffolding.
Krabi had their three free-scoring forwards all on display; but they rarely troubled Fahas in goal. Chigozie (99) in particular had changed formats with a series of conversion attempts ballooning (topical!) over the crossbar. In large part his efforts were restricted to long distance due to the presence of Sarawin, at full back, sticking limpet like to the Nigerian forward.
It was a game for defenses. Piyachanok and Veljko at one end and Hamed (40) at the other winning the aerial battles that mattered.
It became a game of half chances rather than near misses. Kim BoYong’s shot was deflected and nearly spilled by Panupan (1) in goal.
Amornthep on the right side of the penalty area cut inside onto his left foot – his shot lacked power and was again deflected to be gathered easily by Panupan.
Sarawut’s less than subtle kick at Techin (6) earned him a booking.
With the last kick of the first half Badar Ali’s (77) free kick was another to sail harmlessly over the crossbar.
The second half started with Choe HoJu (70) shooting wide of the far post from a narrow angle before Kim BoYong headed Ronnayod’s free kick over the bar from six yards. In form he should be hitting the target.
A series of bookings followed for some questionable challenges – the worst may have been Srithai’s lunge at Aitipol (31). The referee to his credit did try to play advantage before returning to the scene of the crime yellow card in hand.
CMFC’s first shot on target came in the 71st minute when Im ChangKyoon’s well time pass released Thammayut (on for Amornthep); his low shot (or cross) was well gathered by Panupan.
Krabi waited until the 86th minute before their first effort on goal – a left foot free kick from Badar Ali that Fahas probably saw late as he dived to his right to punch the ball clear.
Four minutes later Hamed was left so alone on the six yard line that he almost had too much time to think about Samerpak’s (2) cross from the left side – and with careful deliberation the Iranian directed his header wide of the far post.
One last chance for CMFC deep into injury time; Kim BoYong broke into the right side of the penalty area; his hard mid-height cross was parried by Panupan straight onto the head of Chatchai, on for Sarawut; but Chatchai did not have the time to adjust his body to direct the ball on target as his header flew wide of the near post.
CMFC host Kasetsart next Sunday – 19 February.
In other entertainment news the ever-smiling ex Chiang Mai centre-forward Jhonatan Bernardo got married this week – and rather than a romantic honeymoon he celebrated with Nakhon Pathom’s only goal at Rayong last night. A man who knows his priorities!