tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580532575343492092024-03-13T10:06:31.801+00:00Hopping all over the World TwoRob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.comBlogger534125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-24718310786927321072024-03-04T02:39:00.008+00:002024-03-07T06:08:35.174+00:00Sisaket City (Thailand) <p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGV7b3qUJ3FxevyMy9R5itW1EAh-coIKCWEtNKoT9ShSwsPsTaNuTxsa8njdz4k5vwd2uWnQz-bz71dongTsI5wcrgGyzf1kbDgN_tiWJnW2HGVqw4ZoCIcI98yZkqHTc2MiJc9bFRcOqoDpDsMG0tT73K3af9Dibnh7T4XDfTLYDStaao1U6YL9LR-6S/s500/20240122-120907-0cb27375-8dbe-4303-951c-d82431f14cf3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGV7b3qUJ3FxevyMy9R5itW1EAh-coIKCWEtNKoT9ShSwsPsTaNuTxsa8njdz4k5vwd2uWnQz-bz71dongTsI5wcrgGyzf1kbDgN_tiWJnW2HGVqw4ZoCIcI98yZkqHTc2MiJc9bFRcOqoDpDsMG0tT73K3af9Dibnh7T4XDfTLYDStaao1U6YL9LR-6S/w188-h188/20240122-120907-0cb27375-8dbe-4303-951c-d82431f14cf3.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sisaket City FC is a semi-professional football club
from the city of the same name in Thailand’s Isan region. The origins of the
club can be traced back to 2020 when it was set up with an academy to the south of the city. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In October 2021, manager Pakorn Samipak signed an
agreement with Sisaket Rajabhat University to promote and develop youth players
with the aim that they could become professional players.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomgr-sKR332wZjVL9tZW7FJWtBKtmaDdoWXJXjLlYf213_xxWjgbmkOEKpSokiCheQ7UWJx-v1ZGF4hzu-zDSGantkQUvzsffa0TuZ_mOsJIvpYntDccb1b4P9m6xGr845hOkdTYpfo-VGENREut8RxkOYZzwUAT06LZQJ8yNajgF1m5Jkm1LN2ZKsZSe/s3949/IMG_5756.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2443" data-original-width="3949" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomgr-sKR332wZjVL9tZW7FJWtBKtmaDdoWXJXjLlYf213_xxWjgbmkOEKpSokiCheQ7UWJx-v1ZGF4hzu-zDSGantkQUvzsffa0TuZ_mOsJIvpYntDccb1b4P9m6xGr845hOkdTYpfo-VGENREut8RxkOYZzwUAT06LZQJ8yNajgF1m5Jkm1LN2ZKsZSe/w343-h212/IMG_5756.JPG" width="343" /></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In 2022 the club entered the Thailand Amateur League,
finishing in second place in Northeast Southern Zone Group F, behind Rasisalai
United, who would eventually be promoted to Thai League 3 under coach Jeerawat
Thonglue</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The club was admitted entrance to the Thai FA Cup in
the 2022-23 season, going out in the first round, 4-1 to Chaingmai FC in a
match that was played at Sisaket SAT Stadium. Later that season, City entered
the Northeast region of the Thailand Semi-Pro League.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7jq-OYcnN7szU4mOX4fDivyn8G5daKQmOpUyNgGNUMRvIVqJFgQKU_P2gvHduGBHFSiB_NvDUCn16dUFOA4f3dsDKZ2ENiny8d7C2p40L72X6ABLdXDXKiOs2ysyIdHmkgyRShh9V5OmHtsoIOPRuChEMQmmjAwXgYzW5wE-ruep5HELKziQFs81HDmx/s4032/IMG_5747.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7jq-OYcnN7szU4mOX4fDivyn8G5daKQmOpUyNgGNUMRvIVqJFgQKU_P2gvHduGBHFSiB_NvDUCn16dUFOA4f3dsDKZ2ENiny8d7C2p40L72X6ABLdXDXKiOs2ysyIdHmkgyRShh9V5OmHtsoIOPRuChEMQmmjAwXgYzW5wE-ruep5HELKziQFs81HDmx/s320/IMG_5747.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thonglue led the side to a third-place finish with
home games being played at the Rajabhat University Stadium. Tatchanon Chindapuk
took charge of the team for their Semi-Pro league campaign of 2023-24.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sisaket City FC will play in the Thailand Semi-Pro
League in the 2023-24 season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">My visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Sisaket City 4 Vongchavalitkul University 0 (Sunday 3<sup>rd</sup>
March 2024) Thailand Semi-Pro League Northeast (att: 300)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTgbxuLLQ6afBqKFKo4qF8JZyLWgVX-_KBZud-5LhmCySC-j9QshJizC1hFWLF_xUpw-2I_e3IeWQFd5fWwxSjDIqX1CyS6Dh-zx0MkeI3N_-i_G0kU_kQZG16s0ZniHr_AhDWOROYUidBYZSOwlg7HP6nSFnD02HKGUjtYIHcG6Uk4Frvqwlxfo1D4Db/s1200/IMG_5731.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTgbxuLLQ6afBqKFKo4qF8JZyLWgVX-_KBZud-5LhmCySC-j9QshJizC1hFWLF_xUpw-2I_e3IeWQFd5fWwxSjDIqX1CyS6Dh-zx0MkeI3N_-i_G0kU_kQZG16s0ZniHr_AhDWOROYUidBYZSOwlg7HP6nSFnD02HKGUjtYIHcG6Uk4Frvqwlxfo1D4Db/w214-h214/IMG_5731.JPG" width="214" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With the Thai League 3 regular season completed seven
days ago, with a rest week before the playoffs begin, it was time to check to a
new ground for me and my mate John and to see what the odds were on Sisaket
getting a third locally based professional club in the national set up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The semi-pro league in its second full season is more
or less a fourth division of old, with clubs entering it needing to hold a
required license. The winners of the six regional divisions are promoted to T3.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5nPcASwxJDQx2xYzflZ-mpjOyIb0fsiARdHmOgtf1eqgDIP51kdBZNnV3WU2Y-NbEuv0X9zgTbMiFsW5nwLm54J5jNTaprrXLE480Kx2AQF0BeNHaIgJEOIZaCzcaBXDHvhF33CBmtzxy_RU6WpPLnJEDD-zuEhuw86yzan6lMmNPMlnaHr7ul3p3y6d/s2865/IMG_5744.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2248" data-original-width="2865" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5nPcASwxJDQx2xYzflZ-mpjOyIb0fsiARdHmOgtf1eqgDIP51kdBZNnV3WU2Y-NbEuv0X9zgTbMiFsW5nwLm54J5jNTaprrXLE480Kx2AQF0BeNHaIgJEOIZaCzcaBXDHvhF33CBmtzxy_RU6WpPLnJEDD-zuEhuw86yzan6lMmNPMlnaHr7ul3p3y6d/s320/IMG_5744.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We came away extremely impressed with the home side
after they put game opponents to the sword in the searing heat at Rajabhat
University Stadium. It was a very competent performance with plenty of pace,
clever moves, and resolute defence. If they weren’t to win promotion, then the
winners of the mini league will be some team.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There was a delay for a clash of heads in the early stages.
City skipper Naraphong Chaudpong perhaps foolishly continued but was withdrawn
a little time later, with an ambulance taking him away.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3kM-Q84_DqXVK3wgzkpkAHymFpSlO0RyghwjkJs_dLYPdb3E5LXDHnE_LVWihPCdyv1U0eAR6J1bFoVQR1lk8_QfvmR63XfEmekRbSNhapgfs70aEwYY5lCAipb-XADE3nfW1D5am1uDBTzRIkGJk69qxCc981iczlVzb5hkBzwHX9ACg0tGzqFfr4VS/s4032/IMG_5746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3kM-Q84_DqXVK3wgzkpkAHymFpSlO0RyghwjkJs_dLYPdb3E5LXDHnE_LVWihPCdyv1U0eAR6J1bFoVQR1lk8_QfvmR63XfEmekRbSNhapgfs70aEwYY5lCAipb-XADE3nfW1D5am1uDBTzRIkGJk69qxCc981iczlVzb5hkBzwHX9ACg0tGzqFfr4VS/s320/IMG_5746.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By then his team had taken the lead with a smart
finish from Baphit Chooklin who proved to be the outstanding act all afternoon.
The forward had previously been released by both T3 sides in town, but his
strength, skill, touch, and hold up play were top notch.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The medics were again busy shortly after, as visiting
keeper Phumin Prokkaew was helped off with what looked like a damaged ankle.
This was one of several lengthy delays as the game struggled to get going
properly.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyQJx6ksua9y8FU40MA11X1DXUXBwfvXtoe1Cj3Z31FRThQxYIVgxGNHQBltCmeU4PtQ1wLYz6zxdTf5BKqK3WHftTGaUyK6gjlvSiCkgYaK6n9hCQ4V-sFTTe1LHEJVPJAmVIAfRVymZuuY5BMeQRIuQ20raTMkR91NTAr1c690u9vUev5stIUaGJo3A/s4032/IMG_5751.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyQJx6ksua9y8FU40MA11X1DXUXBwfvXtoe1Cj3Z31FRThQxYIVgxGNHQBltCmeU4PtQ1wLYz6zxdTf5BKqK3WHftTGaUyK6gjlvSiCkgYaK6n9hCQ4V-sFTTe1LHEJVPJAmVIAfRVymZuuY5BMeQRIuQ20raTMkR91NTAr1c690u9vUev5stIUaGJo3A/s320/IMG_5751.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A fine break just past the half hour mark saw Nontavat
Bamrungtham put in Teerawat Anuyan who dinked delightfully over diving sub
goalie Watchara Nasompak. One suspects that the stopper should concentrate on
his studies rather than a career in the game on this showing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As it was a sweltering hot afternoon, it was a blow
not having any refreshments available, something to consider in future. The
players took breaks for drinks and with the injuries it meant a late finish.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT4m6ttGSdpQMSDu5x6tRopcgfMaRK5C70NOK3ympyvtCgG7S_B-Rd-ml7hyTk7qykaL5ZXnFb93M2bk8Zn-Ayu8H0_gN5K5wTUnVnbt5zp9qlkAAceEXcWApJh63oZCBeNX7vEZ58zpMA0vTVqMmM3phMGM-CioX0A_cTnaHzxavVFHr2JC-UcBgVqeR/s3949/IMG_5752.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2962" data-original-width="3949" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT4m6ttGSdpQMSDu5x6tRopcgfMaRK5C70NOK3ympyvtCgG7S_B-Rd-ml7hyTk7qykaL5ZXnFb93M2bk8Zn-Ayu8H0_gN5K5wTUnVnbt5zp9qlkAAceEXcWApJh63oZCBeNX7vEZ58zpMA0vTVqMmM3phMGM-CioX0A_cTnaHzxavVFHr2JC-UcBgVqeR/s320/IMG_5752.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Not that it seemed to bother the enthusiastic crowd
who enjoyed free admission at the impressive arena. We are blessed with having three
very good football venues in Sisaket, with a fourth smaller ground hosting the
women’s team.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Five minutes after the interval Apisit Chanangam
sealed the victory with a free kick from wide on the left that everyone stood
and watched it float in off the back post, including young Watchara. Vongchavalitkul,
from Nakhon Ratchasima, getting on for five hours away, were game until the
end, with sometimes their frustration getting the better of them.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TmVnrhL-oq27WOUhlIqymjY7OvxfjZvvGOoPriAMKOYZvL8uDFHuKF7Awyiwggk6p1k-Gi5JAtoded3EFFmj9cj2VmZTbFSae3rjJZsFEjtY2xqJ8C-XsiRuIjNRNeh42NnMWVBn09y52o0mUxA9jcK4XuZJEc634UOsFHkiXVspHnLG0eaDf-fvDGtI/s4007/IMG_5758.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1785" data-original-width="4007" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TmVnrhL-oq27WOUhlIqymjY7OvxfjZvvGOoPriAMKOYZvL8uDFHuKF7Awyiwggk6p1k-Gi5JAtoded3EFFmj9cj2VmZTbFSae3rjJZsFEjtY2xqJ8C-XsiRuIjNRNeh42NnMWVBn09y52o0mUxA9jcK4XuZJEc634UOsFHkiXVspHnLG0eaDf-fvDGtI/w410-h183/IMG_5758.JPG" width="410" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Atsarapong Lertkrathok picked up two yellows and went
for an early shower. The first of which was a borderline assault. Thanaphon
Srinak playing up front for the away side in a rather fethching shade the same
as a Cadbury chocolate wrapper was the pick of the visitors.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The excellent Bhapit had the last say in the final
minute of additional time with a fine low shot from outside the box. That was
just after John had commented that the keeper seemed to be alright as long as
he didn’t have to deal with crosses.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPjXhLkqNex8rJFnuQZRt4McpHZRRMqhTP638s8Q0QhEwudycB6zV3oYe_CtJVJe77x3ILsAQX4Yp92i6bQdBfHyBZUxxwyBPbLKgZQtV6ITo6HazCukTgZG4-H4d2SbukUDJpR3GPNrWiUI9iKAGRrXdOCmLJsCMZuoHEi0P_EzRLJHgYXSBSn1Vin1D/s3693/IMG_5767.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2770" data-original-width="3693" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPjXhLkqNex8rJFnuQZRt4McpHZRRMqhTP638s8Q0QhEwudycB6zV3oYe_CtJVJe77x3ILsAQX4Yp92i6bQdBfHyBZUxxwyBPbLKgZQtV6ITo6HazCukTgZG4-H4d2SbukUDJpR3GPNrWiUI9iKAGRrXdOCmLJsCMZuoHEi0P_EzRLJHgYXSBSn1Vin1D/s320/IMG_5767.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was a decent game of football, again in the
excellent company of my mate John, who had his wife and daughter with him. The
ladies commented that they enjoyed it because there were no foreign players.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We had met at the reliable and enjoyable Hong Kong
Garden for food and beverages with mine host Peter and a friendly Aussie
customer adding to the chat. Post match I was kindly deposited at Leo’s, a
bistro bar with an amazing collection of Belgian bottled beers, wines, and
several European taps as well as local favourites.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mhFyXg09lQU" width="320" youtube-src-id="mhFyXg09lQU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">My Roving Report on the day for</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FNQQ1SvibsMZdt3Hhi3Cg?si=6d54c098025a48fe" target="_blank">A Thai Football Pocast</a></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">My couple of pints of Guinness went down very well
before my Grab cab arrived to take my home to watch the conclusion of the excellent
Buriram United v Bangkok United game with fine food and a nightcap beer. Another
wonderful afternoon.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-77111764444947774442024-01-23T04:07:00.008+00:002024-01-23T04:07:54.478+00:00Surin Khong Chee Mool (Thailand)<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k5I6xnC4vpOgoVknIfBMMH94bZTxnKtOWpeqGrA2JQ7RePz6rXkvrT7aQBWusSSkzk4iIGU4IXpHwbSVb6zqhKVihibgq4-9x0f8wJl7xhRubUOg8SEzg3WCCjZMl362mNSBpivjxoJYQCZ8LR9bNCuBu7j8eI3wTI3-sHx3NWVGrDTBjIk8IbRG6Qee/s416/Surin_Khong_Chee_Mool_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="416" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2k5I6xnC4vpOgoVknIfBMMH94bZTxnKtOWpeqGrA2JQ7RePz6rXkvrT7aQBWusSSkzk4iIGU4IXpHwbSVb6zqhKVihibgq4-9x0f8wJl7xhRubUOg8SEzg3WCCjZMl362mNSBpivjxoJYQCZ8LR9bNCuBu7j8eI3wTI3-sHx3NWVGrDTBjIk8IbRG6Qee/w207-h119/Surin_Khong_Chee_Mool_logo.png" width="207" /></a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Surin Khong
Chee Mool FC is a professional football club from the city of Surin which is in
the northeast Thai region of Isan. They were formed in 2017 to compete in the
Thailand Amateur League, playing home games at the stadium of Rajamangala
University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After
winning their group, KCM progressed to the final round, where a 5-4 victory
over Nonghan saw the club promoted to T4 Northeast for the 2018 season, renaming
themselves Surin Sugar Khong Chee Mool.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJzib_obteuw4cYfinZ8XD9MkVqXU7Mrw6GZEs03vrrho2HEg2lDmb9j7NWxnjOsU-8qs16asrGEGHD6rEEQRzgtLJJYHNJXA35s81dtyhaZx7XyGYt0Fi3P9qs60yqWXdb45vUfwst8-29wMbIBVNZ6QrgvFmv35TzRwdUVFjr3ZLi458URozybW6_ZF/s965/Screenshot%20(17).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="965" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJzib_obteuw4cYfinZ8XD9MkVqXU7Mrw6GZEs03vrrho2HEg2lDmb9j7NWxnjOsU-8qs16asrGEGHD6rEEQRzgtLJJYHNJXA35s81dtyhaZx7XyGYt0Fi3P9qs60yqWXdb45vUfwst8-29wMbIBVNZ6QrgvFmv35TzRwdUVFjr3ZLi458URozybW6_ZF/w371-h189/Screenshot%20(17).png" width="371" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Eighth place
in their inaugural season as a professional club saw the team finish eighth,
which was backed up with sixth place in 2019 as Japanese striker Miyake Kyohei
put away the goals, prior to the Thai leagues being restructured and turning to
a European calendar.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Having
dropped Sugar from their title, ‘The Cruel Wild Elephants’ finished the 2020-21
campaign in seventh spot with Apiwat Chuenban as top scorer under head coach
Nirut Ruangsrichart, as the season was abruptly ended owing to Covid-19.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52B-uDNX6HxIULDiGq0_uGH_1rsWUd3eXMDGcxbcmQL7m2dyDzVB8RF37I5nSs5NRTm2rHp1rC5UMENjtrDabxMUdkzeOx8Ho223Z_xy-YYod7oupdaFGp4HBgQp413xoFnkCL4jcGU45e2g4lrkUGX3dJ-SRd_4HSTZ0ozJqtKWvKp-lUn5e_Z8-dNbM/s2453/IMG_5238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="2453" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52B-uDNX6HxIULDiGq0_uGH_1rsWUd3eXMDGcxbcmQL7m2dyDzVB8RF37I5nSs5NRTm2rHp1rC5UMENjtrDabxMUdkzeOx8Ho223Z_xy-YYod7oupdaFGp4HBgQp413xoFnkCL4jcGU45e2g4lrkUGX3dJ-SRd_4HSTZ0ozJqtKWvKp-lUn5e_Z8-dNbM/s320/IMG_5238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Thapakorn Deemark
took over team affairs at the start of 2021-22, prior to Kamolchai Yingmeeyou
taking over. Deemark had another spell at the helm before the appointment of Surasin
Rinyotha. He was replaced by Jobsakon Siyacheep in a chaotic season which saw
KCM end in twelfth place as Sarawut Wanpriangthaw led the scoring chart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The same
position followed in 2022-23. Coach Ruangsrichart returned to the bench while
the goals of Kroekrit Rodmueang helped stave off relegation. Another struggle
was played out in the 2023-24 season, with Apisit Im-Amphai taking charge of
the team.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Surin Khong
Chee Mool FC will play in Thai League 3 Northeast in the 2023-24 season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Sri Narong
Stadium</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Surin Khong
Chee Mool 0 Sisaket United 4 (Sunday 21<sup>st</sup> January 2024) Thai League
3 Northeast (att: c250)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeV7QyGIUEXPk8N9H5DwH2FlIycW3jEAeH5usTQYJqFEWx_4NZjO3hES0gJtNHzo7xXu6seRD3fF85ZCKbCtRf7DVnCxU56KDQR1IzcnNR7moHG_OCkHE_nPwisL3O7pXXJyBDS3NOg9b7KdPWnyPYx8tl2JtuEBuT0NLTmLCEZNZdiDjmDRz43odCwXW/s1080/IMG_5229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeV7QyGIUEXPk8N9H5DwH2FlIycW3jEAeH5usTQYJqFEWx_4NZjO3hES0gJtNHzo7xXu6seRD3fF85ZCKbCtRf7DVnCxU56KDQR1IzcnNR7moHG_OCkHE_nPwisL3O7pXXJyBDS3NOg9b7KdPWnyPYx8tl2JtuEBuT0NLTmLCEZNZdiDjmDRz43odCwXW/w270-h270/IMG_5229.JPG" width="270" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A road trip
to an away game is always enjoyable, The chance to head away overnight with my
wife Taew is always looked forward to, especially if meeting up with friends
such as Gary and Noon as in this occasion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The couple
had come through to Sisaket for the fixture between the two sides earlier in
the season which ended in a 6-0 home win. KCM were shocking on that occasion,
although I had earlier enjoyed their spirit and attitude in their defeat away
to Rasisalai United.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA0HKp9gR8OgN-qILMRvV4td5ikY8RkXCqhyphenhyphenPbmTnqpNMwhGWlHTjJhwnfje8DqKdbyrdQkWICkthu0J7J7At7UOS9-F85vcRGWhTVB5WkvQv7n95Q5T14gXOuB03vf7Gz3jXh3Ub761D1K3c04NMhMPCbQYkn8jevCRKFhrX3noghiaepLvyekXgaAZC/s3898/IMG_5240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2924" data-original-width="3898" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA0HKp9gR8OgN-qILMRvV4td5ikY8RkXCqhyphenhyphenPbmTnqpNMwhGWlHTjJhwnfje8DqKdbyrdQkWICkthu0J7J7At7UOS9-F85vcRGWhTVB5WkvQv7n95Q5T14gXOuB03vf7Gz3jXh3Ub761D1K3c04NMhMPCbQYkn8jevCRKFhrX3noghiaepLvyekXgaAZC/s320/IMG_5240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">However,
this latest encounter is a game that wouldn’t live long in the memory, played
on a bumpy pitch, between an awful home team and visitors who somehow made hard
work of them until tiredness led to some shocking errors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Yet it took
Sisaket until the very last minute of the first half before they took the lead.
