Match report
Thai League 2
12 January 2024
Lampang FC 2 Chiang Mai FC 1
Chiang Mai FC
Fahas
Adisak
Sarawut
Nukoolkit
Piyachanok
Nattayot
Chappuis
Jakkapan
Amornthep
Akarawin
Somroeng
The fates can be harsh. And Chatri’s late winner for Lampang was a cruel finish for everyone that made the short journey from Chiang Mai.
The CMFC starting line-up looked experimental – either a bold decision from the new coach or the owner seeing his tactics implemented.
Neither Cuerva or Yoo ByungSoo made the matchday squad. Stenio Jnr was suspended for the game. Im ChangKyoon, Tawan and Chitchanok were all on the bench.
Cuerva’s contract with CMFC has been terminated today.
Jakkapan moved to left midfield but while influential he was trying too hard to win the game on his own.
Nukooklit, who has been outstanding in defense this season, moved into the Cuerva role in midfield. He looked lost in this new role and was substituted at half time.
Adisak made his debut at left back. Yet Chiang Mai continued to leave gaps out wide and Kim JuChan, on his home debut, bossed the right wing until he was substituted after 73 minutes.
The front three of Somroeng, Akarawin and Amornthep have just seven goals between them this season; what do Tawan and Suchanon need to do to get a start?
On a hard, bumpy pitch the first real chance fell to Jakkapan who, set up by Akarawin’s pass, curled his shot over the crossbar.
At the other end Wasan did the same for Lampang.
A booking for Nattayot after 27 minutes would be critical later in the game.
Adisak’s cross from the left side cleared Akarawin’s jump and bounced wide from the chest of Amornthep on the six yard line.
Thirty-five minutes had gone when Lampang took the lead. Kim JuChan’s left foot shot from the edge of the penalty beat Fahas and rebounded in front of goal off the left upright; the five CMFC defenders in the penalty area were unable to make an effective clearance and from an almost identical position Kim’s second attempt, again with his left foot beat Fahas into the bottom left corner.
Minutes later Fahas palmed away a deep cross; he needed a shout that he could let the ball go out of play; the ball fell for Caio who turned the ball back on goal where Piyachanok’s hurried goal line clearance scooped the ball over the crossbar.
Into three minutes of first half injury time and Jakkapan curled a long free kick wide and Chappuis went down in the penalty area as he tried to round the goalkeeper, Kittisak. Supravee and Saharat were especially unimpressed.
CMFC made necessary changes at the start of the second half with Chitchanok replacing Amornthep and Im ChangKyoon on for Nukoolkit.
Sitting deep Lampang allowed Chiang Mai to play and much of the teams’ fluency and enterprise returned. Jakkapan again cleared the bar and a Chitchanok header drew a comfortable save from Kittisak.
Suchanon replaced Somroeng and he would quickly level the score. Jakkapan’s cross from right midfield to the six yard line evaded the stretching Akarawin but the bounce of the ball was ideal for Suchanon to nod the ball home at the far post.
Tawan replaced Akarawin and Chiang Mai continued to dominate – sadly at the far end from the away supporters.
In the eightieth minute Nattayot was booked for a clumsy looking challenge on Norraseth. But it was his second yellow – he knew it and looked forlorn as he left the pitch.
With Chiang Mai a man short Lampang came back to life. Fahas pushed away Matee’s low twenty yard drive; Supravee collected the rebound and his chip to the far post was nodded down for Luan Santos who nodded the ball over from in front of goal.
The game was end to end now; great entertainment. Tawan’s cross fizzed into the penalty area but Suchanon could not keep the bouncing ball on target.
At the end of regulation time Piyachanok threw himself into a block to stop Chatri in the penalty area.
The game moved into injury time. Lampang crossed the ball in towards the near post. With great awareness Luan Santos laid the ball back into space where Chatri, unchallenged, ran into the penalty area and was able to side foot the ball past Fahas’ left hand. In a frenetic last ten minutes it was a very composed finish.
Game over; CMFC had given everything in the second half and Lampang had not just hung on but had snatched the game at the very end.
Welcome coach Patipat to T2. This is a tough league. None tougher than Nongbua PItchaya who come to the Municipal Stadium next Sunday for a 6.30pm kick off.
There was some crowd trouble at the end of the game and outside the stadium. There is video floating around the internet. It is not a good look for either club.