Their pedestrian approach unbelievably negative. I had warned Gary beforehand,
and he was astonished having seen KCM several times and knowing just how bad
they are.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuFnPZORF1ln6tJr0GTOVNRjoPyeJ4hQB2NGzgHLHqfT9ZCTgcQD96i5oixTguN6ixcdFyxatiFUDCYykVhhfia3lnT5Yiizi5t6LTt6hOvgI2UyvbtRBzU1LdrwLfIfYxCOdts2BzWvLJGlfCugKMEpIJdfCMprR3iNb5NOj8CY0ucPIn_7kWUZ0psRp/s3920/IMG_5241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2940" data-original-width="3920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuFnPZORF1ln6tJr0GTOVNRjoPyeJ4hQB2NGzgHLHqfT9ZCTgcQD96i5oixTguN6ixcdFyxatiFUDCYykVhhfia3lnT5Yiizi5t6LTt6hOvgI2UyvbtRBzU1LdrwLfIfYxCOdts2BzWvLJGlfCugKMEpIJdfCMprR3iNb5NOj8CY0ucPIn_7kWUZ0psRp/s320/IMG_5241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In keeping
with much of the dross, a misdirected free kick was fumbled by hapless keeper
Chaturong Singjanusong. New signing, Cameroon forward Isaac Mbengan tapped home
into the empty net. KCM had earlier unbelievably come close to leading.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A glancing
header came back off the foot of the post, and then goalie Adisak Lambelsah
nearly fumbled a long range free kick into his own net. The usually excellent
Matias Panigazzi showed why he is only playing T3 football as he had a great
chance for the visitors, but he didn’t get a shot away because he can’t kick
with his right foot.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZwHziYDm1dqhQKTRmpHSwPJWlYFg8H3LpWWTiA0jdyrBOdin4MkWjWEGK1_WQZfcHmygp0HtD3i10xrJGn8TKEGKqN25xxbKoLS6OSexhUFPgH2Rf06D-HEJmDsevf_Xpz3QbVAgfDVRCXrXnF8JTcd4sbFCJIAeAsjTKNw9dEuzBASREnRxplVtiMcr/s3809/IMG_5242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2856" data-original-width="3809" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZwHziYDm1dqhQKTRmpHSwPJWlYFg8H3LpWWTiA0jdyrBOdin4MkWjWEGK1_WQZfcHmygp0HtD3i10xrJGn8TKEGKqN25xxbKoLS6OSexhUFPgH2Rf06D-HEJmDsevf_Xpz3QbVAgfDVRCXrXnF8JTcd4sbFCJIAeAsjTKNw9dEuzBASREnRxplVtiMcr/s320/IMG_5242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Mbengan
headed straight at the keeper from five yards, when anywhere else would have
ended in a goal. After I’d nipped out and brought back some beers from the shop
across the road, the game seemed to improve in the second half.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Home
defender Nanthachai Laokaew doing a very passable impression of Hightower from
Police Academy clumsily mishit a back pass allowing Danilo in to increase the
lead. Sadly, they took the stopper off shortly after.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7ZtyyyS5rYGWZmV2XZgzDCYYcqoVW-oYL13wmyzcY_4HMeEU_y1c831ZNqRspTF7vAIG780v6kleJXIiQoHW-1ySH-Xnp59HCR9czRclKiKJuiE2U8GbRlyvBMsbAnvgTgYU-nBXQsfaYIg5m29jDZbxwgb8DTCUcpszf3rjUbKEyad4x4nHd4Ajav1i/s3621/IMG_5243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2716" data-original-width="3621" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7ZtyyyS5rYGWZmV2XZgzDCYYcqoVW-oYL13wmyzcY_4HMeEU_y1c831ZNqRspTF7vAIG780v6kleJXIiQoHW-1ySH-Xnp59HCR9czRclKiKJuiE2U8GbRlyvBMsbAnvgTgYU-nBXQsfaYIg5m29jDZbxwgb8DTCUcpszf3rjUbKEyad4x4nHd4Ajav1i/s320/IMG_5243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I was a
great fan of his comedic performance as it reminded me of the Elephant Show I’d
visited with my family on the adjacent showground a couple of months
previously. The Brazilian added his second to make it 3-0 on seventy-seven
minutes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This was before
that thing of rarity, a fine passing move, set up sub Phattharapong Phengchaem
to lob the keeper, who was going goodness knows where, eight minutes from time.
Somehow KCM were kept out in a rare foray before a couple of Sisaket players
contrived to cock things us when clean through.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaF9CxgaFNgOPubwVBtRnY84rOC3hNissZ_MPuSteN-_-8-cjZYtkxl5hoEkx6Sd6OSbYrOF-ZGagmlub93tNQR2UE9QA6yHojegXRhF41fznLZaJz3wFVNpsNaWps9twQUXpV0t8JYyk4aGcMe6U5zeJi-xxofRJ5CV_gkTyIqZf-aDRdhpkGfx1HgnJ/s3891/IMG_5255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2918" data-original-width="3891" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaF9CxgaFNgOPubwVBtRnY84rOC3hNissZ_MPuSteN-_-8-cjZYtkxl5hoEkx6Sd6OSbYrOF-ZGagmlub93tNQR2UE9QA6yHojegXRhF41fznLZaJz3wFVNpsNaWps9twQUXpV0t8JYyk4aGcMe6U5zeJi-xxofRJ5CV_gkTyIqZf-aDRdhpkGfx1HgnJ/s320/IMG_5255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The official
crowd was announced as 86, which drew some laughter, with the match being
played at Sri Narong Stadium, traditionally the home of Surin City. The usual
KCM university campus stadium being out of commission for a priority event.
That’s how it is here in Thailand, with football quite low down the pecking
order.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My good lady
drove us the two hours to meet up with friends, and we headed to a wonderfully
designed restaurant over a manmade lake for lunch out in the countryside.
Sadly, the service was poor, but it could have been a one off.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN15_Dk3jubWhoZfRHsoXEDRI0_ulpFYTY1LdD7WsvXF0BjxESDntvv-1kpTl1q8K3eS068VHUGt5FQCKT0vrmxzskO0dkaVZtDFTCIWBu6mgot9f-V-YgznxYhGG5rvJoAm950fM2QAiZnX522YajoCqDNmEH99GbIEim77HtXmrcaHmB7FA_EJ38cdlp/s4032/IMG_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN15_Dk3jubWhoZfRHsoXEDRI0_ulpFYTY1LdD7WsvXF0BjxESDntvv-1kpTl1q8K3eS068VHUGt5FQCKT0vrmxzskO0dkaVZtDFTCIWBu6mgot9f-V-YgznxYhGG5rvJoAm950fM2QAiZnX522YajoCqDNmEH99GbIEim77HtXmrcaHmB7FA_EJ38cdlp/s320/IMG_5258.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Post match,
Subtle Hub had some home brewed beer on tap, with the Mango Cider and then a
double hopped strong IPA making me merry. We laughed at some friendly
inebriated young locals. How little did I know.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Into town,
with Surin having plenty of options for Thais and westerners. We selected Fat
Boyd because we knew that they would be showing Thailand v Oman in the AFC Asia
Cup. Live music, food, and a drinks promotion were all welcome.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4NUTmEVUbzMfGXmEHuBwoz_XfGQ6rdzX60v2dQGndmV-luSeib6UUZTLy6My0l6AMOqxHU2GP3j8IOHrbfdAK9Shhq1ArqFgEjXL9ZIVPOmcDS330xQzzvqGtxTDJQ67iz25JJpa9BY7Y8CieaJowFP0DKANvPuRkQsFevRDjv6edho-cNdQ3QiTyCYf/s4032/IMG_5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4NUTmEVUbzMfGXmEHuBwoz_XfGQ6rdzX60v2dQGndmV-luSeib6UUZTLy6My0l6AMOqxHU2GP3j8IOHrbfdAK9Shhq1ArqFgEjXL9ZIVPOmcDS330xQzzvqGtxTDJQ67iz25JJpa9BY7Y8CieaJowFP0DKANvPuRkQsFevRDjv6edho-cNdQ3QiTyCYf/s320/IMG_5263.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">That match
ended 0-0, virtually guaranteeing Thailand progress to knockout stages which
was beyond pre-tournament expectation. Again, the interest in football
sometimes not being comprehended by non-Thais as we were about the only ones
watching one of the eight screens.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Back to
Subtle Hub when an intended nightcap turned into a lock in as the boss and his
mate wanted to watch the Liverpool game, and consequently Monday became a write
off. I’m glad our hotel was just across the road.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-48345831205947952592024-01-16T03:21:00.005+00:002024-01-19T01:14:35.314+00:00Ubon Kruanapat (Thailand)<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMR-jlOHiagsvQbKUrNlsq_flybnKEC-HfHnw86yBL4YwrIcz-jIaFuiXRJhYW6YadrHjAPRsJFwMudixS6D2BaIut9d2QoB1bswZoUGHEfHpqmgkXim9K7HHZxymHpKhumB96R0maDd4JBXe4R3G1HSyorZXSAjYb4WRHKkTm7lPoPyu1RnrSDW7dF9E/s323/Ubon_Kruanapat_2020.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="308" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMR-jlOHiagsvQbKUrNlsq_flybnKEC-HfHnw86yBL4YwrIcz-jIaFuiXRJhYW6YadrHjAPRsJFwMudixS6D2BaIut9d2QoB1bswZoUGHEfHpqmgkXim9K7HHZxymHpKhumB96R0maDd4JBXe4R3G1HSyorZXSAjYb4WRHKkTm7lPoPyu1RnrSDW7dF9E/w151-h159/Ubon_Kruanapat_2020.png" width="151" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Ubon
Kruanapat FC is a professional football club that represents the city of Ubon
Ratchathani in the Isan region of Thailand. The club was formed in 2009 prior
to becoming an expansion club in Regional League Division 2 North Eastern
Region in 2010 as Ubon Tiger FC.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">This was the
third tier of Thai football at the time, with the team playing their home games
at Ubon Rachathani Sports School Stadium. Surasak Thongkae top scored as the
side ended near the bottom of the table, prior to moving into Ubon Ratchathani
University Stadium south of the city for the 2011 campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97ZAveKTd0tvIAdTjisHzlxTLjcMK43MxINFZluZ3WSSVR3_g4R48vsSCZD0GiLXPKbF9-A_w_nyNiQrt_dxmvBMnQI_QJmPUrxHa-QIDzx4H6wWuQjzAieYXkBjmWXhn6nd7rALp29jlSk7TbRSbpCP1ktB8ukEyUlRZ-rmLQKikq7Xw1rtta4V34YYr/s10725/IMG_5115.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3410" data-original-width="10725" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97ZAveKTd0tvIAdTjisHzlxTLjcMK43MxINFZluZ3WSSVR3_g4R48vsSCZD0GiLXPKbF9-A_w_nyNiQrt_dxmvBMnQI_QJmPUrxHa-QIDzx4H6wWuQjzAieYXkBjmWXhn6nd7rALp29jlSk7TbRSbpCP1ktB8ukEyUlRZ-rmLQKikq7Xw1rtta4V34YYr/w377-h120/IMG_5115.JPG" width="377" /></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">It saw an
even lower finish despite the goals of Christian Fokou, with the 2012 campaign
seeing the club return to their former home ground and changing title to Ubon
Rachathani FC. Not that it did much good as the Tigers finished bottom of the
table.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">A change of
name this time to bon UMT followed. This should not be confused with the club
of the similar name that later played in the top flight of Thai football. However,
the influence of the UMT university saw the team finish third thanks to the
goals of David Srangnanaok.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNyQ_jFqFQ7xkR1hg-Lg_hciQ6kPwKscrbSYxpQ2NY2i9c-dRxprGGELW0YHwE3L3VuHxSs6d9zwI2zl0-gS-gJeD8zK1PTc7kAfVL7_zDoOHK80z0wXhByj57BkMUVLwdja4UvNUGec_aQTtpNuFm8rfsQGBUNz3wx7T-Iq3LHepuE_NDisDB0BYgO2j/s4008/IMG_5109.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2176" data-original-width="4008" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNyQ_jFqFQ7xkR1hg-Lg_hciQ6kPwKscrbSYxpQ2NY2i9c-dRxprGGELW0YHwE3L3VuHxSs6d9zwI2zl0-gS-gJeD8zK1PTc7kAfVL7_zDoOHK80z0wXhByj57BkMUVLwdja4UvNUGec_aQTtpNuFm8rfsQGBUNz3wx7T-Iq3LHepuE_NDisDB0BYgO2j/s320/IMG_5109.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The league
title followed in 2014, which saw qualification for the Champions League
playoffs. Elvis Job had put away the goals, but Ubon failed to go up from the
group stages. Obviously impressed with the potential on offer UMT set up their
own side in 2015 to enter the competition.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">This meant a
change of name to Ubon Rachathani FC for the side formed in 2009. They played
second fiddle to their money laden neighbours and finished in seventh spot with
Kim Ji Hun banging in the goals. Bouba Abbo became the next goalscoring hero
for the fans, as he and his side ended as runners-up in 2016.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl5oU8DIfS90NGA91_BtVaCATLN8icTxu2fwy0rC_dYXWLLMM5Xrj4a_VbWb6rDXidb4bWPMS8cOKNUhgiWi8CDv6Og7UCHgdZCHZ4FGYLliSv-tkTPsEJsV85lfQoOKL4jL42H3hyBUzS4vo8RYNDrO420PQkLN9ytVefoOEJUSXvNEHzkRtgOj-kSLg/s3515/IMG_5117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2636" data-original-width="3515" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl5oU8DIfS90NGA91_BtVaCATLN8icTxu2fwy0rC_dYXWLLMM5Xrj4a_VbWb6rDXidb4bWPMS8cOKNUhgiWi8CDv6Og7UCHgdZCHZ4FGYLliSv-tkTPsEJsV85lfQoOKL4jL42H3hyBUzS4vo8RYNDrO420PQkLN9ytVefoOEJUSXvNEHzkRtgOj-kSLg/s320/IMG_5117.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Again, the
play-offs were a step too far, prior to league re-organisation which saw the
introduction of four tiers in 2017. Ubon Ratchathani returned to the University
Stadium for a solitary season as they finished second from bottom in Thai
League 3 Upper Region.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">A much
improved second place ensued in 2018, when back in the city, as Ahmed Abdalazen
and Abbo shared the goals. Nattapon Tabtanon led the scoring tally in 2019
which ended in a seventh place finish before further reconstruction of the Thai
League took place.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Y9Kktn-3PeFGXdOj-SwJb8OQlbuVgfRIukGALvDhBO6XgrS_lDAI59130FBWLnoDPP2cTGBT-c0Ob8adl0RLIENbKdKjouggUUt6cHmaxAfH_sIGRsqDZbeqWH_zkpCS0qjRqCn9OMYmqQtKJnBydkrHTELDglEN6qPYfJ5epzReoW7XnYO0MqYoQV7/s4009/IMG_5108.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1796" data-original-width="4009" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Y9Kktn-3PeFGXdOj-SwJb8OQlbuVgfRIukGALvDhBO6XgrS_lDAI59130FBWLnoDPP2cTGBT-c0Ob8adl0RLIENbKdKjouggUUt6cHmaxAfH_sIGRsqDZbeqWH_zkpCS0qjRqCn9OMYmqQtKJnBydkrHTELDglEN6qPYfJ5epzReoW7XnYO0MqYoQV7/w371-h166/IMG_5108.JPG" width="371" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The
competition reverted to a European calendar in 2020-21 by which time the club
had been renamed Ubon Kruanapat after ownership of the club was completed by
the local food production company, Kruanapat.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Jirayoo
Suwandee was appointed as head coach as Ubon finished fourth in Thai League 3
Northeast. Tana Chanabut and then Danuson Chaiyawan led the side from the
touchline. Saran Srideth was at the helm for the start of the 2021-22 campaign.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESDHYsxAw6UUi8t5sojd1Ic77uOetGWoRCF8s3x1ru4s5Q2XmYJHJgmajFjetFFEUuyiSGW8vIwD0UInxYO6pI3zOG4vaJMpNPmPuCUwaTh8IULKrbDvr1s09vKf6Ff-eQCLRJsyGpDFus0v2wRA_9Ew70hm_UC93HMbOpoz-welgvH-ARZPYuTt81k03/s3907/IMG_5128.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2735" data-original-width="3907" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESDHYsxAw6UUi8t5sojd1Ic77uOetGWoRCF8s3x1ru4s5Q2XmYJHJgmajFjetFFEUuyiSGW8vIwD0UInxYO6pI3zOG4vaJMpNPmPuCUwaTh8IULKrbDvr1s09vKf6Ff-eQCLRJsyGpDFus0v2wRA_9Ew70hm_UC93HMbOpoz-welgvH-ARZPYuTt81k03/s320/IMG_5128.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">It saw the
Tigers repeat fourth place, as Oscar Plape led the scoring charts, as he did
once again in 2022-23 under head coach Kittiyuth Puttakru. This time the side
finished fifth. The 2023-24 saw the club change home venue to the Ubon
Rathchathani Rajabhat University (RBRU) Stadium.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Chaleamkwan
Rienthong was appointed as head coach as the side was sent three Thai under 20
year old stars on loan from Buriram United for the second leg of the season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><a name="_Hlk156200884"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Ubon
Kruanapat 0 Sisaket United </span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif">0
(Sunday 14<sup>th</sup> January 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 522)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6kk2vZP7XDdTaZgHN4PDE76D3s5ilIAYTRAHoUq7LS_9QnmGIhuFFKeZdRXs2RzySCNUDEH7dak_9PddONmCBfwpb2lnnGgarXkzP0hyedykf9vjWcGotrsGNfm_xOWP0thvBUpH8Axbfm3mtAWVUAKF0ndsEEld_3nrVO1FwVj-rplhGVrEM9CZMia0/s2048/IMG_5101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1706" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6kk2vZP7XDdTaZgHN4PDE76D3s5ilIAYTRAHoUq7LS_9QnmGIhuFFKeZdRXs2RzySCNUDEH7dak_9PddONmCBfwpb2lnnGgarXkzP0hyedykf9vjWcGotrsGNfm_xOWP0thvBUpH8Axbfm3mtAWVUAKF0ndsEEld_3nrVO1FwVj-rplhGVrEM9CZMia0/s320/IMG_5101.JPG" width="267" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Despite the
scoreline this was a very watchable 0-0 in a local derby with the clubs only
being an hour apart. League leader Sisaket increased the pace that they played
at with Brazlian striker Danilo a man transformed from previous showings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">In a tight
first period which fluctuated in terms of ascendancy, the visitors came closest
to scoring when a free kick from Heman Kittiamphaipruek cannoned back off the
angle of post and bar with keeper Klanarong Wissutiyanpirom motionless.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOOwqiHOHvnuD7nwgRex_gC0ELiyKZT2215NWzZ4j3Hd6StJJBSHaggWpQaXePe55nQXHv7zWzEhsTGI0dIurnahDvMU69X_bZtP9883-UzNfPO8rbM3RIn5iYS-CxrCCSWORKZVNcc2R4nJn9AOcxxk4TH8lKFmT1BTjPn0rHvAZlY9AM-4JsNI6i-vf/s2971/IMG_E5112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="2971" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOOwqiHOHvnuD7nwgRex_gC0ELiyKZT2215NWzZ4j3Hd6StJJBSHaggWpQaXePe55nQXHv7zWzEhsTGI0dIurnahDvMU69X_bZtP9883-UzNfPO8rbM3RIn5iYS-CxrCCSWORKZVNcc2R4nJn9AOcxxk4TH8lKFmT1BTjPn0rHvAZlY9AM-4JsNI6i-vf/s320/IMG_E5112.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">After the
break the usually ultra reliable Matias Pannigazzi missed a sitter from close
range when getting on the end of a delicious free kick delivery, and the away
side spurned another couple of chances on the break.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">All the
while Ubon played their part going forward and putting in a string of good
centres without getting a shot on target in anger throughout. Defender Mounzir Coulidiati
was impressive as he was in the game that ended 0-0 in the reverse fixture.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0vDNzdnXBaRGNE1w6Ldd2c4Req6p4hKHywy7pcCbjE5lSifYq93sbriKxyW1HVE6krYF06zDqB_vTA8SpWwrBb0vk3TETDDTeYl_bjuR9MmDK8lvQAMxjnOcNdx-FWubTA1LgSISwWE6_WzludsGKSYL0WAEooiylyRTD96I9JvDWM-zrMEAgyAAcB8F/s3829/IMG_5120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2872" data-original-width="3829" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0vDNzdnXBaRGNE1w6Ldd2c4Req6p4hKHywy7pcCbjE5lSifYq93sbriKxyW1HVE6krYF06zDqB_vTA8SpWwrBb0vk3TETDDTeYl_bjuR9MmDK8lvQAMxjnOcNdx-FWubTA1LgSISwWE6_WzludsGKSYL0WAEooiylyRTD96I9JvDWM-zrMEAgyAAcB8F/s320/IMG_5120.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The game
became stretched in the closing stages after decent home midfielder Jakree Burapha
was shown a second yellow card, when it looked like he’d fallen and done a good
job of using his chest while on the floor to block a through ball, but the ref
was having none of it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Sisaket
failed to capitalise, in what was a frustrating ending. Second placed
Mahasarakham closed the gap at the top to two points, with them having a game
in hand. The two sides were scheduled to meet in the final game of the season
in Sisaket.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZM4Zr1KqsMbyLeOVikeWiCqoPwjiAGcoP7zZJD-UssN4NTXzv2__31Yyfg3Ohbn_3n3tZbSGdy3X78Sy5lyKM_wXzFgIYOIQvx7i9YiSxAUzeHXsnVSzOHeNJ8eQ8C9oxv0fX9vFca6M64pCjfIEQkfJuopHIRjOqe8dVfEAvRKvgFAtJYf2891ZVhD5/s3934/IMG_5121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2951" data-original-width="3934" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZM4Zr1KqsMbyLeOVikeWiCqoPwjiAGcoP7zZJD-UssN4NTXzv2__31Yyfg3Ohbn_3n3tZbSGdy3X78Sy5lyKM_wXzFgIYOIQvx7i9YiSxAUzeHXsnVSzOHeNJ8eQ8C9oxv0fX9vFca6M64pCjfIEQkfJuopHIRjOqe8dVfEAvRKvgFAtJYf2891ZVhD5/s320/IMG_5121.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">A great day
out, being dropped halfway in Kanthararom by my wife to meet my mate John who
drive us to Ubon Ratchathani. A late lunch was enjoyed at the excellent
American owned Peppers, where I generally take friends if are using the nearby
airport. It provided a good menu and fridge with a warm welcome from the boss, was
nice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Ubon has
five stadiums, all worthy of staging league football. We visited UMT Stadium
for a look, now home of Ubon Poly United who are trying to win promotion from
the semi-pro league, where the team was training.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRmskhJYTBMK5WpqRLIhBFLDPHUAUJDSYh1yKUAlsA7DVWS8d86gi7CTxJJZnAVfcGPBndI2EVQdcFRg9tbM07rxDR5vAIqlkoPrmSfArS53fyxkcET-VlPO4MZIOWIiUYqXpcNHiKJGdJ7gPtTOUjUorTmd0Zt2EBIaxbb2L6B2E9EHMNpuDLgt03sMN/s4032/IMG_5125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2548" data-original-width="4032" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRmskhJYTBMK5WpqRLIhBFLDPHUAUJDSYh1yKUAlsA7DVWS8d86gi7CTxJJZnAVfcGPBndI2EVQdcFRg9tbM07rxDR5vAIqlkoPrmSfArS53fyxkcET-VlPO4MZIOWIiUYqXpcNHiKJGdJ7gPtTOUjUorTmd0Zt2EBIaxbb2L6B2E9EHMNpuDLgt03sMN/s320/IMG_5125.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">UBRU Happiness
Stadium is one of several Rajabhat Universities around Thailand and is a
pleasant place to watch football. It used to have a shale track but is now
grassed over with raised covered stands down either side. It was upgraded for
sporting games between the staff of all of Thailand’s university to compete in,
like a mini-Olympics and they have done a great job with it. Leg room and
viewing was excellent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The away
fans were congregated on the open curve behind the goal. We went in the main
stand, with my Sisaket shirt giving our game away. We weren’t the only ones in
there! Not that there was any issue. The locals could not have been friendlier,
with the crowd including a high ratio of aesthetic onlookers.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UjEIM8MYyj0" width="320" youtube-src-id="UjEIM8MYyj0"></iframe></span></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Video compiled for airing on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0iC4xGaPyzzPU91UfIAn80" target="_blank">A Thai Football Podcast</a></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">To round off
a near perfect day, my good lady was waiting at my pickup point with a can of
Thai brewed German style dunkel which was most appreciated. Some top snooker
and the Everton v Aston Villa game on TV over grub and more drinks most
entertaining before bedtime.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-51958044807508326652023-10-03T09:53:00.014+01:002024-01-18T01:48:38.564+00:00Yasothon (Thailand)<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFs0-L5k4cgtE2odl7jB2bFStmCS1-y7hGbyOiKrhph2kAzdLpJbD6whGdwxbNPdBHLyTPIPWks_Jq7eKUF0bPel-7wGV7dRbfQ3NazHWca5B3or6Da_AADRrP9lJrgG0k2pGRTeCV9Sh6FRGEsyuCS52IQJRIIY42h8n0Um0FGB30G5wHl0aTsZgA3_N/s327/Yasothon_F.C._logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="305" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFs0-L5k4cgtE2odl7jB2bFStmCS1-y7hGbyOiKrhph2kAzdLpJbD6whGdwxbNPdBHLyTPIPWks_Jq7eKUF0bPel-7wGV7dRbfQ3NazHWca5B3or6Da_AADRrP9lJrgG0k2pGRTeCV9Sh6FRGEsyuCS52IQJRIIY42h8n0Um0FGB30G5wHl0aTsZgA3_N/w143-h153/Yasothon_F.C._logo.png" width="143" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">Yasothon
FC is a professional football club representing the province of the same name
in northeast Thailand. Originally formed as Yasothon United in 2010, they were
placed in the third tier Regional League Division 2 North Eastern Region as an
expansion club.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Playing
home games at Yasothon Province Stadium, the side ended in a credible third
place, which was backed up by fourth position in 2011. A midtable and then
lowly position ensued before the club dropped out of the league at the end of
the 2013 season.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr2W9DbMXtHZYKRqXHqkcSvZMDJ8rkGTzjbX6GpwBxh_fe3AQ987L0y4Su6jInsRfyaQRj0tw5W-v7Yfwg-5j1DhYHgr6Gj3d8fDCm5NJ22opfroNY07hH1vHyyVUvsRC8vFHj3lhgWWpVm9HUPvKv7iFxTRbskcnvkOqGQDYy_m9NIxdTrW017-l2-Ia/s3320/IMG_3481.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1873" data-original-width="3320" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr2W9DbMXtHZYKRqXHqkcSvZMDJ8rkGTzjbX6GpwBxh_fe3AQ987L0y4Su6jInsRfyaQRj0tw5W-v7Yfwg-5j1DhYHgr6Gj3d8fDCm5NJ22opfroNY07hH1vHyyVUvsRC8vFHj3lhgWWpVm9HUPvKv7iFxTRbskcnvkOqGQDYy_m9NIxdTrW017-l2-Ia/s320/IMG_3481.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">They
returned, minus the United moniker, after a two-year break and ended the 2016
season in eleventh place. Restructuring of the Thai League saw ‘The Rockets’
placed in Thai League 4 Northeast in 2017, ending in ninth spot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Attendances
were encouraging as supporters cheered the goals of Ousmanou Mohamadou. The Cameroon
forward was replaced at the top of the scoring chart by Guinea forward Diop
Badara Aly for a couple of seasons, as Yasothon finished third and then
eleventh in the table.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FiR-EvvgJ7NAUsZEr99817mrIqtZBys2mRhGex_gYdPE_XGc_eQhTEcd3xNLJch5q_vv1t4aajsZfNo3Iy9kOg1xgdYI_KaNw_v0oEBVDVkjsS-lbFd2i4arGgXJf2zdPVe1g4ACxrGokurE9cjSmyytb-C3ziiy9Z_JRNnKHIKnlALRSGcx8BC0T5iA/s4032/IMG_3467.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FiR-EvvgJ7NAUsZEr99817mrIqtZBys2mRhGex_gYdPE_XGc_eQhTEcd3xNLJch5q_vv1t4aajsZfNo3Iy9kOg1xgdYI_KaNw_v0oEBVDVkjsS-lbFd2i4arGgXJf2zdPVe1g4ACxrGokurE9cjSmyytb-C3ziiy9Z_JRNnKHIKnlALRSGcx8BC0T5iA/s320/IMG_3467.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">Thai
football was once again remodelled to follow the European calendar for the
2020-21 season with changes to the league structure following. Phakhawat
Poonachang ended as leading scorer for the Rockets, as they ended third in T3
Northeast under head coach Jakkapob Kattiwong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ninth
and then tenth place finishes followed as first Pongsak Boontos led the goals
chart in 2021-22 and then Amronphun Homduang twelve months later. Tanut Pattaramanee
took over as head coach for the 2023-24 season.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZPb5AKw5dcZFjWBtuXSNd-X0SdR2PUn6Pa7jj5znniA_bwXzqmNXh764-2PG_lw7PUDL48o9h6xdYeGa7j2LgXHS1QGGVc6clKnC3j2TzOYQUkLA3xE6_Z7YV14QaaZX3cCTPmc8ZUGaCpTvdeVjXR3aMkFWJOKyP2wYMhGGTC7Y13s7CB77iIl6QHYy/s3809/IMG_3450.JPG" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2856" data-original-width="3809" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZPb5AKw5dcZFjWBtuXSNd-X0SdR2PUn6Pa7jj5znniA_bwXzqmNXh764-2PG_lw7PUDL48o9h6xdYeGa7j2LgXHS1QGGVc6clKnC3j2TzOYQUkLA3xE6_Z7YV14QaaZX3cCTPmc8ZUGaCpTvdeVjXR3aMkFWJOKyP2wYMhGGTC7Y13s7CB77iIl6QHYy/s320/IMG_3450.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yasothon
FC will play in Thai League 3 Northeast in the 2023-24 season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">My
visits</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Yasothon
2 Rasisalai United 1 (Sunday 1</span><sup>st</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> October 2023) Thai League 3
Northeastern (att:400)</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3H6FT1o78oMOYm8EGzZK4uTjvYB95AFaBV8xdhRCzRB6M-OIv2lA5JgDpxTi9Q0CgyeFOKeiYTYA5jY1xEK_RuFmpdFtqTu3kBVQNPPEjKrIpePZZLP60nxfeL2Cv3mizXKbaZGajl8cTmRX4doidjJ8aXlO_dHOi0aYU9ohT3J1bcn2085Q_gt2uR9A/s960/383423746_690875223077185_6170839467159603056_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3H6FT1o78oMOYm8EGzZK4uTjvYB95AFaBV8xdhRCzRB6M-OIv2lA5JgDpxTi9Q0CgyeFOKeiYTYA5jY1xEK_RuFmpdFtqTu3kBVQNPPEjKrIpePZZLP60nxfeL2Cv3mizXKbaZGajl8cTmRX4doidjJ8aXlO_dHOi0aYU9ohT3J1bcn2085Q_gt2uR9A/s320/383423746_690875223077185_6170839467159603056_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">This
was a proper explorer’s day out without the aid of the safety belt, diving into
the semi-unknown for which I was rewarded with a cracking finish to a game not particularly high in standards of quality on a gluepot of a pitch in deepest
the northeast Isan region of Thailand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I’d
done a little research relating to the game, as I do videos as things unfold
for our weekly Thai football podcast, and noticed gates at Yasothon had dropped
off a cliff since Covid, which perhaps explained the free admission to try and
entice fans back, as well as selling club shirts for just 399 Baht (8.90)</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYN0Ja2etI2V__XsEtiQZY_aUVa92TxqQp1rmikBqkZC977c444AvH0TVZDxhIpKakwUkBnWct_RYQG-pIuroFvcdkZoCoCJR_Wf9KDm7mSNG9zV46GgVsd3aEHKAdnRB6oNjbO_V8yHo274OMm23JjSx3Xub2YMwiOBfbUtxNkHfOn9RenFfTdhSX8xTa/s3973/IMG_3446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2195" data-original-width="3973" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYN0Ja2etI2V__XsEtiQZY_aUVa92TxqQp1rmikBqkZC977c444AvH0TVZDxhIpKakwUkBnWct_RYQG-pIuroFvcdkZoCoCJR_Wf9KDm7mSNG9zV46GgVsd3aEHKAdnRB6oNjbO_V8yHo274OMm23JjSx3Xub2YMwiOBfbUtxNkHfOn9RenFfTdhSX8xTa/w346-h191/IMG_3446.JPG" width="346" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">Judging
by the noise at full-time, most may well return. Their team, ‘The Rockets’
named as this is the area home to the annual big money rocket festivals, were
second best for long periods in thought and pace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">Before
kick-off the King</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">’s Anthem sounded like it was being played by a brass band from West
Yorkshire, which immediately gave me a boost. The gent on the PA did his bit
throughout to build the atmosphere in a voice making his sound like a Thai Michael
O’Hehir.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECXXUE_7ZNorSFxJZSoaqWG4XFL3WQ8PiTPb09c5xR5djgzLlB73XchUzHw0_yH1wIeBV6CnYIawfM7ipTDikfZrzMsFdb0kGgz8pD5z0buQ7mFc8Wc9Y2zExeReSWXSpTxtPX6wKFgsa_PRif9RrVmPbIKCDCpf-f8YcqNaq56P9pu0l9BJ-dYJqF5B_/s4032/IMG_3448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECXXUE_7ZNorSFxJZSoaqWG4XFL3WQ8PiTPb09c5xR5djgzLlB73XchUzHw0_yH1wIeBV6CnYIawfM7ipTDikfZrzMsFdb0kGgz8pD5z0buQ7mFc8Wc9Y2zExeReSWXSpTxtPX6wKFgsa_PRif9RrVmPbIKCDCpf-f8YcqNaq56P9pu0l9BJ-dYJqF5B_/s320/IMG_3448.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">Visiting
skipper Thitiphong Photumptha put his side ahead after twenty-four minutes when
keeper Surakiad Kratumkhan flapped at and missed a corner. The initial header
came back off the post before the rebound was headed home by the same player.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
legs of Surakiad denied Nattapon Yongsakool who really should have doubled the
advantage. Rasisalai, who must have thought I was stalking them as this was the
fourth week in succession I’d watched them, were made to pay in first half
stoppage time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qrpcZJGHp-E" width="320" youtube-src-id="qrpcZJGHp-E"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">My video report sent to<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0iC4xGaPyzzPU91UfIAn80" target="_blank"> A Thai Football Podcast</a> which was played during Episode 15</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">It is available to listen to on Spotify, Facebook, and YouTu</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">be</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">Ratthaphum
Sophasing glanced home a header from a free kick to send the teams level down
the tunnel. I went for a walk hopeful of spotting some kind of transport back
to the bus station while exchanging smiles with lots of new friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
away side again dominated attacking possession after the restart on what really
was a poor playing surface, which again would probably have seen a postponement
elsewhere around the world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIrUWLoCsdHmS60genqIRZUAbqHAF7xGxRlWjeJQ-p_6kN2Bwv1buEN4mWoKj1jKeynJYAAN0uD6oYU185Aln6TatHjMhAlA-82a18ZvpIhaKut4JzzgzjGQmRO4_mB3bDAQN_Dxwj8IwQxd6pVA4JLCNUmXILtTnwXQJMOHc4Qzd5gdSRQizmdsQ_sIC/s3896/IMG_3454.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2493" data-original-width="3896" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIrUWLoCsdHmS60genqIRZUAbqHAF7xGxRlWjeJQ-p_6kN2Bwv1buEN4mWoKj1jKeynJYAAN0uD6oYU185Aln6TatHjMhAlA-82a18ZvpIhaKut4JzzgzjGQmRO4_mB3bDAQN_Dxwj8IwQxd6pVA4JLCNUmXILtTnwXQJMOHc4Qzd5gdSRQizmdsQ_sIC/w338-h217/IMG_3454.JPG" width="338" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">It
was a relief to see a huge storm skirt around town in the distance, as the
lightning flashed. Yasothon were forced to change keepers owing to injury. The
replacement Jetsada Bunrueng was stocky and short, but surprisingly hardly
tested.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
pitch inevitably aided poorly timed challenges often caused by mis control of
the ball, which some players made the most of, leaving referee Rutratchapoom
Moolpong to try and decipher a huge game of Call my Bluff. Players really don’t
help themselves, but it appears to be seen as an occupational hazard out here
if it means getting an opponent into bother.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdbAh4uZLFesnhcrzqOA0c_U6ANZmnpktP-XlPVbsqdsxQTebujE_4eN4CeYRkSlw6eQzInvpcSGvKjzpwd7OFqSmlgIh9Hl4oreLYA4YmqkIwGciX_vothjTppP5iyJlYpBkF65laeHUjgOXDaYHCLoVw3p2qoG4WoG3aKKpWxgN34hr6DupSNV8GU24/s3913/IMG_3460.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2680" data-original-width="3913" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdbAh4uZLFesnhcrzqOA0c_U6ANZmnpktP-XlPVbsqdsxQTebujE_4eN4CeYRkSlw6eQzInvpcSGvKjzpwd7OFqSmlgIh9Hl4oreLYA4YmqkIwGciX_vothjTppP5iyJlYpBkF65laeHUjgOXDaYHCLoVw3p2qoG4WoG3aKKpWxgN34hr6DupSNV8GU24/s320/IMG_3460.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">It
generally ends in one side being depleted. This time it was Jumnong Pitchayang
of Yasothon who left his mates in the lurch, receiving his second yellow card midway
through the second half. However, home coach Saranuwat Nasartsang had an ace up
his sleeve when introducing forward Jetsada Artyatha just before the dismissal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jetsada
was like a bull in a China shop. He was slow but he put his body on the line
and most importantly, he got the crowd going and enthused his teammates as he got
stuck into opponents and started to make things happen. Fans are the same
around the world. They love a trier, especially one that engages with them, and
this fella immediately got them on his side.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fxJEz4tcEjGxGoyOpkOTHYr2sktaCPjBdopxpHyfBvf8fZMLuBkjSgeiwOH9rAd7QXvOObqHgx3bnGkuvoQKLj0D_unNXIG7nYU9UU4wxuDulRr_8A-7tCgz_XuYFFlMHj7xwT92Prug6UI-SrBUAoiVg6DPTjKgEPpEMMQX5I9ZVd83RAIr9NR5uTsV/s4032/IMG_3462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fxJEz4tcEjGxGoyOpkOTHYr2sktaCPjBdopxpHyfBvf8fZMLuBkjSgeiwOH9rAd7QXvOObqHgx3bnGkuvoQKLj0D_unNXIG7nYU9UU4wxuDulRr_8A-7tCgz_XuYFFlMHj7xwT92Prug6UI-SrBUAoiVg6DPTjKgEPpEMMQX5I9ZVd83RAIr9NR5uTsV/s320/IMG_3462.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">The
away side were still more likely to grab a winner, but the home side were
forcing them back. I didn’t think that they had the wherewithal or pace to create
a clear chance. I’d moved round behind the goal for the last few minutes, as
time was tight at full-time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Jetsada
made a smart run to stay onside and collect a good pass. Keeper Banhan
Thubthong advanced and tried to make a diving block, but the ball was dinked
over him and crawled over the line in the final of the six additional minutes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmwLae0tp9I-Z-plM5CsD5-obKxWm2L4LNmARRphHtBit42tt-KiuW9wf9wZgPriAL3IxTN5tW8vhijCMofEa2uhnw_p6a58_B29hVOVzQro8ErbdR7bL19VNCaLO_kpXrfhjyjvFhIwLqzZ5VxbJbJf971Dlyc8zM0e25_oKAHUu2bSG75Ox75FJXxKf/s3849/IMG_3464.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2887" data-original-width="3849" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmwLae0tp9I-Z-plM5CsD5-obKxWm2L4LNmARRphHtBit42tt-KiuW9wf9wZgPriAL3IxTN5tW8vhijCMofEa2uhnw_p6a58_B29hVOVzQro8ErbdR7bL19VNCaLO_kpXrfhjyjvFhIwLqzZ5VxbJbJf971Dlyc8zM0e25_oKAHUu2bSG75Ox75FJXxKf/s320/IMG_3464.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">The
place went berserk, including those maybe unaware of the free admission who
watched from behind the perimeter railings, with some enjoying a boozy tailgate
party. Seconds later it was all over. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I
had tried to convince a young fella to drive me back to the bus station in his
tuk-tuk, but it turned out it was a company vehicle rather than being for hire.
It meant a second fifty-five-minute walk of the day avoiding several ratty soi
dogs as I proceeded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hh4g451Sp72zxyXbT7OYn0fbUqfQnWI9qcmX_eYw8pFk0nfKCdXJfnSlIPOSIt7v77B9pUyScJwbQUInHsTbobf5prMvq9ckWiGzt8MnnkSXq0kSzhyphenhyphennPj8Dx7dwPwJU0M_87p1mGQojGegXkNjcjZ9AKnmVWAUYmCOO4zpRAHJAEtVQ1Gdi2g3f_Q4o/s1357/IMG_3471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1357" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hh4g451Sp72zxyXbT7OYn0fbUqfQnWI9qcmX_eYw8pFk0nfKCdXJfnSlIPOSIt7v77B9pUyScJwbQUInHsTbobf5prMvq9ckWiGzt8MnnkSXq0kSzhyphenhyphennPj8Dx7dwPwJU0M_87p1mGQojGegXkNjcjZ9AKnmVWAUYmCOO4zpRAHJAEtVQ1Gdi2g3f_Q4o/s320/IMG_3471.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">And
that’s where the exploring part comes into the equation. Thailand and public
transport is something of a lottery, especially out in the provinces. I waited
for ninety minutes in Kanthararom in the morning for a van service to Ubon
Ratchathani. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
first was full and the fella at the ticket desk just shrugged his shoulders
when I asked when the next one was due. It certainly makes me smile when I
think back to customers haranguing me on the tube if the next train was fifteen
minutes away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvO_L8OLe9baRpnh9kfCUxx8iqeQIEZ-JI0HSjOEJI01vt_g9eubrNyCETo-txKp1itViWOvT8n4reydvZ5X2AgwEU_ECW9l1YvCbJjvF9MlyfNaU8T2EcWF0dtOBo42T8hL0gqZCzfhHTpjyv9qYsTv_WXGE35UJQ4jJvYc6VSiuvvneoqXrFS3_EmkC/s4032/IMG_3478.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvO_L8OLe9baRpnh9kfCUxx8iqeQIEZ-JI0HSjOEJI01vt_g9eubrNyCETo-txKp1itViWOvT8n4reydvZ5X2AgwEU_ECW9l1YvCbJjvF9MlyfNaU8T2EcWF0dtOBo42T8hL0gqZCzfhHTpjyv9qYsTv_WXGE35UJQ4jJvYc6VSiuvvneoqXrFS3_EmkC/s320/IMG_3478.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">From
Ubon I had a forty-five-minute wait for the bus to Yasothon. Thankfully, things
are more organised at the bigger bus terminals. The fare was 116 Baht for the
100km journey. However, now lagging time wise meant I had to forego a visit to
a museum on a lake I wanted to see. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">The
only form of public transport was a motor bike taxi which I</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">’m petrified of.
No conventional taxis, buses or tuk tuks. Grab and Bolt not yet heard of in the
province. It is your own transport or Shanks’s Pony time.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82LaZXfWWSznLXb7PEoXyisaZuBzxsdQ5ZJptKCwIMN4r05gInscHajpdzNvnrs37BqFIY9RCcSH9pdXpYgKZPi2uRMrqcG7eXu4Y6hvpphPX3x4MNfDeCCWA00FJXIrA_Z_FiYiJpNE7JBLbAanr5q91nIqPmhJ7InUZLzkcjlT54SA_dZSANUyg5lAy/s4032/IMG_3469.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82LaZXfWWSznLXb7PEoXyisaZuBzxsdQ5ZJptKCwIMN4r05gInscHajpdzNvnrs37BqFIY9RCcSH9pdXpYgKZPi2uRMrqcG7eXu4Y6hvpphPX3x4MNfDeCCWA00FJXIrA_Z_FiYiJpNE7JBLbAanr5q91nIqPmhJ7InUZLzkcjlT54SA_dZSANUyg5lAy/s320/IMG_3469.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I managed to walk back after the game just in time, if
the 18.20 service had being punctual. Of course, it was not, which left things
tight at Ubon to get across town to catch the last 20.30 train as all buses towards
Sisaket stop at 18.00. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Google Maps said it was a nineteen-minute journey to
the station. The train left in sixteen minutes. I got on board with two to
spare, which offers an indication as to how fast my taxi driver went. Then on
reaching Kanthararom I discovered my good lady had crashed out at home with no
Grab available. She rose from her slumbers and brought me a beer.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewMwCfTjepNSeYFj-TPoD-m1REWd_aTjoMRW43oE9HBQ90TvoJJL_6uS_f7CEE66fAo1hMyflkPJFOUaZIcI5kTmCAvoMla5L1aeWwkEVnx9ICy5ERbKw58SnB7i2eoha75EiO4yvCOQc9-OTsHKkBaYZ20MJoCF-mEhH2MB9fmf_pk03ks4UA3xtxmTm/s1423/IMG_3442.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1423" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewMwCfTjepNSeYFj-TPoD-m1REWd_aTjoMRW43oE9HBQ90TvoJJL_6uS_f7CEE66fAo1hMyflkPJFOUaZIcI5kTmCAvoMla5L1aeWwkEVnx9ICy5ERbKw58SnB7i2eoha75EiO4yvCOQc9-OTsHKkBaYZ20MJoCF-mEhH2MB9fmf_pk03ks4UA3xtxmTm/s320/IMG_3442.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A day that I’m unlikely to forget in a hurry. It was
magical to encounter met with smiles and genuine curiosity throughout, and
watching a red full moon rise as I watched the Ryder Cup on my phone in the
middle of nowhere. What an incredible world we live in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Yasothon 0
Sisaket United 1 (Saturday 6th January 2024) </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Thai League
3 Northeast (att: 300)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1x0nqBClJspJXZwGI8qyVn3Q4RfaQAF8z6WFY0IxhycczIhcSTLWe5ahTsxaQfKFGSrhXONhJH3BE5StIDkzTw0CqF2WhX2W4l-E3mU-jTMMuP7cjbHFujpj2_lPGmAzM-4T1PLK6YQBmhChyjo6wTIxvMLkjgF2ZuMClQ5I0l1sQQBjBuCoZp8me7fp/s1080/417749825_10163608840169676_3471548733506743775_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1x0nqBClJspJXZwGI8qyVn3Q4RfaQAF8z6WFY0IxhycczIhcSTLWe5ahTsxaQfKFGSrhXONhJH3BE5StIDkzTw0CqF2WhX2W4l-E3mU-jTMMuP7cjbHFujpj2_lPGmAzM-4T1PLK6YQBmhChyjo6wTIxvMLkjgF2ZuMClQ5I0l1sQQBjBuCoZp8me7fp/w207-h207/417749825_10163608840169676_3471548733506743775_n.jpg" width="207" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">An away trip
to kick off 2024, as my friend John offered to drive us the 120km north for the
match, which pitted the side sitting third from bottom of the table against the
leaders who were backed by around fifty visiting fans. What we got was a
shocker of a match on a terrible hard bumpy pitch.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Both sides overplayed
passes continually with play scrappy and disjointed, and quite often tetchy. Damian
of Sisaket continually played the aggressor, often for no reason apart from
wanting to try and show off how hard he was. It gets dull week after week. As
does the one paced build of play of his side.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFSCPMvOS7yjZ5-eDLbI8nZgaoXxpFl_uVMsLP_hd765r_eANTz49qgVhPT0_qmPc_3vy2hxhJvTPUQrwy5W54uDyNdu5p0KHRHqkZcMtz7-YfAHiLkc5RWeHScLODgJ-2EXuH1CVsCWtP1prA0XXVsKmimdMw_ZzKgamVMQipzuZ4-jNS8d3n4ZOP7ZX/s2048/416061890_10163609098459676_6423516275817996748_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="2048" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFSCPMvOS7yjZ5-eDLbI8nZgaoXxpFl_uVMsLP_hd765r_eANTz49qgVhPT0_qmPc_3vy2hxhJvTPUQrwy5W54uDyNdu5p0KHRHqkZcMtz7-YfAHiLkc5RWeHScLODgJ-2EXuH1CVsCWtP1prA0XXVsKmimdMw_ZzKgamVMQipzuZ4-jNS8d3n4ZOP7ZX/w366-h187/416061890_10163609098459676_6423516275817996748_n.jpg" width="366" /></a> </span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">If there is
a less entertaining side in the country, then I dread to see them, but despite
this they don’t let goals in. I can only imagine coach Narongthanaphorn must
get some kind of guilty pleasure of collecting clean sheets and hanging onto
narrow victories against sides that other teams simply batter to one side.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Make no
mistake, Yasothon were awful, and surely only the free admittance sees them
attract any support. They are club going through the motions. You can’t get a
beer and there is no sign of any souvenir stall, which is rare. It’s a shame as
they have potential and a great catchment area.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRGUsLGOwVwcYfIJa5FS9hK3Rfjz2BEZTefABHqPnuUleioLqVpWf8Ct6llKuI3U7ks3gyfD8hvG9LT33Q3g3_HbqBcpwhvFQuO6GY_r5H1xBB2VZvIIbB6XRrQHJ5WhwyWdSOMgV7Ufco3Xx9QmWJxgItXdvinl5T6nE-0jFezZiTkUitN1oFvZMOm3Q/s2048/416001142_10163609098414676_6534899041210074685_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="2048" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRGUsLGOwVwcYfIJa5FS9hK3Rfjz2BEZTefABHqPnuUleioLqVpWf8Ct6llKuI3U7ks3gyfD8hvG9LT33Q3g3_HbqBcpwhvFQuO6GY_r5H1xBB2VZvIIbB6XRrQHJ5WhwyWdSOMgV7Ufco3Xx9QmWJxgItXdvinl5T6nE-0jFezZiTkUitN1oFvZMOm3Q/s320/416001142_10163609098414676_6534899041210074685_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Danilo
missed a free header from five yards for United while Matias Panigazzi saw his
headed effort superbly turned around by the otherwise erratic home keeper Suriya
Singkhubit. The only goal came four minutes before the break. An overhit pass hit
a bump and stood up for Danilo. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">The keeper was on the edge of his box assuming
the ball would reach him. The big Brazilian lobbed him, but the bounce saw his
effort come back off the bottom of the bar. Pazigazzi followed up to stoop and
head home.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2uaZjSBGINNYlbBlz-QfLAh_QpPM-VOWLwGDb5WmI-bf6iPCpIC8eBOlhL-m-KRJFAe_huB-Al94-0HeTXuR2M_JRSsnPM4mK3YJKoqEvkPW0ww4kVKXvAr8eX7L20V51WPoo8aR3lnD2pBbnA6yYY2zMdx94cJMpsgaJatdont0s2L-uUAQXHq5Cczr/s2048/416049282_10163609098219676_2355394341195443913_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2uaZjSBGINNYlbBlz-QfLAh_QpPM-VOWLwGDb5WmI-bf6iPCpIC8eBOlhL-m-KRJFAe_huB-Al94-0HeTXuR2M_JRSsnPM4mK3YJKoqEvkPW0ww4kVKXvAr8eX7L20V51WPoo8aR3lnD2pBbnA6yYY2zMdx94cJMpsgaJatdont0s2L-uUAQXHq5Cczr/s320/416049282_10163609098219676_2355394341195443913_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Argentinian was the best player at Sisaket by a country mile and put in everything he had week after week. His fellow overseas players should have bought his meals after matches
because they are frankly getting away with it. Without him they would have been even
more inept.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The second
half was awful. Ineptitude was in evidence all around. There were more petty
arguments, mainly involving the two African home forwards and Sisaket’s
Brazilian duo. The half was probably best summed up in stoppage time as the
visitors invited more pressure towards their own goal. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXntlp9XaaU9gP0xeJ-z0o7vKmuiiHF_GckLtYwFjESgc8UY57v8Hm9e0j1EWkwLZEZysRxmb0YQeEAWsqe0F6q0kEv33PHetW_5WlwB14AYO1hbz6dsr8PcuK11UG0spXffItllzExV5Ob61D6zWW5I8SrfFK4tggQTU1nXxfB2TWnapjJwb4BWUJDZh_/s2048/416014590_10163609098234676_1613216585092928584_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXntlp9XaaU9gP0xeJ-z0o7vKmuiiHF_GckLtYwFjESgc8UY57v8Hm9e0j1EWkwLZEZysRxmb0YQeEAWsqe0F6q0kEv33PHetW_5WlwB14AYO1hbz6dsr8PcuK11UG0spXffItllzExV5Ob61D6zWW5I8SrfFK4tggQTU1nXxfB2TWnapjJwb4BWUJDZh_/s320/416014590_10163609098234676_1613216585092928584_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The hosts were awarded a
free kick just outside the box. They took an age to take it, with the effort
eventually being fired twenty yards over the bar. Still, the table says it was
three more points for the table toppers.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">We had
arrived just short of a couple of hours before the 3.30pm kick off and settled for
pre-match food at Hug Restaurant in the old town. What a find it was too, with
excellent Italian food made by the Thai owner who had probably served me pizza
near Asoke station in Bangkok in the past. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAB3rKWYWmmcgj6v3Mk6o37mYZGUpt5Rwpm9tGBljzv4uPbgP3cIacVqBgimXLICFWy2V5v8eBTURTtJV5TlNWzY2jV-wSIdxFICB1HjSfhOcw8gehQiIuHuC0Nx4dTLKG1etP19gDoh4uH5uJt35aWA0Q9rPFbwl7OgkC2_bNJoHDfZdtdJ1-hpxREgj/s1980/416021599_10163609098304676_6002017683765973415_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1980" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAB3rKWYWmmcgj6v3Mk6o37mYZGUpt5Rwpm9tGBljzv4uPbgP3cIacVqBgimXLICFWy2V5v8eBTURTtJV5TlNWzY2jV-wSIdxFICB1HjSfhOcw8gehQiIuHuC0Nx4dTLKG1etP19gDoh4uH5uJt35aWA0Q9rPFbwl7OgkC2_bNJoHDfZdtdJ1-hpxREgj/s320/416021599_10163609098304676_6002017683765973415_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">He and his wife spoke great English
and were most amiable. He had a reasonable beer selection and an amazing wine
cellar. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">He told us
he would show us his distillery if we called again, which might be in May. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Yasothon hosts an annual rocket festival which is extremely popular in that
part of NE Thailand and sees huge crowds as well as illegal gambling around
lots of eating and drinking, two of my favourite hobbies. I might treat my good
lady to an overnight stop.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uLKM8IUEEsd3UFdlF8pPWob5Q-74HtKj69eR8xH_8ut1Y2XN5rnBgn2qaXUbTh3Kk1cotyGbDYcKDjVc3Gyzqm-j2zki7_LDuozD8e70oshJ3fmhFtbwtC6u3aWYaAKLT-IakZPzsaFdYkvXhuaKCqHMrcp1kGWTwsib7QojNOE4tiHc4NvszDXOA9x9/s2048/416024509_10163609098519676_7002794280579820912_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uLKM8IUEEsd3UFdlF8pPWob5Q-74HtKj69eR8xH_8ut1Y2XN5rnBgn2qaXUbTh3Kk1cotyGbDYcKDjVc3Gyzqm-j2zki7_LDuozD8e70oshJ3fmhFtbwtC6u3aWYaAKLT-IakZPzsaFdYkvXhuaKCqHMrcp1kGWTwsib7QojNOE4tiHc4NvszDXOA9x9/s320/416024509_10163609098519676_7002794280579820912_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">On our return
to Sisaket we headed to Hong Kong Garden for food, drinks, and to watch the
Sunderland v Newcastle Cup tie. A fine day out meeting nice people, which
included a Russian and his Thai girlfriend who had ridden 90km on the motorbike
to Yasothon for the match. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">John as ever was excellent company along with Peter at his fine establishment before my regular Grab taxi arrived
to take me home at 10pm.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gzBU6b2deeg" width="320" youtube-src-id="gzBU6b2deeg"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">My video report sent to A Thai Football Podcast which was played during Episode 29</span></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-4768064892043829142023-09-20T05:12:00.004+01:002023-09-20T05:12:32.367+01:00Chanthaburi (Thailand)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR23cU8v7nfqQDw44ReCWInoRAVTE8mfedsFrD4CAVDER6_I8LEvt8z0fOJ8DClLVAkHJL5HTE6Iu7iboWFWpxTFgyLvgF--utFT4fhraj4b78iqMQ9rRy-If3e4P694qDMcs5i0sAUfYc93AYD07KKuqLBhSKhNn4mYaM3g3OCfkLq7IUOoCGv_rZkz_r/s365/Logo_of_Chanthaburi_F.C.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="273" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR23cU8v7nfqQDw44ReCWInoRAVTE8mfedsFrD4CAVDER6_I8LEvt8z0fOJ8DClLVAkHJL5HTE6Iu7iboWFWpxTFgyLvgF--utFT4fhraj4b78iqMQ9rRy-If3e4P694qDMcs5i0sAUfYc93AYD07KKuqLBhSKhNn4mYaM3g3OCfkLq7IUOoCGv_rZkz_r/w133-h178/Logo_of_Chanthaburi_F.C.png" width="133" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
current Chanthaburi FC, a professional football club from the province of the
same name based in southeast Thailand was formed in 2013, playing their games
at Chanthaburi Province Stadium. This was after a reformation of the club of
the same title that was formed in 2004.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
2006 Chanthaburi were admitted into Division 1, also known as the Provincial
League, where they ended in eighth place. This was followed by fourth and then a
fifth-place finish as Witthaya Lhoareang topped the scoring charts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hMEjUrSzs_LJXAytCdVX3y82ilLweUiMQdBRm0SgDCGvc0dRdTlxa2EbpNWgLuvWXLFnQjIiiYrhKsPBlRiVO2Z6CWz54-PFA-KWcjjNTnxc0YWITcKwH5QherZa735G-xoC_yMZwDo1YlzQ4MFunSJgTqzcJ9Gu6Cp1Ia_ncQeG21N8vN6UWxAifGz-/s4032/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hMEjUrSzs_LJXAytCdVX3y82ilLweUiMQdBRm0SgDCGvc0dRdTlxa2EbpNWgLuvWXLFnQjIiiYrhKsPBlRiVO2Z6CWz54-PFA-KWcjjNTnxc0YWITcKwH5QherZa735G-xoC_yMZwDo1YlzQ4MFunSJgTqzcJ9Gu6Cp1Ia_ncQeG21N8vN6UWxAifGz-/s320/IMG_2508.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Sirisak
Musbu-ngor put away the goals in successive seasons which ended in poor league
placings, while the goals of Kassiaty Gildas Labi in 2011 saw little
improvement to general performances. Bottom place in 2012 saw Chanthaburi
relegated. Prawit Wasoontara ending the season as top scorer with four goals tells
its own story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
led to a drop down to Division 2 Central-East where they finished fourth, fifth,
and eighth in a season spent at Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University Stadium,
where the team also played in 2011.The level was restructured leading to a move
to play in Division 2 East. A tenth place slot offered no inclination as to
what was to follow in the 2017 season.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbO6C5lg2ihEnqbefX73Pm4NgMQSL5DGePERtPBx3yDY1qR979w3yqLKklCkZWMPGFOC-gBqGpHsqFZn-TAdDtljIwLDux1Savzd9n3aNknl3Yv38Vps2gjmkJCILp8Tcw9uikhME6BX4u5utJJYzqGoZmJY_gRim7qIqaUXBGk3_qjaNFPsQoJptp5lqS/s2687/IMG_2513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2687" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbO6C5lg2ihEnqbefX73Pm4NgMQSL5DGePERtPBx3yDY1qR979w3yqLKklCkZWMPGFOC-gBqGpHsqFZn-TAdDtljIwLDux1Savzd9n3aNknl3Yv38Vps2gjmkJCILp8Tcw9uikhME6BX4u5utJJYzqGoZmJY_gRim7qIqaUXBGk3_qjaNFPsQoJptp5lqS/s320/IMG_2513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Further
changes had been made to the league set up, leading to ‘The Wild Rabbits’ finding
themselves placed in Thai League 4 Eastern Region. The goals of Mbassegus
Mbarga led the side to the regional title assisted by Lee Jung-hun, but they
fell short in the Champions League promotion playoffs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Second
place was achieved in 2018 with Chainarong Samuttha leading the scoring charts.
Again, the club topped the attendance average in the region, but once again
fell short of winning promotion through the playoffs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Cdfm1R7oyPVC_dhcE8Pk67EYYm9KhBUk4-EHfYeaGnDh7KD3JK4KuiXyoY9R8okCsA7icduB4yoHOxsHhcubB7GEYPlRFqAwpQ6x9PPa3L5w5ZmLcuVQq-BYZYuLdOYrAqRe9tQVrLd8AKovbH9veaE8ce98NTh8lC1yyBG36QDJ18Pr3bi4VJ4VqbKH/s4032/IMG_2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2496" data-original-width="4032" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Cdfm1R7oyPVC_dhcE8Pk67EYYm9KhBUk4-EHfYeaGnDh7KD3JK4KuiXyoY9R8okCsA7icduB4yoHOxsHhcubB7GEYPlRFqAwpQ6x9PPa3L5w5ZmLcuVQq-BYZYuLdOYrAqRe9tQVrLd8AKovbH9veaE8ce98NTh8lC1yyBG36QDJ18Pr3bi4VJ4VqbKH/s320/IMG_2510.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For
the next two campaigns Tripop Janoensheep scored most goals, with the 2020-21
season back in the third tier under head coach Arthit Onkham after further reorganisation
saw them back in T3 Eastern Region. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Htoo
Kapaw did his bit to cheer the crowds in 2021-22 despite a lowly league finish
for the side coached by Nattapon Kokittipong before he was replaced by Tanadat
Sangurai for the 2022-23 season where the goals of Luan Santos saw a divisional
runners-up spot arrive.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuat9C2pUjPYPrBfxJnDiWPFgmrztbsRuVHPYH3vCGgDlYj1KGmmZZ2f4gu9AL7kADroahzj-sRUZTq8m04cccx_ojJI7PWEB6ZHYVPBYpHTor1DP_AVB9Nva1nAgb3vPx9s9U7ni_m0wq-PuFoT1HHm3EG6tj5gPB7ZERjz8xMljFSPVYHixbowoHd4UO/s4032/IMG_2511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1828" data-original-width="4032" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuat9C2pUjPYPrBfxJnDiWPFgmrztbsRuVHPYH3vCGgDlYj1KGmmZZ2f4gu9AL7kADroahzj-sRUZTq8m04cccx_ojJI7PWEB6ZHYVPBYpHTor1DP_AVB9Nva1nAgb3vPx9s9U7ni_m0wq-PuFoT1HHm3EG6tj5gPB7ZERjz8xMljFSPVYHixbowoHd4UO/w365-h165/IMG_2511.JPG" width="365" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
side went on to top the Upper Group in the playoffs and win promotion to Thai
League 2 for the 2023-24 campaign, where Brazilian coach Alexander Apsrecid was
put in charge of team affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Chanthaburi
FC will play in Thai League 2 in the 2023-24 season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">My
visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Wednesday
16<sup>th</sup> August 2023</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Koh
Chang was the destination for my wife Taew and I on the Thursday, so I
suggested breaking up the journey as she hadn’t driven any distance for a
while. Chanthaburi seemed as nice as place as any, so off we headed from
Minburi.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWb-bQUjUugeNPn7dL5sNgt7rkKhvYVv1enGAJIQIrNfsjYIBPrHIDGiz8wknKF6n_w4rfRWRysu-CHuQBlQC4jw0xLNIg9tze3jS1pLqbhmfZLbgPzIXINsgU8pUdAzKKf1s4jow9PsVUVsf1sw0zJkhQyMd8ABkU1T-oknLJrZgrsvrdeMaVnFtqJPS/s3884/IMG_2512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2215" data-original-width="3884" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWb-bQUjUugeNPn7dL5sNgt7rkKhvYVv1enGAJIQIrNfsjYIBPrHIDGiz8wknKF6n_w4rfRWRysu-CHuQBlQC4jw0xLNIg9tze3jS1pLqbhmfZLbgPzIXINsgU8pUdAzKKf1s4jow9PsVUVsf1sw0zJkhQyMd8ABkU1T-oknLJrZgrsvrdeMaVnFtqJPS/w345-h196/IMG_2512.JPG" width="345" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">We
were a little early to be checking into our hotel, so opportunity knocked for a
little sightseeing. King Taksin Memorial Park was a bit of a let-down as that
and the lake surrounding it was in the middle of renovation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fortunately,
the Provincial Stadium was on the way to our accommodation, so I asked my good
lady to stop while I took some pictures, which was easy through the fence. It
was another slight disappointment and certainly lacking in what I expected of a
second-tier venue. It was a typical Thai multi-pupose arena complete with running track.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3LgZbpbwqvNEexOqFLEgwBlxyEM-Uy6aF6XEhgOH7WAWoSGqqk5WcNXwRjJFVRIjBc4q9_RTvtdxjKF34r9XPyrAkY8r_-xBN5SVUztF3D7uWCMK1TMNWJRKXhPBKKTNPv9PWQqLf5uLStXTd6YqkdwM6b2544t8idVyeyNlIsQ4kmBr_1LtKElhVCe8/s4032/IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3LgZbpbwqvNEexOqFLEgwBlxyEM-Uy6aF6XEhgOH7WAWoSGqqk5WcNXwRjJFVRIjBc4q9_RTvtdxjKF34r9XPyrAkY8r_-xBN5SVUztF3D7uWCMK1TMNWJRKXhPBKKTNPv9PWQqLf5uLStXTd6YqkdwM6b2544t8idVyeyNlIsQ4kmBr_1LtKElhVCe8/s320/IMG_2514.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
one stand was fine, but that was about it. Just a few rows of open bleachers
opposite. I had seen previous images of a big corner stand, like the one on situ
at Phisanulok but it was no longer there. The most impressive feature were the modern
floodlights.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not
to worry, it was still on my list of venues to watch a game at, hopefully sometime in the future. We headed to Hotel Kasemsarn, a rather old fashioned but
tidy place before going exploring around the quaint town that would certainly
warrant a revisit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWy2Pze0kECkyNPQHHIpmAgGc-CxO0jAdb-4ycYRf8y_1iwxJ1YME94VeHBEMNslAv-J05Y8uakYOtpu1S2g5P7saZ0z-he899qbQk2xXh4qERnFO_Uxe6StU10AYehA-9p2SwCiCASL9tqlw3pqMAoi8MM3Xg_6_Rv8hH8xBmpnF-Bnhfyogu7oLOUKm/s3120/IMG_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="3120" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWy2Pze0kECkyNPQHHIpmAgGc-CxO0jAdb-4ycYRf8y_1iwxJ1YME94VeHBEMNslAv-J05Y8uakYOtpu1S2g5P7saZ0z-he899qbQk2xXh4qERnFO_Uxe6StU10AYehA-9p2SwCiCASL9tqlw3pqMAoi8MM3Xg_6_Rv8hH8xBmpnF-Bnhfyogu7oLOUKm/s320/IMG_2519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
standout was probably the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with its
strong French influence, and the little lane off the river housing the Chanthaboon
Waterfront Community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Taew
was happy enough as we found a lovely little boutique clothes shop, and we
enjoyed a nice meal overlooking the river which was extremely good value at Yindee
Café prior to retiring for the evening, before we completed our journey south the
following morning.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-36976001914228659552023-09-15T03:51:00.007+01:002023-09-15T07:31:46.771+01:00PTT Rayong (Thailand)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxS9J9ieLPzVWGAF5beXfm3DY0pEwiiM8jSDui5E9MkGFoqR4d0sElrA0HR_LoUZpx-coJc-QeNLcITjjY2oT14Z1AnTvU7Rvd2kvv0d_5_tk4KZIb-g9_mklss4M-z_lfS89tOfNCBiBn_QOv-RNzAnbxGkVUSPE0btRmJq70tolTjsp7b_bznJ0DSuMX/s316/PTT_Rayong_2017.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="316" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxS9J9ieLPzVWGAF5beXfm3DY0pEwiiM8jSDui5E9MkGFoqR4d0sElrA0HR_LoUZpx-coJc-QeNLcITjjY2oT14Z1AnTvU7Rvd2kvv0d_5_tk4KZIb-g9_mklss4M-z_lfS89tOfNCBiBn_QOv-RNzAnbxGkVUSPE0btRmJq70tolTjsp7b_bznJ0DSuMX/w168-h137/PTT_Rayong_2017.png" width="168" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">PTT Rayong FC was formed in 1998, initially as PTT FC, under
the wing of the state-owned oil and gas company, which is in Map Tu Phut,
located in Rayong Province in the east of Thailand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The company has an ethos that sport can strengthen their
community and initially set up a football team in 1983 to play in domestic and
foreign competitions. In 2007 the club was accepted into the third tier
Division 2, playing their home games at Prachaniwet Sport Centre in Bangkok.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OrczrnIeoWQ3m1o3sCVARNnlUuYGtuXumrGUlwL_vpR4jBBOeCVkL36Tjkc2c73OUWldd0P2Q06SPsabLCYKf9tCrCzPpajWGk_RtyHtmjaecaFfyXAPIKNS8v2w_MA1ZRaN2oddyJKJan33oqzvo6-iaFu_SQqWtICqEGkbMNpkxFjUavO0PmkNIjr-/s3905/IMG_2614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2929" data-original-width="3905" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OrczrnIeoWQ3m1o3sCVARNnlUuYGtuXumrGUlwL_vpR4jBBOeCVkL36Tjkc2c73OUWldd0P2Q06SPsabLCYKf9tCrCzPpajWGk_RtyHtmjaecaFfyXAPIKNS8v2w_MA1ZRaN2oddyJKJan33oqzvo6-iaFu_SQqWtICqEGkbMNpkxFjUavO0PmkNIjr-/s320/IMG_2614.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Second place in their debut season led to promotion,
with some games being then staged at Jarun Burapharat Stadium close to Makkasan
Airport Link station in the capital. David Bayiha scored the goals as PTT
finished in a creditable sixth place.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">A couple of mid-table finishes followed, initially
playing at IPE Chonburi Stadium and then </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">the club move to their headquarters and change their title where a basic ground was initially built</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> as Jirawoot
Saranant and Rachanon Srinork before fourth was achieved in 2011.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuH5iZ-NlDHt66b6WX9mikcQFcI8fPzquaT__D-Sv_YCEvTv8JIzkusM-Ue1eJqdcfX58EmQ-vGY6tOr2Gz1zbcmM6YykUBQB07WXcVdX3Mjw2CcARdqtOWbfKe7ZjOKm6y1qNuVAT7t2N5hQQquKzqaAPy0XsqF0jJTaeFugBcgOA94FN_w-ct4vRWzH/s4032/IMG_2609.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuH5iZ-NlDHt66b6WX9mikcQFcI8fPzquaT__D-Sv_YCEvTv8JIzkusM-Ue1eJqdcfX58EmQ-vGY6tOr2Gz1zbcmM6YykUBQB07WXcVdX3Mjw2CcARdqtOWbfKe7ZjOKm6y1qNuVAT7t2N5hQQquKzqaAPy0XsqF0jJTaeFugBcgOA94FN_w-ct4vRWzH/s320/IMG_2609.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">This was followed by fifth place with Adisak Srikampang leading the scoring charts in both campaigns.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span>Pipat Thonkanya put the goals away in 2013 as Rayong
finished third as well as reaching the last eight of the FA Cup.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The side led by Nopporn Eksrattra was promoted to the
Thailand Premier League but lasted just one season despite the efforts of
forward Amadou Ouattara. Former Thai national team boss Peter Withe had a spell
in charge of the ill-fated campaign before being replaced by Chaiyong Khumpiam.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEusElY5e6Lc5NGH7XjrNhiA7pYpl4j7vYUwy7t7rQnZpx2zLgJwxXrDgxseBXIbUfp2AD82JdeYPTi37qrbv9dV1asOEfd0DUuF2FGvlX9a51eQNPGsu2JMS6KJpzVP-RPhEBRDMzQnlffoU3hNMt8ZZ6cAvqIeyvTB-UE6F79vVYgiDxHXOnwwp9fn7/s3829/IMG_2610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2872" data-original-width="3829" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEusElY5e6Lc5NGH7XjrNhiA7pYpl4j7vYUwy7t7rQnZpx2zLgJwxXrDgxseBXIbUfp2AD82JdeYPTi37qrbv9dV1asOEfd0DUuF2FGvlX9a51eQNPGsu2JMS6KJpzVP-RPhEBRDMzQnlffoU3hNMt8ZZ6cAvqIeyvTB-UE6F79vVYgiDxHXOnwwp9fn7/s320/IMG_2610.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">Brazilian
coach Zague arrived in 2015. Haitian forward Yves Desmarets became the fans
favourite as the side finished seventh back in Division 1. A drop of one place
followed twelve months later as Leandro top scored. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Teerasak
Po-on took charge of the side in 2017, led on the pitch by Apipoo
Suntornpanavej, as Dennis Murillo had two seasons as leading marksman, with the
first also seeing a quarter final appearance in the FA Cup.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO57gKHlrdSuSLlwap_XSoFlzuBPMTslxakd1gKcAMGc3okO2qSyxNioSP097NYhOVRmxpNdbJa7xVgjzeJrn57kMOutQqsjGP04_p3YUZn_dsCHfb7Y2QZnqU62oDn4-vm79Zlz8Yg7R19tVYHi_tSEaF1KSNs9Gz9eAa5asbPXB3bUwtisylqMR5ku5/s3731/IMG_2626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2798" data-original-width="3731" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO57gKHlrdSuSLlwap_XSoFlzuBPMTslxakd1gKcAMGc3okO2qSyxNioSP097NYhOVRmxpNdbJa7xVgjzeJrn57kMOutQqsjGP04_p3YUZn_dsCHfb7Y2QZnqU62oDn4-vm79Zlz8Yg7R19tVYHi_tSEaF1KSNs9Gz9eAa5asbPXB3bUwtisylqMR5ku5/s320/IMG_2626.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial;">The
second, in 2018 saw the team crowned as champions and with it a place in the
top-flight Thai League 1. The goals of Ariel Rodríguez helped PTT to an eleventh-place
finish for the side coached by Teerasak Po-on, with Peerapong Ruenin being
impressive in goal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB">However,
the PTT PLC decided to fold the professional club and resign from the
competition citing a lack of expertise and disappointing attendances. In it</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">’s place the PTT
Youth Academy continued to support local talent and hopefully fulfil potential
with the support of locally based residents</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">My
visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Thailand 2 Cambodia 0 (Monday 21<sup>st</sup> August
2023) AFF Under 23 Championships Group A (att: c2,300)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGJm9VcSJSk7EOt6vLKJvWsg85JTR3SUtNJRMHtWoRdPCSeUnw44N5ajroEWAP1lhZYEe0L8mYrHVfWYrcOTBxe_vtsbmcJcxib17uCLexQYiJ3w-eWPKOZmvF1rQiIvXU9ZCwG-194qYAnQwUwuEHKgPITfcMFXejxLY8q0h2XkfrZNkCRG0re1_XxMs/s1485/IMG_2628.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1485" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGJm9VcSJSk7EOt6vLKJvWsg85JTR3SUtNJRMHtWoRdPCSeUnw44N5ajroEWAP1lhZYEe0L8mYrHVfWYrcOTBxe_vtsbmcJcxib17uCLexQYiJ3w-eWPKOZmvF1rQiIvXU9ZCwG-194qYAnQwUwuEHKgPITfcMFXejxLY8q0h2XkfrZNkCRG0re1_XxMs/w270-h270/IMG_2628.JPG" width="270" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I had wanted to attend a game at PTT after seeing how
impressive it looked on TV when Port played there in the past. Opportunity finally
knocked perfectly for me </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">as I had been visiting Koh Chang for the annual Beach
Cricket Tournament for a few days.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It had been a tremendous six-a-side event with twelve teams
from across Thailand plus a Malaysian side with plenty of action on and off the
pitch. After a beautiful early lunch at a highly recommended seafood restaurant
on the island, my wife Taew, kindly drove us to the outskirts of Rayong for
some evening entertainment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDO5G2hQJcanNlLZa_kqvjWGvQwKUiuc-gHNYYq621jy_R2Fkg6jUqrnhtVI4XWQbJjXHBtgAeeFY0aN6wdhjSR005EHmlj6cBxH9XL7K59GLGHyYfyuC_wYwEJf5dBJt0CCLBgmDUsPUg293QFw8osttPenbbPQhn6hm4paN-ZSL8jPbfnww2BfIWPUAA/s814/IMG_2548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="814" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDO5G2hQJcanNlLZa_kqvjWGvQwKUiuc-gHNYYq621jy_R2Fkg6jUqrnhtVI4XWQbJjXHBtgAeeFY0aN6wdhjSR005EHmlj6cBxH9XL7K59GLGHyYfyuC_wYwEJf5dBJt0CCLBgmDUsPUg293QFw8osttPenbbPQhn6hm4paN-ZSL8jPbfnww2BfIWPUAA/w270-h251/IMG_2548.JPG" width="270" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mabka Stadium for this tournament which didn’t permit
sponsorship titles, but PTT Stadium if officialdom doesn’t interfere, was home
to a slightly less wealthy oil funded club than Manchester City but was still
in excellent shape. Food and drink were obtainable from a pop-up fan zone, though none was allowed inside the arena.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">A shame really as it is a perfect arena for football.
The surrounding area, not unlike the Teesside of the 70s, apart from a lack of
feeling like our lives were in danger, and the car was all in one piece when we
returned after the match.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAZ2Sqos_Sy6oPzVTyVCGcnc1cNosIGakCz8v_7zwGY6uQEdPlnA759eJEO2EZf4pFUv5-R2BOX8hQIMdd6tRSjezUyurUa8TBlPI3k1GTQFclNZYqDX_nOcfGZ4SAJAfj6SU6mr55BSSXBJdAAXQkyvjBfb8bK00__db56jdHKupYdNKGs7_kRXYTugY/s3776/IMG_2617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="3776" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAZ2Sqos_Sy6oPzVTyVCGcnc1cNosIGakCz8v_7zwGY6uQEdPlnA759eJEO2EZf4pFUv5-R2BOX8hQIMdd6tRSjezUyurUa8TBlPI3k1GTQFclNZYqDX_nOcfGZ4SAJAfj6SU6mr55BSSXBJdAAXQkyvjBfb8bK00__db56jdHKupYdNKGs7_kRXYTugY/w356-h187/IMG_2617.JPG" width="356" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The hosts only needed a point to win the group and headed
forward to the semis a few days later and displayed curious tactics in the
first half as they seemed unsure whether to stick or twist. Cambodia showed the
more attacking intent in the early stages, as they needed a win. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Thakdanai Jaihan came close to putting Thailand ahead
on twenty-six minutes when he latched onto a through ball and rounded onrushing
keeper Rethy Lyheng but saw his effort from the edge of the box stopped on its
way to goal by a brilliant sliding block.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3kUKd15sTfOk7xkrxjONBcNljuxKj708twBuLHdoUymz7InjwJ1PETQWJRptLggxF8cpQUmlnFvjvpVR5F9IT01mOlyi5DEwBg_8t_5gwfWcYSzSxwxOss1c9LGQ7nn-bnfy-z8GiewutPLjYpp2ul5TKVngqxbdoDpDnQiM-JaopEMBN94zyfQx8omI/s4032/IMG_2625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3kUKd15sTfOk7xkrxjONBcNljuxKj708twBuLHdoUymz7InjwJ1PETQWJRptLggxF8cpQUmlnFvjvpVR5F9IT01mOlyi5DEwBg_8t_5gwfWcYSzSxwxOss1c9LGQ7nn-bnfy-z8GiewutPLjYpp2ul5TKVngqxbdoDpDnQiM-JaopEMBN94zyfQx8omI/s320/IMG_2625.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Home coach Intsara Sritaro rang the changes at the
break making three changes, which immediately injected more urgency into his
side’s efforts. The deadlock was broken in comedic fashion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">A centre was headed back towards his own goal by a
defender with the keeper and another stopper making a proper mess as the ball
trickled over the line. Some sources credit Lyheng with the OG, others Sam Ol
Tina.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a9VjmpJO5en_twuFyOsJ27EuZLVjRFTqmhN71NGKQS1SnhrmyaeRNwYIRqox7bkpNSgQXFpbKOWi3tv6UQ_Kz2pG23pF-EWw3nS4xwMHCylmi0-4It2dO3oq87beSZ5aGgEopSjFvKeBlqBu4cmODPKYY2ghdQ6kb8sQFwLrJCOKKpAzvgdZ7nMEKKTD/s3731/IMG_2626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2798" data-original-width="3731" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a9VjmpJO5en_twuFyOsJ27EuZLVjRFTqmhN71NGKQS1SnhrmyaeRNwYIRqox7bkpNSgQXFpbKOWi3tv6UQ_Kz2pG23pF-EWw3nS4xwMHCylmi0-4It2dO3oq87beSZ5aGgEopSjFvKeBlqBu4cmODPKYY2ghdQ6kb8sQFwLrJCOKKpAzvgdZ7nMEKKTD/s320/IMG_2626.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That was five minutes after the restart, and it looked
like it would be enough. Thai skipper Songchai Tongcham looked commanding at
the back, though he looked like he might have possessed a Harry Maguire type
error in his locker. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Heavy run had fallen in the back end of the first half
and continued, with the tricky conditions exemplified when the Thai physio
slipped and fell on his back when rushing out to administer treatment.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzkxrlzr9NnNOJ-AfuKu61XSRfMge39pfoosBCADIoWofN4p0xzoTHg-g72P3FiIxW90Bec9rIgUdgrbVD65Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Raining in Rayong. Well bucketing it down actually</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Thailand defence managed to snub a Cambodian
effort that was bound for the net between themselves before the lead was
doubled ten minutes from time. A shot from sub Nethithorn Kaewcharoen from the
edge of the box took a huge deflection off Vanneth Houth leaving Lyheng leaden
footed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Another replacement, Varintorn Watcharapringam, held
off the attention of three defenders with his first action, before his low shot
was deflected wide off the boot of the busy goalie, as the hosts celebrated
their place in the last four.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKdMLCxmRh18CxGdOwBAiQvt9BB5VfCRK_iG32QEoUw1gHVtV_smnKWFK46at8KU_LOfTYavcxwM322rtXGI4XMZN-w47CUdthhogI1pf8GRY4sl3RlcK6zrKhOnkXuOMx4sSqtcdJvmA2fFBr6wR41ZdLbSb85LcA26G6O2PjG_P61oQZ86WaWKGzkyE/s3645/IMG_2624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3645" data-original-width="2734" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKdMLCxmRh18CxGdOwBAiQvt9BB5VfCRK_iG32QEoUw1gHVtV_smnKWFK46at8KU_LOfTYavcxwM322rtXGI4XMZN-w47CUdthhogI1pf8GRY4sl3RlcK6zrKhOnkXuOMx4sSqtcdJvmA2fFBr6wR41ZdLbSb85LcA26G6O2PjG_P61oQZ86WaWKGzkyE/s320/IMG_2624.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thankfully, the rain had stopped for the ten-minute
walk back to the car and we were in the hotel not long after 10pm. A decent
enough new ground off my tick list, which my good lady seemed to enjoy. Well,
she didn’t complain anyway and bought a small flag as a souvenir.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The following morning, we drove back to Minburi, with
the area near the hotel and the works portraying their full finery.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-56592547636892188482023-09-14T01:42:00.005+01:002023-09-14T01:42:47.703+01:00Sitsaman Academy (Thailand)<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMW12RpfmhW94pcig2r4pB14jVvenjONj6G1EK6OYOqXsRC3_iWL6v6tG9xufxXsNzxKRyFXS2cFkTAudXKaVDl0AK2Ni2K1JZ71GmAzxxjl3_kGx4J_huyVBmfSkd_v1jo3DvQzZLv3nuYHJrH6n8lxK82SUEDjqu1aSDYCVmfTYJRNcQtF-zbNoeg6LP/s722/305290749_457608939719556_6707642691033621189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="719" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMW12RpfmhW94pcig2r4pB14jVvenjONj6G1EK6OYOqXsRC3_iWL6v6tG9xufxXsNzxKRyFXS2cFkTAudXKaVDl0AK2Ni2K1JZ71GmAzxxjl3_kGx4J_huyVBmfSkd_v1jo3DvQzZLv3nuYHJrH6n8lxK82SUEDjqu1aSDYCVmfTYJRNcQtF-zbNoeg6LP/w173-h174/305290749_457608939719556_6707642691033621189_n.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sitsaman Academy was formed in 1998 and provides coaching
and football for underage players to learn their skills and represent their
club. It is based off Hathai Rat Road in Samwa District in the northeast of the
Thai capital Bangkok.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The club boasts impressive facilities with two
pitches, and a clubroom and outdoor area which includes a restaurant, and
changing rooms, while snacks and drinks are also available along with club
clothing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Linping 2 Prize of Wood 3 (Sunday 27</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
August 2023) Bangkok Premier League Division 1 (att: c10)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-8qQ6TY2-jzzYbRk-bSvq8nxHsoHFk5lFmHymj-gAVJmm-owxEBl41dwUVGZyR5oERJ7wlTxOI34K88vutyIPo2BENQqUzDGTiZHObfY_L9ywRK8HiCin7FGTJY8ttuxpzzXu4MNY8juOvleDV7ORD8W2VcekV7GDlJ6PXQ54bNohJAUAHcjnCQ3Y1I7/s3956/IMG_2674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="3956" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-8qQ6TY2-jzzYbRk-bSvq8nxHsoHFk5lFmHymj-gAVJmm-owxEBl41dwUVGZyR5oERJ7wlTxOI34K88vutyIPo2BENQqUzDGTiZHObfY_L9ywRK8HiCin7FGTJY8ttuxpzzXu4MNY8juOvleDV7ORD8W2VcekV7GDlJ6PXQ54bNohJAUAHcjnCQ3Y1I7/s320/IMG_2674.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20Linping%20FC" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Linping</span></a>
moved this game a couple of miles south from their usual Airport Stadium base
to the highly impressive Sitsaman Academy facility, which would cause confusion
as three players arrived late having gone to the wrong ground, with them
starting with ten men despite having a sub goalie sat doing nothing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Unsurprisingly
the away side went into the lead on thirteen minutes in the battle of two
company owned or sponsored sides. Xekphcn̒ Pho Khao skipped past a desperate
lunging challenge from Piyachot Pholdee to round keeper Seri Rak Promraj and
slot home.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74acXZirfJkn70NJxY36OvozguxCblMzFm9jAmAxalm09jNkGcWHNiD4CR0Ga-7pn6xuis-42x4WychBoA378ZGJNwGFMUTVMH7-P91ErFiEDTQmBcyHK7MccgzgpZrnbzUxGtmvs0NppMO0VBlu6ku4gAYzLwI1gNBrEExGlKpu3-Jj1hJ5UsENGz0po/s3799/IMG_2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1738" data-original-width="3799" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74acXZirfJkn70NJxY36OvozguxCblMzFm9jAmAxalm09jNkGcWHNiD4CR0Ga-7pn6xuis-42x4WychBoA378ZGJNwGFMUTVMH7-P91ErFiEDTQmBcyHK7MccgzgpZrnbzUxGtmvs0NppMO0VBlu6ku4gAYzLwI1gNBrEExGlKpu3-Jj1hJ5UsENGz0po/w386-h176/IMG_2689.JPG" width="386" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
goalie deflected another Pho Khao effort wide and then made an astonishing
point blank save from a powerful header from Tanzanian midfielder Michael
Mgimwa. Pho Khao again rounded the stopper but skewed wide and missed another
glaring opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">His
scattergun approach up front was made to pay when Linping levelled things up. A
low free kick from Thatchawee Suwanpanya was fumbled by custodian Wanchana Songsi
allowing Somnuk Promchan to tap home.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJTRMJW9HE0osPkTm8KMthACkjY99rMLGrr8eUbln7RVDgf7QpJdwX538nhu6VDp3RBftX8Qr5LKhQj52RoLA2YW7PpnmFuiF1SUkiXYqQlC5wghusjsxCfTRqDfetsabDGhMku-FTwBTJ8AnXYNlamywXUsoaQf8oZpkT5vBdP76TNJ4ftM2mpHly7P5/s3860/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2141" data-original-width="3860" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJTRMJW9HE0osPkTm8KMthACkjY99rMLGrr8eUbln7RVDgf7QpJdwX538nhu6VDp3RBftX8Qr5LKhQj52RoLA2YW7PpnmFuiF1SUkiXYqQlC5wghusjsxCfTRqDfetsabDGhMku-FTwBTJ8AnXYNlamywXUsoaQf8oZpkT5vBdP76TNJ4ftM2mpHly7P5/w359-h199/IMG_2682.JPG" width="359" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
visitors fielded a second foreigner, the Kiwi Tristan Cooper while Nigerian Sheriff
Adetoyinbo added overseas flair to the home team line up. Eventually Pho Khao
found the target again with the last kick of the first half as his side went in
2-1 ahead.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">After
the interval he continued to waste chances galore. His pace was often too much
for the defence, but he dallied to often, as confidence seemed to drain out of
him. Adetoyinbo forced a good save out of Songsi before away team skipper Peerapol
Chinnarat reminded his forward how it should be done as he went through and
finished neatly. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX79xqtK9d-F0Y5G_RQsIF-lqyosi2JwoQNFh0vqbg9AXnB8-djsHESaoQ04eDzPaJxVTsnHXKBKdEcg8CAj0OzL8G6yZxfYrZfbkGX8En9RKyHtEMbSVktpnzA4A8vLJr3NPRxyzEL4rOow4fhluv9UEsQ8af3g2S2Z5lQAXiAdF_Ln-I5QUBFMv_jz0/s3981/IMG_2676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="3981" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX79xqtK9d-F0Y5G_RQsIF-lqyosi2JwoQNFh0vqbg9AXnB8-djsHESaoQ04eDzPaJxVTsnHXKBKdEcg8CAj0OzL8G6yZxfYrZfbkGX8En9RKyHtEMbSVktpnzA4A8vLJr3NPRxyzEL4rOow4fhluv9UEsQ8af3g2S2Z5lQAXiAdF_Ln-I5QUBFMv_jz0/w377-h153/IMG_2676.JPG" width="377" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The
otherwise impressive number 15 for Limping missed an opportunity, when Songsi,
who is listed as a defender on the website, fumbled, which may have explained
his lack of handling prowess. Adetoyinbo grabbed one back with around eight
minutes to go but his side couldn’t</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> claw back an equalizer. A game not always of the
highest skill levels but most entertaining.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’d walked to the ground off Hathai Rat Soi 39 in the northeast
of Bangkok, which took around an hour and, on the approach, saw a huge monitor
lizard cross the lane up ahead of me. Like most pitches at this level, it had
high netting surrounding it. The second pitch had kid’s games taking place.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dfgYQgqBaTuxV1TioW5LGTwnpWKsINDpFxKhHiCOqSkCauWm1X6uEv1XZ93XocMnW9hdbh81alpQcgb4Rs58ggxp8lmrCLxTnG3LJm-1oQ81O6IEpbNWBXsyqUAaqTuJmSR29dbyBUtzWmxcHzYgPQiX2GTcoPCsLABdBBQiUJj5JN5gAtXGtQv7W62p/s728/IMG_2673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="728" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dfgYQgqBaTuxV1TioW5LGTwnpWKsINDpFxKhHiCOqSkCauWm1X6uEv1XZ93XocMnW9hdbh81alpQcgb4Rs58ggxp8lmrCLxTnG3LJm-1oQ81O6IEpbNWBXsyqUAaqTuJmSR29dbyBUtzWmxcHzYgPQiX2GTcoPCsLABdBBQiUJj5JN5gAtXGtQv7W62p/w344-h215/IMG_2673.JPG" width="344" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Around the main pitch there was open seating, two
small covered elevated stands, covered dug outs, a few benches on the far side,
floodlights, plus a gantry where a man put out sporadic announcements. A very tidy
set up indeed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was home within twenty minutes courtesy of one of
the local small bus services with a few Thai brewed beers from 7/11 to wash
down the meal cooked by the beloved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo2FVt2CV_xe9hONNTqMYGL-CR1ShMnQIkqkOfsV_C97QU767SJNsnvQKLW7fa2dUpb1XqKolr0XhvIHlPyJLcfPlXeShRiWFoqQhDUCLKz-yiTMJ7Hbp-KlB4RlOxjH7-aMSPOuGgVtlvDQchZNePwLKDEO5JMIg5VcI_f2AzJd3wtpjfTFCWKSYGqTq/s3345/IMG_2675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2193" data-original-width="3345" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo2FVt2CV_xe9hONNTqMYGL-CR1ShMnQIkqkOfsV_C97QU767SJNsnvQKLW7fa2dUpb1XqKolr0XhvIHlPyJLcfPlXeShRiWFoqQhDUCLKz-yiTMJ7Hbp-KlB4RlOxjH7-aMSPOuGgVtlvDQchZNePwLKDEO5JMIg5VcI_f2AzJd3wtpjfTFCWKSYGqTq/w360-h236/IMG_2675.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-60674921386686206582023-08-03T03:52:00.001+01:002023-08-03T03:52:09.700+01:00Berwick Rangers (Scotland)<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2Cwa_izyDy0QZHEMu0AfyOM5N73UQgbENh2n3YNHbQXyLPyziOqE2pEABf2ikl2ayWdLx3GyiGGiHr2_j301zWgfvzURuQZKkZUfjJm3v1VD4hOodystZuelTYrXiSYpBCTpx8zKFiz8PKJPd0-720HmDrm49BPb7lDj1kd4pNuzEplCk351es1hGDzg/s316/BerwickRangersCrest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2Cwa_izyDy0QZHEMu0AfyOM5N73UQgbENh2n3YNHbQXyLPyziOqE2pEABf2ikl2ayWdLx3GyiGGiHr2_j301zWgfvzURuQZKkZUfjJm3v1VD4hOodystZuelTYrXiSYpBCTpx8zKFiz8PKJPd0-720HmDrm49BPb7lDj1kd4pNuzEplCk351es1hGDzg/w135-h135/BerwickRangersCrest.png" width="135" /></a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Berwick Rangers FC is a football club from the
Northumberland border town of Berwick-on-Tweed in England who have played most
of their football in Scottish competitions as the town has changed nationality
several times through border wars throughout history before finally remaining
English from 1482.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The club goes right back to the 7</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> January
1881, when a side led by local businessman and town councillor Peter Cowe would
gather to train on the Bull Stob Close pitch prior to their first game against
Alnwick.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X7tq4x2vOts50i8pTfj0wJb8IJ191Au2_jqotkve9I69Vz_SQ-8bZSpLtDmxsL3OymZHDDOzgnuir6AdV-FgF9vbKKOfPmczpgsUCFAoA1rr2qFnK9jcC21NUzsiHhFs940uuCblOt68cvAn9aJZiLkZTmsNC3bPXTYF8cY0JqF76RkiSYNkg_A7otJB/s879/215542191_10161273518484676_8314344275497550452_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="879" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X7tq4x2vOts50i8pTfj0wJb8IJ191Au2_jqotkve9I69Vz_SQ-8bZSpLtDmxsL3OymZHDDOzgnuir6AdV-FgF9vbKKOfPmczpgsUCFAoA1rr2qFnK9jcC21NUzsiHhFs940uuCblOt68cvAn9aJZiLkZTmsNC3bPXTYF8cY0JqF76RkiSYNkg_A7otJB/s320/215542191_10161273518484676_8314344275497550452_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It was 1884 before the constitution of the club was
formed while Pier Field was considered a temporary home. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">‘The Wee Gers’
became champions of the Northumberland League at the turn of the century after they
began playing at the Meadow Field in Tweedmouth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In 1905 Rangers were affiliated to the Scottish FA, entering the Scottish
Border League and then the Border Amateur League from the commencement of the
1908-09 campaign. A move to the East of Scotland League followed in 1919.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxUfI71Pk0nUimbFlzFDJppB0R6kzr41ahmKcjER0U7nR4lABMWPHQbYOxjs5CBEFjhTaxv7La-gH7tuY_BCuLB7mN8iHekOtJOMDAvx-Kb4foystO6PDNdXN2g8HAJfNauxbrclBWCKtVGRx9unlYx1jfBLHDsj_a-E4Pam7H153-r_g5KKVoFiJyNZ6/s960/214178467_10161273518314676_1182003213069483254_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxUfI71Pk0nUimbFlzFDJppB0R6kzr41ahmKcjER0U7nR4lABMWPHQbYOxjs5CBEFjhTaxv7La-gH7tuY_BCuLB7mN8iHekOtJOMDAvx-Kb4foystO6PDNdXN2g8HAJfNauxbrclBWCKtVGRx9unlYx1jfBLHDsj_a-E4Pam7H153-r_g5KKVoFiJyNZ6/s320/214178467_10161273518314676_1182003213069483254_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A ground now known as Old Shielfield Park was sourced, adjacent to the
current venue and home for several seasons of Tweedmouth Rangers FC. Several
attempts to join the North Northumberland League were turned down over the
years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Berwick became members of Scottish Football League C Division (North
& East) in 1951 ending in midtable under manager Bobby Ancell. The
following season saw an improvement to third place, but the club had a
continual coming and going of team bosses which affected consistency.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2qm17txN9g4DbVb9erw11XcKYr1JFslPxrEc5x-gIf_F6Moy4VBR6RXfhrbyTD7fzbKPlMf3RZCMmO-5pyul3tj3g3kmfdtecYVbCSVt9zPzwKDBINy9Pt8Q4ev7cKUhnjNmpt50mKpcI_JD11kpoVdMwJhKiA5_RhMte08_4EV12UMcecOt_8i8wpbi/s935/216957108_10161273519489676_757003121236261950_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="935" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2qm17txN9g4DbVb9erw11XcKYr1JFslPxrEc5x-gIf_F6Moy4VBR6RXfhrbyTD7fzbKPlMf3RZCMmO-5pyul3tj3g3kmfdtecYVbCSVt9zPzwKDBINy9Pt8Q4ev7cKUhnjNmpt50mKpcI_JD11kpoVdMwJhKiA5_RhMte08_4EV12UMcecOt_8i8wpbi/s320/216957108_10161273519489676_757003121236261950_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In 1954 the club moved into the new Shielfield Park after going out in
the quarter final of the Scottish Cup the previous season against Rangers, with
a stand being purchased from Bradford City’s Valley Parade home was installed.
The Borderers were placed in an enlarged Division B, which was renamed Division
Two a year later. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In 1955-56 and 1956-57 the team reached the fifth round of the Scottish
Cup going out in an away tie to Ayr United and then at home to Falkirk. Danny McLennan
arrived as manager for a three-year period to be succeeded by Jimmy McIntosh
and then Ian Spence who both served for similar lengths of time.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bqtl-KmDnALv70LLvIdChXUneP08ATBaNUi2DUKH06AodoosPauM9uZNmSgQ6ZK4W7XADzjitWfDGPc_xrgeENustkq5Vo8v8hQd7lUtPrQEo6XFu7uXB24CNG_URJHPhF56tmxpuF3ml63BGUMvpCL46syRJL3gb5RxYYx9a4zM7MgMe8MFjAt_1vNr/s735/214450159_10161273522024676_3439592616366071726_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="735" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bqtl-KmDnALv70LLvIdChXUneP08ATBaNUi2DUKH06AodoosPauM9uZNmSgQ6ZK4W7XADzjitWfDGPc_xrgeENustkq5Vo8v8hQd7lUtPrQEo6XFu7uXB24CNG_URJHPhF56tmxpuF3ml63BGUMvpCL46syRJL3gb5RxYYx9a4zM7MgMe8MFjAt_1vNr/w371-h159/214450159_10161273522024676_3439592616366071726_n.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was under Spence that the side reached the semi-final of the League
Cup going out 3-1 to Rangers. The Glasgow giants were on Berwick’s radar after
goalkeeper Jock Wallace took over as player-manager. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">13,365 packed into Shielfield was Rangers were defeated 1-0 in the first
round of the Cup, which would cost some their careers at Ibrox. The Wee Gers
went out in the next round as approaching 30,000 fans attended the tie at Easter Road
against Hibernian.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNsI5IOeNkb9MrpvSyILbIIKzJBbz-t2AFMtp6qMIxlz5KUjL2MC-cTnzrnsOcrxXp_5t7UNdi4c6-YB2DhSY6n7h9CKwJO6rw-9aHN_wstOniw0OMwwWVMCqoQTX7nUqRndOX1xzl3DZPsh_ulpVEspOqYuMqWINva5kTaMFunBoD9NXAP63slB6Zbaz/s953/218235475_10161273518139676_5737633036300867704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="953" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNsI5IOeNkb9MrpvSyILbIIKzJBbz-t2AFMtp6qMIxlz5KUjL2MC-cTnzrnsOcrxXp_5t7UNdi4c6-YB2DhSY6n7h9CKwJO6rw-9aHN_wstOniw0OMwwWVMCqoQTX7nUqRndOX1xzl3DZPsh_ulpVEspOqYuMqWINva5kTaMFunBoD9NXAP63slB6Zbaz/s320/218235475_10161273518139676_5737633036300867704_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Harry Melrose replaced Wallace who went on to have an excellent coaching
and management career, but it would be under Dave Smith that the club finally won
something of note when they became the third tier Division Two champions in 1978-79
in a period which would see Eric Tait become the record appearance holder.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Their spell in the second level lasted two seasons, with success being
rare thereafter. Third places were achieved in 1983-84 and then again in
1995-96 under the stewardship of Tait following a runners-up spot in 1993-94
through the endeavours of Tom Hendrie. However, only the champions went up that
season owing to league re-organisation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKySDU_NcGIqWkaATIsAOCFYaN9AtZx4NWd_WULa5vnNpDq96SXpry_pjWbBdo3ONG1jB-anscyxoIqCDfMWicFboRThNBrqVV-6nRmWGQkefaLXWGXr3xEraV1dZeVQajmQ4supNCc_LqQpEyg-kkR70qVN-zbvkmiPsII1PSAthdiG3xegINAWfcdlE9/s941/215655640_10161273518094676_6839172281704327729_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="941" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKySDU_NcGIqWkaATIsAOCFYaN9AtZx4NWd_WULa5vnNpDq96SXpry_pjWbBdo3ONG1jB-anscyxoIqCDfMWicFboRThNBrqVV-6nRmWGQkefaLXWGXr3xEraV1dZeVQajmQ4supNCc_LqQpEyg-kkR70qVN-zbvkmiPsII1PSAthdiG3xegINAWfcdlE9/w366-h188/215655640_10161273518094676_6839172281704327729_n.jpg" width="366" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Promotion with Paul Smith in charge of the team was achieved in 1999-00
before the team went back down in 2004-05. The 2005-06 season saw Rangers in the
fourth tier Third Division where they reached the play-offs under John Coughlin,
losing to Ayr United. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There was no mistake the following season as Berwick went up as
champions but dropped straight back down twelve months later with Michael
Renwick being at the helm for most of the campaign, as once again competing
financially was difficult.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjsp9INr100vIgvT1I6nV_ffh0GLGz2stJmdcrVC1kzvizfCfxML9GFzCqICBV2yvHoNcpVD5C7l9_2LFDRoXBgkDUq9FJ6vSDvy96GPTbe9niadwo0QUxDcCkYSOspj-kIIMf11RqqSFFj4O4vnHjcHmvoJ258g-UHJSwguFaZpDjaH_cYpeOItd5P-l/s897/215374733_10161273518709676_5636464693794714774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="673" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjsp9INr100vIgvT1I6nV_ffh0GLGz2stJmdcrVC1kzvizfCfxML9GFzCqICBV2yvHoNcpVD5C7l9_2LFDRoXBgkDUq9FJ6vSDvy96GPTbe9niadwo0QUxDcCkYSOspj-kIIMf11RqqSFFj4O4vnHjcHmvoJ258g-UHJSwguFaZpDjaH_cYpeOItd5P-l/w260-h347/215374733_10161273518709676_5636464693794714774_n.jpg" width="260" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2012-13 saw another stab at promotion through the play-offs but East
Fife proved too strong for Ian Little’s outfit. Colin Cameron took over as
manager and his side reached the quarter final of the Cup in 2014-15 losing 4-0
away to Hibernian.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The struggles in the league became desperate at times, especially as a
play-off had been introduced between the bottom side in the fourth tier and the
winners of the clash between the Lowland and Highland Leagues to secure
Scottish League football.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhricjcp0RyNFbTWKrJELmU81CEb0vCxa1i_h-IrMJAcNL3BOsR3vuEepISs261uTpKhS1sQIRsiXogXtSNgbhCEHG4PxKZsmY_leikST279UkeOQ8PO2GBos__XY2KnsYya2tyVBLKYelZZzzOhRmPRrh2zxys0iUtP2trGOZl74iQxhqc0eITU_KO_CnB/s960/217390818_10161273522179676_1123277817869408026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhricjcp0RyNFbTWKrJELmU81CEb0vCxa1i_h-IrMJAcNL3BOsR3vuEepISs261uTpKhS1sQIRsiXogXtSNgbhCEHG4PxKZsmY_leikST279UkeOQ8PO2GBos__XY2KnsYya2tyVBLKYelZZzzOhRmPRrh2zxys0iUtP2trGOZl74iQxhqc0eITU_KO_CnB/s320/217390818_10161273522179676_1123277817869408026_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After two finishes third from bottom, Berwick ended in last place in
2018-19. Cove Rangers won the two-legged tie which led to the team from
Shielfield being relegated to the Lowland League. Little returned for the first
couple of seasons back in non-league as the team ended twelfth and then tenth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Stuart Malcolm took over in the hotseat overseeing an improvement of two
places, before seventh place was achieved in 2022-23.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Berwick Rangers FC will play in the Lowland League in the 2023-24
season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tuesday 13</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> July 2021</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I had a week on annual leave from work and knowing I would be moving
fulltime to Thailand soon after, I decided to have a tour around
parts of England. The restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic were gradually
being lessened but care was still needed when planning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DKJOeDY0T_dFjcPgOPileFm3zDzsCuVYDentg_5T49eXd9L9YjnO57ghcwmHZCMRM2eopSGZliQmWseCiilqGMoMcCEDIdVY1j_Gg8WYf2icWDpcjhXeXdM6-S1P8xo0dW-1OrIXxtE_7Vl1KtZxdqVpMggXT6KujuhRbunL5LZp_HZnmRnTLMwuWU3J/s960/214968376_10161273518664676_2122677020925296691_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DKJOeDY0T_dFjcPgOPileFm3zDzsCuVYDentg_5T49eXd9L9YjnO57ghcwmHZCMRM2eopSGZliQmWseCiilqGMoMcCEDIdVY1j_Gg8WYf2icWDpcjhXeXdM6-S1P8xo0dW-1OrIXxtE_7Vl1KtZxdqVpMggXT6KujuhRbunL5LZp_HZnmRnTLMwuWU3J/s320/214968376_10161273518664676_2122677020925296691_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’d had a day and night in Scarborough, seen rugby league in Keighley
followed by watching England in the final of the Euros against Italy in a Leeds
hotel room before a blank day cricket wise at Chester-le-Street. It still led
to a boozy day in the company of great mates.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On to Newcastle where the excesses meant an early night. Up bright and
early I wanted to make the most of the day. I had hoped to see football in
Berwick in the Charity Cup at The Stanks in the town, but a brief visit on the
train would have to suffice.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxt92eaDvy_B0cy31DDQGOc5tyH5YgtGWffJA88_muSiWBYYVawtinIq5YjYTaiDuynIxayDTMCL_6onquDfhz4LmVQozzuC7bornZ8mZemUrytn_RnfundF9pXfdFX2Ub1k1ddFQ6N99pJ8yUtUgMUYpbJKKU7_I2cQbZhQ88Segt9DLAaiGq2GJP-D7/s960/217397756_10161273518359676_1489484430677873242_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxt92eaDvy_B0cy31DDQGOc5tyH5YgtGWffJA88_muSiWBYYVawtinIq5YjYTaiDuynIxayDTMCL_6onquDfhz4LmVQozzuC7bornZ8mZemUrytn_RnfundF9pXfdFX2Ub1k1ddFQ6N99pJ8yUtUgMUYpbJKKU7_I2cQbZhQ88Segt9DLAaiGq2GJP-D7/s320/217397756_10161273518359676_1489484430677873242_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The town seemed pleasant enough and very picturesque in parts, having
previously only seen it from a window on passing trains. It allowed me time to
explore properly and get some exercise in the bracing seaside air. Having completed
sightseeing it was time to cross the river into Tweedmouth.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It was a fair old walk to Shielfield Park, so I wasn’t enormously happy
to arrive and find the venue totally locked up. I tried using my selfie stick
the wrong way round to get some snaps over the walls of the stands when I saw a
car approaching.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVx8QXR7dHWvNQtgxAmnd9PaLJ3UseBoAmzub8-WOCdBzlxHKIbAm_9RyYrYbm_6IUhuLt7w8sYYd1DQujiK5QKck5gKBHJO2_tdNY84lPUsoqyq6DFlgch1Z5I8sJgneqr8WCOsrtEreo6GABOBpT-IVEfKclmb4oc1K-ehfhV9-8IjaNQYwu8E298s6w/s956/214512126_10161273521969676_6895078561243972675_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="956" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVx8QXR7dHWvNQtgxAmnd9PaLJ3UseBoAmzub8-WOCdBzlxHKIbAm_9RyYrYbm_6IUhuLt7w8sYYd1DQujiK5QKck5gKBHJO2_tdNY84lPUsoqyq6DFlgch1Z5I8sJgneqr8WCOsrtEreo6GABOBpT-IVEfKclmb4oc1K-ehfhV9-8IjaNQYwu8E298s6w/w348-h182/214512126_10161273521969676_6895078561243972675_n.jpg" width="348" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My luck was in. It was the groundsman who kindly let me go inside before
he gave me a proper tour and insight of the club telling me the struggles
attracting players, especially since they dropped out of the SPFL and became a
Lowland League side.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">All done, I gave my thanks and headed back down the hill to the river
and back into Berwick grabbing some lunch and then relaxing and taking photos
of The Stanks prior to my train back which was followed by a siesta and then
beer prior to heading to the Hebburn Town v Whitby Town friendly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-74776684202950784712023-05-28T06:15:00.007+01:002023-06-26T05:04:23.445+01:00UMT Stadium (Ubon Ratchathani)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJs2InuqXKfaOKJqnTXK_L13Xx6iXuFacCZWXLgYqaMZnLcZgtLNR5j7iFiLkg8RHNPCxZuxmyTAizIP7gcQmVLF2Ni5cqOKzFBqY9NLQSE19gmHdYNUQLiDfmh3slP3bH6ITNnexP6u9ey4NBWWv9r171GsgCfXZtxS4pwPbzYpOxC2h0oSU-QlsaA/s3949/IMG_0547.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2697" data-original-width="3949" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJs2InuqXKfaOKJqnTXK_L13Xx6iXuFacCZWXLgYqaMZnLcZgtLNR5j7iFiLkg8RHNPCxZuxmyTAizIP7gcQmVLF2Ni5cqOKzFBqY9NLQSE19gmHdYNUQLiDfmh3slP3bH6ITNnexP6u9ey4NBWWv9r171GsgCfXZtxS4pwPbzYpOxC2h0oSU-QlsaA/s320/IMG_0547.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">UMT Stadium is a football stadium located within
Eastern University of Management and Technology in the city centre of Ubon
Ratchathani in northeast Thailand. It is an excellent little stadium which is
not unlike a lower division venue in Holland.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Building on it began in 2015 and is the former home of
the then topflight Ubon United when they finished in 2019 through financial
problems. The stadium was inaugurated in 2017 with a game between Ubon UMT
United and Nong Bua Pitchaya. The first goal in the stadium was scored by Ubon’s
Brazilian striker Tiago Chulapa</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ksozAZ_4NLOWb7XwkSgmVyw12Fo4ejtkn-zuh2pEyXTLns4gYsjRg2hjLBrVYcnasJv_DhJ7ajRlkR6z4n3QhdGD0J0jdOFSwdxzRFUyWctis2pIPM-T82icEzNuD5VV3_4R7zfdmEnUDb_-XLX3ZS9P1WeKcE2QFPrLPqdZBki_447pz0lEBncxvg/s3191/IMG_0828.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2826" data-original-width="3191" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ksozAZ_4NLOWb7XwkSgmVyw12Fo4ejtkn-zuh2pEyXTLns4gYsjRg2hjLBrVYcnasJv_DhJ7ajRlkR6z4n3QhdGD0J0jdOFSwdxzRFUyWctis2pIPM-T82icEzNuD5VV3_4R7zfdmEnUDb_-XLX3ZS9P1WeKcE2QFPrLPqdZBki_447pz0lEBncxvg/s320/IMG_0828.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ubon Poly competed in the Semi-Pro League of 2022-23 out
of the venue, that is often used by the various university sides such as Poly
and North Eastern Polytechnic Vocational College who played in the 2023 Thailand
Amateur League.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: red;">My visits</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Ubon Poly 4 Ubon Kids City 2 (Sunday 5th March 2023)
Thai Semi-Pro League Northeast (att: 432)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Read all about my most enjoyable first visit <a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20Ubon%20Poly" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Amnatcharoen City 6 NMSS FC 1 (Sunday 7</span><sup>th</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif">
May 2023) Thailand Amateur League Northeastern Southern Zone (att: 140)</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjOCzqjMig61YnkXxXnX5WJzJvoJmDQYQgF8LeVhpQLBlcaex_qK4aOoNxWq_1vlgiypC6mrbHImAFluHTQnXtUK0wS_7Jp6lsASpSVOwxh__lY_juY29KFv-ZoYjWtvHrE-YVwKainVakQaEEezhiOBAK7rX57JnIIfdwFLF350Ia0ue6ozvurccow/s4032/IMG_0818.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjOCzqjMig61YnkXxXnX5WJzJvoJmDQYQgF8LeVhpQLBlcaex_qK4aOoNxWq_1vlgiypC6mrbHImAFluHTQnXtUK0wS_7Jp6lsASpSVOwxh__lY_juY29KFv-ZoYjWtvHrE-YVwKainVakQaEEezhiOBAK7rX57JnIIfdwFLF350Ia0ue6ozvurccow/s320/IMG_0818.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was a hot weekend day and I had already been to a
morning match in the Amateur League at Tung Burapha Stadium in the northern extremes
of the city before returning for a spot of lunch before my second encounter.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">This was much better than the first game, not least
being in an excellent little stadium which I enjoyed on my previous visit, with
its quaint stands and being close to the pitch on all four sides. The addition
of plenty of covered accommodation pleased me greatly.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LSJmsTw0NGih390yEJfjZ-D0XdV6rfMzMRZKwvsnaXRNyc2mbOAVNS9_ZfM0tPqS03mUQJG1JjvT-9bOOvJdQNrseMBZkTLYhbo_jRbsMTAICXYmYfKGX5O0993XChOiYsxtGuNPAhz_JRmPPTmarzF76NZ7enzkDDqAh6U7tyJCNxUBY6BMus5Qww/s4009/IMG_0825.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3007" data-original-width="4009" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LSJmsTw0NGih390yEJfjZ-D0XdV6rfMzMRZKwvsnaXRNyc2mbOAVNS9_ZfM0tPqS03mUQJG1JjvT-9bOOvJdQNrseMBZkTLYhbo_jRbsMTAICXYmYfKGX5O0993XChOiYsxtGuNPAhz_JRmPPTmarzF76NZ7enzkDDqAh6U7tyJCNxUBY6BMus5Qww/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I got to see an enjoyable match, with the winners from
the next-door province of the same name having 90% of the support in
attendance, who were extremely enthusiastic and friendly folk.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The opposition Nahon Ratchasima Municipal Sports
School, to give them their full title, had a five-hour journey either way,
madness when you think about it for regional amateur football. They started the
brighter until either bus, car, or coach lag got the better of them.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxuiWq6AFLfNzSq-g2j61-eNO2dftv_Tv3WIk8qlOZdKNq6BgtdYu0Ea62eRB5DYVh-s2MPlLe-_SflHQHMCiuA0gl7oEP0pIBKseYxjlJzNIZbY4-D08vkPIzVb2DOwiDmtRmlKjINRBBhQsmqABDoQ0T6B6vmR9VfI2rVm8rkzAiiWSaToU0fQTYg/s3737/IMG_0827.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2803" data-original-width="3737" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxuiWq6AFLfNzSq-g2j61-eNO2dftv_Tv3WIk8qlOZdKNq6BgtdYu0Ea62eRB5DYVh-s2MPlLe-_SflHQHMCiuA0gl7oEP0pIBKseYxjlJzNIZbY4-D08vkPIzVb2DOwiDmtRmlKjINRBBhQsmqABDoQ0T6B6vmR9VfI2rVm8rkzAiiWSaToU0fQTYg/s320/IMG_0827.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was only the actions of the Amnatcharoen keeper,
Parinthon Phothiphan who looked like he enjoyed his food and drink, which kept
them level until his side upped the pace and went in at the break ahead with a
goal in stoppage time from Sittisak Nimma who scored an absolute screamer from
at least thirty yards.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was great to be in the shade with plenty of
refreshments which I bought at a nearby store. ACC took the game by the scruff
of the next after the restart while I moved to a position behind the goal midway
through where my appearance caused some curiosity among the locals. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaJ-ypxhK7ovH-SA19Ooau859DGHi1VklIXgtG7vAG8G87GZlb2tgZWmnJJVT6z_5QHTcPAEjkItVxCBLnU51ZxovLuS0LRjXKgW6x498lfk5cIT6mr3SuThHl--u9lgdKvRFDuK_IwOxwlAx3dwkZTvaFXs54SrKVQvZZVWPr53cVV0X3bbH0-jKtQ/s4032/IMG_0831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2531" data-original-width="4032" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaJ-ypxhK7ovH-SA19Ooau859DGHi1VklIXgtG7vAG8G87GZlb2tgZWmnJJVT6z_5QHTcPAEjkItVxCBLnU51ZxovLuS0LRjXKgW6x498lfk5cIT6mr3SuThHl--u9lgdKvRFDuK_IwOxwlAx3dwkZTvaFXs54SrKVQvZZVWPr53cVV0X3bbH0-jKtQ/s320/IMG_0831.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Nimma added a second before the impressive skipper
Takoon Taothong made it 3-0 just after the hour mark. NMSS pulled one back
through Ramet Bauchit offering slight hope, but it was all but extinguished
when Taothong grabbed a second.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was getting ready ready for another taxi ride as sub
Satapon Simuan added a fifth, while the Korat side’s goalkeeper Kittipong
Leeporphan and the woodwork played their part in keeping the score respectable.
Simuan made it 6-1 just after my departure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1rdYEgCGADKECoQbezN9wX2u_clyarBsDzjuJMNkfKWdjwMz2SdKmEN_ekia4xivrmxz04c1C2KXYSi5xpWAt1bUjKsaJITbmY_36IjnIGffYd2-UOBjkSIZLNS8Zne4qn5DSFN9SWGmkztF0FGYN6hKSmvd4DIlE9lqBNy0VmT_8sY2zX8BN9-8pg/s3877/IMG_0823.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2678" data-original-width="3877" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1rdYEgCGADKECoQbezN9wX2u_clyarBsDzjuJMNkfKWdjwMz2SdKmEN_ekia4xivrmxz04c1C2KXYSi5xpWAt1bUjKsaJITbmY_36IjnIGffYd2-UOBjkSIZLNS8Zne4qn5DSFN9SWGmkztF0FGYN6hKSmvd4DIlE9lqBNy0VmT_8sY2zX8BN9-8pg/s320/IMG_0823.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I needed a getaway to catch the 3.15 train from the
far side of the city, with my driver delivering me with a few minutes to spare.
There was a 4pm game but my energy levels were running out quickly in the heat.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The later match featured a team called The North
Eastern Polytechnic Vocational College, all but Ubon Poly except name, who had
pulled a flanker by changing title to grab another opportunity of promotion.
They ran out 7-0 winners and I hoped that they succeeded as UTM Stadium needed
to be staging Pro League football and have a club challenging for promotion in
a big city.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslE3iifmns-pr6euYKpa4uG_peQl9T9_d6jrnP4pRSHMSO5LJkV1DGlbosbM-jh__HtkAJBOmprVSIeTzSCDJwyzqyJBY__bGtle2RTZYuZuu1yjnDzIkTKSoSf3jMGeThqnCLsk3XldrfOo4wmLtAYoDZrfvCZ3PBv1f7cBRpuo2XaDI8ewtfY5nmw/s4032/IMG_0830.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslE3iifmns-pr6euYKpa4uG_peQl9T9_d6jrnP4pRSHMSO5LJkV1DGlbosbM-jh__HtkAJBOmprVSIeTzSCDJwyzqyJBY__bGtle2RTZYuZuu1yjnDzIkTKSoSf3jMGeThqnCLsk3XldrfOo4wmLtAYoDZrfvCZ3PBv1f7cBRpuo2XaDI8ewtfY5nmw/s320/IMG_0830.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sods Law decrees that if you want to sleep on a Thai
train there will be women screaming and selling their wares through the
carriages. If you are desperate for a cold drink, there will be none to be
found, and so it was on the 7 Baht ride to Kanthararom where my wife was
waiting to take me home and feed me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I enjoyed terrific day helped later by watching
my favourite Thai side, Port beat Chonburi 3-1 on TV. It was still 35 degrees
at 10pm which necessitated some very cold beers before bedtime.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nakhonratchasima College 4 BWS Wanderers 2 (Saturday
10<sup>th</sup> July 2023) Thailand Amateur League Northeast, Southern Zone
Quarter Final (att: c50)</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM_QuTrfo3ubBow6Z-2GHo_ojEqpizjef3-alJ0dQlHbA-BzuJsVjsf0_Bo8cBfdQ-VslojwigIAzwqPRC12Xy9mvBBNFGNWSOmPMPm5qfRxx-qFlKemGqJa2sELYnZuAIDV4d0qxIfMu-JNe7zzEKv9j8ia5GjcI8Lrpi7SDtgbMWYDySvqPKZOMLuKm/s3727/IMG_1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2140" data-original-width="3727" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM_QuTrfo3ubBow6Z-2GHo_ojEqpizjef3-alJ0dQlHbA-BzuJsVjsf0_Bo8cBfdQ-VslojwigIAzwqPRC12Xy9mvBBNFGNWSOmPMPm5qfRxx-qFlKemGqJa2sELYnZuAIDV4d0qxIfMu-JNe7zzEKv9j8ia5GjcI8Lrpi7SDtgbMWYDySvqPKZOMLuKm/w356-h205/IMG_1325.JPG" width="356" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Amateur League continued along filtering out teams
through the knockout stages, as the eventual winner of each section hoped for
promotion to Thai League 3. I was honestly not sure how promotion would work if
at all and online information was scant.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It was a game that won’t live long for the quality on
show, but many years of watching football have registered the importance of
making a day of it so if let down by a game, all is not lost, which was certainly
not short of incident.</span></p><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUWjoicjDbkyyTmJk1iOgJEe5dlDcSrvvvGmjiRxDCDOPnIbWquRiehxHN82G3ZQZeGWLWbahMra4sEn503gwnYBArEPIY8quMG1nrU5k8WGCDU8EGV2hPaJF2_okNFcpTw924CsNADDZ0Ixq3Y7qAYpSx-6_lj3l4qr5pRB3iUVuaD2HrRAhd42-e26q/s3604/IMG_1328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2703" data-original-width="3604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUWjoicjDbkyyTmJk1iOgJEe5dlDcSrvvvGmjiRxDCDOPnIbWquRiehxHN82G3ZQZeGWLWbahMra4sEn503gwnYBArEPIY8quMG1nrU5k8WGCDU8EGV2hPaJF2_okNFcpTw924CsNADDZ0Ixq3Y7qAYpSx-6_lj3l4qr5pRB3iUVuaD2HrRAhd42-e26q/s320/IMG_1328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Both sides travelled up to five hours from Korat in
the west all the way to the farthest eastern city. Madness to me, but when in
Rome etc. At least it afforded me a quality venue to view proceedings,
especially with free admission.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A colour clash of sorts too didn’t help the spectacle.
The victors in all red with blue trim, the other mob in an orange and blue
striped outfit quite similar to that of Port FC in Bangkok. Indeed, BWS played
like a bunch of Port fans after a sesh at a game at the PAT Stadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1XgCiaR7qOJVqStGoxmMj4iBkul4cvXtiGQ8j7lZEwReNEM4d_Ag0RY5Dz3hDrMwvVu81J5racMQSTKpOTRPI4_hV00QnF0mY35oU5_VfZIB-Z2SGZd9GirbN-iUhqLxHKKmAj6BvF2PS2z5aMU2r8lw5ICW58_DZ6nBTB6GMY5rOl3xGs0aX-w_XtI_/s4032/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="4032" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1XgCiaR7qOJVqStGoxmMj4iBkul4cvXtiGQ8j7lZEwReNEM4d_Ag0RY5Dz3hDrMwvVu81J5racMQSTKpOTRPI4_hV00QnF0mY35oU5_VfZIB-Z2SGZd9GirbN-iUhqLxHKKmAj6BvF2PS2z5aMU2r8lw5ICW58_DZ6nBTB6GMY5rOl3xGs0aX-w_XtI_/w364-h214/IMG_1335.JPG" width="364" /></a></div><p></p><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How they won a group game and even kept a clean sheet
is beyond me. It was the second time I had seen them after an earlier 1-0
defeat at Tung Burapha Stadium. I was not clamoring over eagerly for a third look
after experiencing this performance.</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A low shot from Nattawat Deesuksam, a simple finish by
Anurak Mungdee and then a screamer from 20 yards from the boot of Patipan Duadkrathok
had the game sewn up with less than half an hour on the clock.</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U5V8sbn_OoveD2EgHJ3snxpCm-H2bUd0Kp7zh06Un_3QNxh3QDW9g_ZuMYDwQoebIsbpb3dMY50IjpJ4Hc-Ym3Zvpz2WlJm7ydd_NS_PC9JIHmDPzNTaXuYAjAU2ajmqLr9v949lPkB7xxH4oOazAdduNik0BB7VbLNVsYYr0EW_6dDsk2HDYj-jt2Ig/s4032/IMG_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U5V8sbn_OoveD2EgHJ3snxpCm-H2bUd0Kp7zh06Un_3QNxh3QDW9g_ZuMYDwQoebIsbpb3dMY50IjpJ4Hc-Ym3Zvpz2WlJm7ydd_NS_PC9JIHmDPzNTaXuYAjAU2ajmqLr9v949lPkB7xxH4oOazAdduNik0BB7VbLNVsYYr0EW_6dDsk2HDYj-jt2Ig/s320/IMG_1334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I thought I was going to see a proper drubbing, which it
had been in all but the score. BWS were puffing like Boris Johnson out jogging and
trying their unfit best to make it respectable. Their only attempts came from
set pieces. They were simply a yard slower than their opponents</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mungdee added the fourth ten minutes after the restart
after referee Phaithun Onkhamloon had hilariously waved away as stone wall
penalty as I’ve seen in ages. He perhaps felt sorry for those taking the
tonking. Or maybe he wasn’t very good either.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbYwbMjssNUCiKsmuVxGdoJMQOAWn3QFDOZhdMK7Ka8Oq8AersLLCMQIhpE7MqKGpSPxL5DkxpY7vITawS8EMuujHGuCdCWSc2uv8xHEmM0qPQazvqzTKr6R30OzfaGDM3VXC9katmuk6KMlEgO-K8dQLVxrG8i5aB7iza0MVF9hzIadkC7IdMuF5hHEJ/s3841/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2514" data-original-width="3841" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbYwbMjssNUCiKsmuVxGdoJMQOAWn3QFDOZhdMK7Ka8Oq8AersLLCMQIhpE7MqKGpSPxL5DkxpY7vITawS8EMuujHGuCdCWSc2uv8xHEmM0qPQazvqzTKr6R30OzfaGDM3VXC9katmuk6KMlEgO-K8dQLVxrG8i5aB7iza0MVF9hzIadkC7IdMuF5hHEJ/w348-h228/IMG_1333.JPG" width="348" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Immediately BWS pulled one back through Phawat
Sakunkanchan and then scored in the final minute as Bandit Inmanop netted against
the college side that were long since planning their quarter final tie.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There was a second game, between host side North
Eastern Polytechnic Vocational College, and Roi Et PB Academy, which the Ubon side won on
penalties.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> However, one game was enough for me as I headed off for some exercise.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpYz9EYS4HQ23x4FBHT7v7gfM0jssalf1o84BdMLNvs7f_Ib1Ec3EPZ0wZ5_F1_7rWkQxncIaCLHGUS2iG4JYQ4xvCArBMzLQMlWQ4nZzpIzrkV6BW7y6kpHZ92xwHPek9wzVhWdD2HEsizBSLcasRw64Ni2wivoNhxhuf5frFmnyvAAIP2faNv01rdhC/s4032/IMG_1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpYz9EYS4HQ23x4FBHT7v7gfM0jssalf1o84BdMLNvs7f_Ib1Ec3EPZ0wZ5_F1_7rWkQxncIaCLHGUS2iG4JYQ4xvCArBMzLQMlWQ4nZzpIzrkV6BW7y6kpHZ92xwHPek9wzVhWdD2HEsizBSLcasRw64Ni2wivoNhxhuf5frFmnyvAAIP2faNv01rdhC/s320/IMG_1338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A cracking day aside from the match. Up to feed the
chickens out the front before 6am, a later lift with my wife to Kanthararom
where I used the Post Office and then the railways station, both offering
outstanding value for money and customer service. 14 baht return for a 40
minute each way journey.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Cheap lovely food outside Kanthararom station, and a school
match on the way from a brief skeg. I eventually reached the stadium by
songthaew and then taxi after I thought we were going the wrong way.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVOFO5vyfvt7niouRvMv2gzGgmsL1ffD1CfGdyDItAEqqdUv94yQK9Y0fBsJ2wA4a8q1eC8kYU7G7GDBIvKzoerkZ_TJKKa8kJJ6MplqkZes-nPWWbqLiotSfLIXmePyhD99kUkswtUGQ9oGsHPcsZF14MWYxkor18v7lPgLID6A9C-te4TVeQnD7ZKuZ/s4032/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVOFO5vyfvt7niouRvMv2gzGgmsL1ffD1CfGdyDItAEqqdUv94yQK9Y0fBsJ2wA4a8q1eC8kYU7G7GDBIvKzoerkZ_TJKKa8kJJ6MplqkZes-nPWWbqLiotSfLIXmePyhD99kUkswtUGQ9oGsHPcsZF14MWYxkor18v7lPgLID6A9C-te4TVeQnD7ZKuZ/s320/IMG_1342.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Post match a 50 minute walk to keep up the fitness
regime to Wrong Way Café. I’d have gone earlier but it didn’t open until 4pm,
an hour after my game finished. Some ice-cold bottles of San Mig Lite the
perfect medicine until it was time for a taxi to the station.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-37281431097109511882023-05-28T05:54:00.006+01:002023-06-26T05:09:06.723+01:00Tung Burapha Stadium (Ubon Ratchathani)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4CBrM4_jb7ooth0ntssOCKvnI-HI39-pzx1K2KMrKeC-upUqLHfAhyA5zivljEKThnRiFhDX98GIrxeIXzmrokLGBKUp2M4oq3b2cwUxIvZy0oA2bVZVa3IR9hNnp9HNNafWDwfQ4ntSW6gNwMOXmZpNiHniXh1_YgZ0e5LovI_-HfxvuD4kc38pTQ/s10217/IMG_0806.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3465" data-original-width="10217" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4CBrM4_jb7ooth0ntssOCKvnI-HI39-pzx1K2KMrKeC-upUqLHfAhyA5zivljEKThnRiFhDX98GIrxeIXzmrokLGBKUp2M4oq3b2cwUxIvZy0oA2bVZVa3IR9hNnp9HNNafWDwfQ4ntSW6gNwMOXmZpNiHniXh1_YgZ0e5LovI_-HfxvuD4kc38pTQ/w409-h139/IMG_0806.JPG" width="409" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Tung Burapha Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the
Jaeramair municipality of Ubon Ratchathai province in northeast Thailand, located
around 13km northwest of the city centre. The arena was formerly used by
Osatspa in the top tier of Thai football on occasions if information is correct.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The capacity of the stadium is stated as being 10,000
with semi-permanent open seating surrounding the running track, none of which
has any covered areas to protect from the sun. It is owned by the local
municipality who appear to use it for local events and hiring it out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">My visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Sisaket Wittayalai School 1 BWS Warriors 0 (Sunday 7<sup>th</sup>
May 2023) <a name="_Hlk136164596">Thailand Amateur League Northeastern Southern
Zone </a>(att: c25)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmkcEKxoqYoZkOPMAlUGlq4Jqmz6h_WpC1h5F_stm2nIB3eQzS7mJF8TGsgdNF0QC2cjWvhxFQECQNkcyW5TQ1JdtPNLA4IdPyPtB2_ne0CRsQZ578u9f97N3rTvoNUiasXAg2BhjokvSF7Y5kKQrRgp-7bQlnqQYVsl37JBW8DItUv3w6N3Dy_oKDA/s4032/IMG_0800.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmkcEKxoqYoZkOPMAlUGlq4Jqmz6h_WpC1h5F_stm2nIB3eQzS7mJF8TGsgdNF0QC2cjWvhxFQECQNkcyW5TQ1JdtPNLA4IdPyPtB2_ne0CRsQZ578u9f97N3rTvoNUiasXAg2BhjokvSF7Y5kKQrRgp-7bQlnqQYVsl37JBW8DItUv3w6N3Dy_oKDA/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My attention was drawn to a competition that I had
enjoyed the previous year while residing on the outskirts of Bangkok and fancied
attending again. Especially as I would be coming across teams I’d never heard
of before and there was a chance of visiting a new venue.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">It was a warm Sunday morning when the wife dropped me
by the market in Kanthararom, the nearest sizeable town to us in Sisaket
province at around 8am, so I could get a minivan to Ubon Ratchathani where the
day’s action was to take place.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0aqdK6UMssurp36o1qYufQy3LlXlf5Hpg61C0jERhZyu8BACoEp39ipShnHlPtn1nbUXJz8OIoy8u4TNMYilLNQIHfIdvS8QtP8CKz2JzFetc_kpK5r0cI8ANufc288bJOM3JjUo_KKHXUY-4M3_t9dN9H9OSyMnkC2k95LOzqVr9WkYPC8bTujF6w/s4032/IMG_0807.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0aqdK6UMssurp36o1qYufQy3LlXlf5Hpg61C0jERhZyu8BACoEp39ipShnHlPtn1nbUXJz8OIoy8u4TNMYilLNQIHfIdvS8QtP8CKz2JzFetc_kpK5r0cI8ANufc288bJOM3JjUo_KKHXUY-4M3_t9dN9H9OSyMnkC2k95LOzqVr9WkYPC8bTujF6w/s320/IMG_0807.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Communication as usual difficult with the woman on the
desk where the vans stop, as she speaks not one word of English, and my Thai was
just met with a smile and a gesture to sit down. This I found frustrating as I
tried my best, and used Google translate as an aide.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The first van to arrive was full, so it meant it was
just gone 9am after a second one pitched up and when I reached Ubon bus
terminal. I took some photos of the boards which advertised where services
travelled to which were written in Thai.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlrH9hgj_3YrDqvJnWfMWudYsm7Zi87igEObD09waFoCLTC6decJC-GUOowQpOTf0tmNa0meFBuPowUd4GbpdeP7uZK1Ov9x4_ulVs9ch2jFzAaseDSZhsavHF2nSYtRUI3t1LRPNkA_SZA40PExegUSqeUk3BNa-GWGmcGCAA8IwBtx6ATBOBHzblQ/s3884/IMG_0801.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2913" data-original-width="3884" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlrH9hgj_3YrDqvJnWfMWudYsm7Zi87igEObD09waFoCLTC6decJC-GUOowQpOTf0tmNa0meFBuPowUd4GbpdeP7uZK1Ov9x4_ulVs9ch2jFzAaseDSZhsavHF2nSYtRUI3t1LRPNkA_SZA40PExegUSqeUk3BNa-GWGmcGCAA8IwBtx6ATBOBHzblQ/s320/IMG_0801.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I could translate these later as they would hopefully allow
me to find some unknown pleasures in the future as I am otherwise reliant on
public transport or lifts. A nice young lady dropped me outside Tung Burapha
Stadium in her Grab taxi.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Among its distinguishing features were a disused
scoreboard and floodlights that are a long way back from the stands. An unusual
feature is that like Highbury in Fleetwood, the original main stand stands
behind the current one.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KF8ayB05WL5L2VeT9mYhZCOhjXMfLD8AzpgxMbHGupOrIEb33hKhyld-NqXrJSwjIQZCzC02QyQ-tfS4GblDQpbn1CKEJvt_2ELNlfXGJZiguF52NjdCOheBYPRq2IzCl3X6-k4mUR60pVVNZdmhIZqd2K5A3Stk5Dj8DVRKdX639ESKycf0ay79jw/s2673/IMG_0803.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2673" data-original-width="2646" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KF8ayB05WL5L2VeT9mYhZCOhjXMfLD8AzpgxMbHGupOrIEb33hKhyld-NqXrJSwjIQZCzC02QyQ-tfS4GblDQpbn1CKEJvt_2ELNlfXGJZiguF52NjdCOheBYPRq2IzCl3X6-k4mUR60pVVNZdmhIZqd2K5A3Stk5Dj8DVRKdX639ESKycf0ay79jw/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" width="317" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Just what views spectators used to get must have been
terrible. To gain access to the new area you walk down the old player’s tunnel
going past the changing rooms where some were sheltered from the hot sun.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I quickly realised I’d made a schoolboy error, as I
had only one small bottle of water, and no refreshment stands were open, with the
stadium having no roofs. I hoped that by some miracle a mobile caterer might
pass like at some games in Bangkok I’d attended, but in my heart of hearts I
knew we were too far away for anyone to realise.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OMchOAg6m9010aOFhiXL-B5NCZ20uXknDgMPqQMeWoefEyvjC6wxtB170VpsCkz1g49VVMUrkEboX75oTmNHEaU9Otf3tFcRzokBJMGkL9lwr9JLCPppdzk-8130dwqwxzGXjbUhKZA0whl__BgeyTkQIeE5CzVbov765zbZPL3TxpP8sbd3ZTxo5w/s3957/IMG_0813.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1829" data-original-width="3957" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OMchOAg6m9010aOFhiXL-B5NCZ20uXknDgMPqQMeWoefEyvjC6wxtB170VpsCkz1g49VVMUrkEboX75oTmNHEaU9Otf3tFcRzokBJMGkL9lwr9JLCPppdzk-8130dwqwxzGXjbUhKZA0whl__BgeyTkQIeE5CzVbov765zbZPL3TxpP8sbd3ZTxo5w/w373-h173/IMG_0813.JPG" width="373" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I watched the first half under the shade of the far
stand with an obscured view before finding a bit more shade on the far side for
the second half which also had a much gratefully received breeze. I was
seriously close to bailing out at one point.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The game on the heavily grassed surface was nothing to
write home about. I was unsure where BWS came from, but I knew that they needed
to up their game if this was anything to go by. They got away with the best
score they could have hoped for as the Sisaket mob missed chance after chance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQgp1oRWQo-MvQZcjkOTMIlp4IKPDSAmHQe6aPTI4h57EoVIfV6LaelaKfJnZumeHheNKvbGswy-ERaLaHueAtyrrMqHvyaM7WypB0dDzLQT3zYVptAUe1IGke1XQXda1c69Q1mPzzZ8O3dC08n0wwbY-EuoBPF9sVZxq3qnAccxlHXRlx3vyIcH4ww/s3842/IMG_0814.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2882" data-original-width="3842" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQgp1oRWQo-MvQZcjkOTMIlp4IKPDSAmHQe6aPTI4h57EoVIfV6LaelaKfJnZumeHheNKvbGswy-ERaLaHueAtyrrMqHvyaM7WypB0dDzLQT3zYVptAUe1IGke1XQXda1c69Q1mPzzZ8O3dC08n0wwbY-EuoBPF9sVZxq3qnAccxlHXRlx3vyIcH4ww/s320/IMG_0814.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Don’t be fooled into thinking it was a school team, in the way. Many organisations bolster their line-ups from anywhere to try and win
a place in the Pro League’s which would appear to be something of a status
symbol to educational establishments and their CV’s.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The game was decided by a penalty scored by
Oakkarapong Tongkam just before the half hour mark after the awkward forward
Apisit Keawchaingthong had been tripped in the box. As mentioned, the heat was
stifling, my thermometer saying it felt like 46 degrees. The ref sensibly had
drinks breaks, but surprisingly only one in each half after thirty minutes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HWTqLrjhV0OWik4exNJXD6fIkefWwdY4RdRG0cQgO47XK9F92MFbi0TgPsytbAA1oF2m4kwu91_t23-bLHTfQebmePmH_vheTUMd72sPVe2SqFePGdmMnEUgr4io1sEIlZI_jEjrow6ZQQp0FQAkPsKj_pzW-ySIKmlc_csxjB1VzD_L0dsh10uUTw/s4032/IMG_0815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HWTqLrjhV0OWik4exNJXD6fIkefWwdY4RdRG0cQgO47XK9F92MFbi0TgPsytbAA1oF2m4kwu91_t23-bLHTfQebmePmH_vheTUMd72sPVe2SqFePGdmMnEUgr4io1sEIlZI_jEjrow6ZQQp0FQAkPsKj_pzW-ySIKmlc_csxjB1VzD_L0dsh10uUTw/s320/IMG_0815.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the second half I was sat next to a team waiting to
play in the second game at 1pm. The coach of Roi Et FC asked if I were scouting
and struggling to work out why I would be there otherwise. He might have had a
point…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">With a couple of minutes remaining, I ordered another
Grab to take me back to the city at Ubon Square, which is a large shopping area
to grab some food and liquids and then take a ten-minute walk to the UTM
Stadium for my second game of the day.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Northeastern Polytechnic Vocational College 1
Nakhonratchasima College 2 (Sunday 18<sup>th</sup> June 2023) Thailand Amateur
League Northeast Southern Zone Semi-Final (att: c120)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsbhupCBu9tvZG1Asb6stYUYBc3NlgNfDLNlf8-v5ADSioY3kZT0cwhjfe_EXBjtlvqEKNz2Tr3VkGpScJb8i2kZfmssd3GYKLiWBKpilgfd63VUiudb8IWe7qsLkpQUhJAkosJ1Uv89PuPDXeIGRtMdkIGlRsbv-xWRn2PnsM9AuoVny2NGWQSBnBitA/s1175/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1175" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsbhupCBu9tvZG1Asb6stYUYBc3NlgNfDLNlf8-v5ADSioY3kZT0cwhjfe_EXBjtlvqEKNz2Tr3VkGpScJb8i2kZfmssd3GYKLiWBKpilgfd63VUiudb8IWe7qsLkpQUhJAkosJ1Uv89PuPDXeIGRtMdkIGlRsbv-xWRn2PnsM9AuoVny2NGWQSBnBitA/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A decent semi-final encounter in shocking conditions
after half-time that would have surely meant an immediate abandonment in
England. The pitch was splodgy enough in the first half which saw a stretched
encounter with both sides playing nice football from the off, despite going
down the tunnel with the scores blank.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At the interval, a huge downpour deposited itself. A
few weeks ago, at the same venue I was suffering from sunstroke, this time the
wife’s brolly which I requisitioned saved me from a proper soaking. Most locals
just shrugged their shoulders and accepted it. They’re hardy souls.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcTNmH4c8YYQia83zoK064qWPnRfh4y-a-wCoh55veT3DLui5tMDcPQLc5O3BaYwFnSoq9C2OVVCoFj0FGkitzRmUvL8J-VKlhu-jog75FvJRziHYFkEZIg7-F5cUj1QPFmAC25Ccu42NSeONNGPeiaDBoEUeq2XKfcdN3jDntg2GErxel-TNWk7pYLN0/s4032/IMG_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcTNmH4c8YYQia83zoK064qWPnRfh4y-a-wCoh55veT3DLui5tMDcPQLc5O3BaYwFnSoq9C2OVVCoFj0FGkitzRmUvL8J-VKlhu-jog75FvJRziHYFkEZIg7-F5cUj1QPFmAC25Ccu42NSeONNGPeiaDBoEUeq2XKfcdN3jDntg2GErxel-TNWk7pYLN0/s320/IMG_1458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The local bunch representing Ubon Poly went ahead just
before the hour mark. Sub Phuttiphong Somboon turned superbly just inside his
own half and went on a brilliant run through the puddles before providing
Thoedkead Siribon who scored with a sublime clip over stranded keeper Suchat
Wongwat.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The celebrations as the players slid on their knees
through the water in front of their ecstatic following as good as the goal. The
scores were level within a few minutes when referee, Jirayu Lohapom, who
officiated sensibly throughout allowing for the conditions and didn’t put up
with playacting, pointed to the spot after deciding a shot was blocked
illegally.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC0WVqTAcznIgybsEEhz2OAJcIakANCnHz8FWcuXGDmwmVwka3iPzDcIEmFvgTwlg-9yqi48-ewwgZQX4kzHxcDVpyTShn3SNIYAzuKj1zhIpA99tZhpF5sJMnaXa3HM7kSxvaH9P8kb-x99RS8czgrHH0vfOJoenCNprMIbl6R3zErSe9fUU0EjdQjWu/s3760/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1612" data-original-width="3760" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuC0WVqTAcznIgybsEEhz2OAJcIakANCnHz8FWcuXGDmwmVwka3iPzDcIEmFvgTwlg-9yqi48-ewwgZQX4kzHxcDVpyTShn3SNIYAzuKj1zhIpA99tZhpF5sJMnaXa3HM7kSxvaH9P8kb-x99RS8czgrHH0vfOJoenCNprMIbl6R3zErSe9fUU0EjdQjWu/w383-h164/IMG_1467.JPG" width="383" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The aptly named Anuarak Mungdee scored from the spot.
The side who travelled across from Korat had been impressive the week before
when I saw them and were the slightly more creative of the two sides on this
occasion.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sunthon Sanitnok scored the winner twelve minutes from
time when he finished at the back post after a corner was flicked on. His side
defended comfortably to see out their win despite some attempted late pressure.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxYEooYBQ6A5Ug3vBYFmO0jmhgaWbcCMFNPDegi2DiLiVq6ee9QFfFYjOrRwSdFIZan0LMlETrM0Fo8Y8u-Hg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why this match and the semi that followed were played
in a stadium well out of Ubon city with no cover for spectators in rainy season
was beyond my comprehension. I know nobody is forced to attend but it seemed a
bit daft when there were 3 good stadiums in the city, all offering protection
against the elements.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It provided me with the issue of no Grab taxis wanting
to head out after the game in torrential rain, for which I don’t blame them. I
sheltered and walked before the worst of it and sheltered in a local shop.
Fortunately, I was able to hail a cab who deposited some players to pitches
outside the main stadium at a very decent complex.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ5htk7XP-e326YY4Gb2wvYckMdDnK8-QyF0ecvtF1q5P_4NwOrhMQObUIUEfzncyWEk1EUy8BRqmALYAb5aRio7W-XYyvt1a652dcJnxJ0SfL1LiWhMQzb-2KMczwG4Tj6INMLSlm4oIDcjfbX0yqY7kB6pQ0dVpRAXOf3RMrGv8ZIz4SgEQV_JgM7sZ/s3613/IMG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2452" data-original-width="3613" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ5htk7XP-e326YY4Gb2wvYckMdDnK8-QyF0ecvtF1q5P_4NwOrhMQObUIUEfzncyWEk1EUy8BRqmALYAb5aRio7W-XYyvt1a652dcJnxJ0SfL1LiWhMQzb-2KMczwG4Tj6INMLSlm4oIDcjfbX0yqY7kB6pQ0dVpRAXOf3RMrGv8ZIz4SgEQV_JgM7sZ/s320/IMG_1474.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Many other games were taking place in all adult age
groups in the Ubon Ratchathani Cup which was for local teams at the Provincial
run site which also contains tennis and golf and stores for the council wagons,
though I didn’t see any gritters.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A lift from my wife to Kanthararom and back home when
I returned. The small bus was 106 baht return to Ubon. From there taxis in each
direction of less than 2 quid each for the 9km ride. A smashing few hours out
and home for a tradition Isan hotpot and the Test match.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-51777932600829407682023-04-26T10:11:00.000+01:002023-04-26T10:11:02.616+01:00Phranakhon Rajabhat University (Thailand)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPHwX6GULNdMZvEs5FnfffHglkTcpqZZ6ivEMNBKi0iqAh26sBzO_qoUU2YuPxHUBbBHGJycnFjefg9hOQtaFfQOGXVTnw-x5ymwKG2CTpigX9QdHMeFOQVdMjEj4vTZb9UsVazg_CudPK2L8pSz6kI-4mvbVMssTYdyXXFPjNuXlk02zJ0UMsItG_Q/s396/(Rambhai_Barni_Rajabhat_University).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="300" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPHwX6GULNdMZvEs5FnfffHglkTcpqZZ6ivEMNBKi0iqAh26sBzO_qoUU2YuPxHUBbBHGJycnFjefg9hOQtaFfQOGXVTnw-x5ymwKG2CTpigX9QdHMeFOQVdMjEj4vTZb9UsVazg_CudPK2L8pSz6kI-4mvbVMssTYdyXXFPjNuXlk02zJ0UMsItG_Q/w145-h192/(Rambhai_Barni_Rajabhat_University).png" width="145" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Phranakhon Rajabhat University is part of the Rajabhat
Universities System, which has six such institutes in Bangkok and another thirty-five
across Thailand. While they are a place of education, the majority also have a
football team as part of it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAXQCXmfbdRnXzMJLuh3HYuC55G3C0UsqqXedoU_rrDBkp4JJa5jU8ORoReu0Jro4mu8bvC9mW_ROfYKJcosg1hBhjOQKYw_Kso7jbjdAiR4JrrZZkzJXh10NwppGqlS_3b4TKMz0C7ziB0X0i2ltba0YZAh--5CgzZmOPdhymVIuiPQthu5utMug5w/s9456/IMG_E8645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="9456" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAXQCXmfbdRnXzMJLuh3HYuC55G3C0UsqqXedoU_rrDBkp4JJa5jU8ORoReu0Jro4mu8bvC9mW_ROfYKJcosg1hBhjOQKYw_Kso7jbjdAiR4JrrZZkzJXh10NwppGqlS_3b4TKMz0C7ziB0X0i2ltba0YZAh--5CgzZmOPdhymVIuiPQthu5utMug5w/w357-h137/IMG_E8645.JPG" width="357" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As far as my research lets me see, Phranakhon Rajabhat
play in university football competitions. The Bangkok campus is located on Thanon
Chaeng Wattana in the Lak si district of the city.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Phranakhon Rajabhat University 1 Minburi City 2
(Thursday 27th October 2022) Friendly (att; c40)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5pasbC0r-lbt67MYE9tIO1wcD0y7sVYcapv0qU97cdMG_UjKMBlVCAo3S2AzMIelzGHhPOCAUyRCOgTCaUoiv-Wjxn_nqKwNxScIBLzSQWhG2mWzsvK2zcp92gg8X9cGvta4RxLOFSsXg8DtYMp3Tj7fOWpVoJEQL0_I_CwlzUq_4NZTStfQSc368A/s1800/IMG_8624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5pasbC0r-lbt67MYE9tIO1wcD0y7sVYcapv0qU97cdMG_UjKMBlVCAo3S2AzMIelzGHhPOCAUyRCOgTCaUoiv-Wjxn_nqKwNxScIBLzSQWhG2mWzsvK2zcp92gg8X9cGvta4RxLOFSsXg8DtYMp3Tj7fOWpVoJEQL0_I_CwlzUq_4NZTStfQSc368A/w245-h245/IMG_8624.JPG" width="245" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’m prone to doing crazy things in general, but
especially if it involves getting to football. Nevertheless, I still got some
strange looks when I announced in my local bar that I would be walking over
18km to this match.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I needed the exercise and thought it an excellent way
to discover properly what was along Ram Inthra. I certainly got to see lots of half
built skytrain stations and plenty of construction works as well as several
7/11s where I purchased water and energy drinks.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHqSHy1JwEt3FQjpbZY87FO-g5nccTbE3DrkrRAzK9b_TSIA0x8rJirOE_NqEl2E56kRclZWSSaLE9m-9JYgRyYDuc_8pOXO9n0n8vruf3qgHGx1IiJT4QOOu3VJPv-H5R7ZjQWFGP_xnTbypI-gGx1SbtSGcbjkf5-KGz_oRWM7Q_iA5MUMoDtTPig/s4805/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3603" data-original-width="4805" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHqSHy1JwEt3FQjpbZY87FO-g5nccTbE3DrkrRAzK9b_TSIA0x8rJirOE_NqEl2E56kRclZWSSaLE9m-9JYgRyYDuc_8pOXO9n0n8vruf3qgHGx1IiJT4QOOu3VJPv-H5R7ZjQWFGP_xnTbypI-gGx1SbtSGcbjkf5-KGz_oRWM7Q_iA5MUMoDtTPig/s320/IMG_1285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By the top of Nawamin Road a couple of young Minburi
City players were on their motor bikes and offered me a ride. They were
somewhat bewildered when I told them my plan of action, but they seemed like
good lads anyway.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At the foot of the Wat Phra Sri Mahathat station, I
purchased probably the best chicken in breadcrumbs on a stick I’d ever tasted,
and they were cheap too. It was definitely one to remember whenever I was
passing in the future.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboy9-NXnL1fD4f14bsgAmYI-qyBcznSouVDg7Bvi9wUP-gQJvBeyi2vitIR9pZHVQJHovUICeE50XOBpEMc8AHTrwhMqIO9IbrenVXJgvNnGlnRMrj4aN4KZOw2TbaAt1fKnP0HYefwtB1S0emJVfIgmbYUru5hYarMlBm7xeZwvIqRY64u4PtkkT9w/s5068/IMG_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3801" data-original-width="5068" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboy9-NXnL1fD4f14bsgAmYI-qyBcznSouVDg7Bvi9wUP-gQJvBeyi2vitIR9pZHVQJHovUICeE50XOBpEMc8AHTrwhMqIO9IbrenVXJgvNnGlnRMrj4aN4KZOw2TbaAt1fKnP0HYefwtB1S0emJVfIgmbYUru5hYarMlBm7xeZwvIqRY64u4PtkkT9w/s320/IMG_1283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My actual arrival didn’t go according to plan as I
entered via the Satit Phra Nakhon school, going past many students indulged in
sport, only to find that there was no way through at the end, so I had to
retrace my footsteps.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Eventually I found the entrance to the venue after buying
provisions at the University’s 7/11. I’d passed the ground several times in the
past and it looked decent enough with several metal type bleachers with cover
down one side, which is where I headed for.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc1BHRj4k-BctdDxHDR5mthmZRg4JEt_R3x29CWQ7LrUFXdqSUHVXqWBNdxALmjlh-MtiVPoQFEdpMT5Id6z_nj7YUYDjFPNIPP8Sw2EGoM-HVOZxmooWc8d3f49R8KGXyoEM0A03yI4pgA_d5jhVElxnmlp3acBSl8ghAXp8fqDSZKCh4lyjgB03eQ/s5131/IMG_1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3551" data-original-width="5131" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc1BHRj4k-BctdDxHDR5mthmZRg4JEt_R3x29CWQ7LrUFXdqSUHVXqWBNdxALmjlh-MtiVPoQFEdpMT5Id6z_nj7YUYDjFPNIPP8Sw2EGoM-HVOZxmooWc8d3f49R8KGXyoEM0A03yI4pgA_d5jhVElxnmlp3acBSl8ghAXp8fqDSZKCh4lyjgB03eQ/s320/IMG_1289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I received the usual warm welcome from the Minburi
officials, and the two players from earlier gave me a wave. The university
certainly looked a cracker with great facilities, which is more than can be
said about the pitch with no lines, so cones were used to mark the perimeter,
and longish grass.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In the early stages Minburi’s 32 disposed a defender
and put in 29 whose chip clipped the top of the home sides crossbar. The player
wearing 14 for Phranakhon saw his low shot tipped round by the City keeper in
the number 13 top.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXKa6QizpdP1AXQXMpRIDrBfPXSf2FYEI0KgzRSzRZVLEs7WW-3EhXjDi3ghKap5CzyXYtOynM7DP8PImjFNG6rsQYfLtMYokA60tDpAOzJa3DHssKzG5T1t5-KgNyZGDZsDJuP62K0Sy9C7R87KcaIpR8yfxn_63bNMq2PIKM56xrm1OmK-9wOsRWQ/s4949/IMG_1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="4949" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXKa6QizpdP1AXQXMpRIDrBfPXSf2FYEI0KgzRSzRZVLEs7WW-3EhXjDi3ghKap5CzyXYtOynM7DP8PImjFNG6rsQYfLtMYokA60tDpAOzJa3DHssKzG5T1t5-KgNyZGDZsDJuP62K0Sy9C7R87KcaIpR8yfxn_63bNMq2PIKM56xrm1OmK-9wOsRWQ/s320/IMG_1288.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">16 for the hosts shot over the high net fencing and
into the busy Chaeng Wattana, with someone having to dodge six lanes of traffic
to retrieve the ball. That was probably as interesting as the first half got
before the players sat on the grass and listened to their respective coaches at
the interval.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;">The visitors took the lead when the seventeen year old
forward, Saengarun "Saeng" Oadpim </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">kept his cool to finish after nearly being hacked
down. The visitors were playing some lovely stuff as 1 showed great skill to
cross for 15 who came close to converting at the near post.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3J-5cz_VwcbZ0Vcir9lUngfIexs262ygkhz0DpcFmB_oWOIWrsWOA1Zn9sYpCIe5A2J4Xq06P9kogrKhIifcTfcS9yeIvmHgfSX4alRASX2TLGQ2dZFfkt7S_rYtu83APN2hSBAo4svmDiWN52h1G-ALiJSN97O2Rhos1_z09lKk0lAzSVnX0ih6PA/s5184/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3J-5cz_VwcbZ0Vcir9lUngfIexs262ygkhz0DpcFmB_oWOIWrsWOA1Zn9sYpCIe5A2J4Xq06P9kogrKhIifcTfcS9yeIvmHgfSX4alRASX2TLGQ2dZFfkt7S_rYtu83APN2hSBAo4svmDiWN52h1G-ALiJSN97O2Rhos1_z09lKk0lAzSVnX0ih6PA/s320/IMG_1305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But just as they looked comfortable, a strong header from
a free kick allowed Phranakhon’s 9 to score, colliding with the keeper at the
same time, as both players needed quite a bit of treatment before continuing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Oadpim restored the Minburi lead, thumping his chance
home after more fine work from 1, who was prominent after the break. 15 for the
away side also impressed with his guile and control on the ball.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4pUofjdmCdvwG8X9q-QkPMfFSyhGVYVjMWzCNgLXFMOt9-KRiaCU-LWnKmvsL9INyY6H7dTIhYg6E_8BctCUoSJz6by4Ke290GeO-yWNcNByxhM_ChRtCvcMi0SxVgRzUNdFaEdLdJbUfw5vEl3vRJQg5vOrhrcGQ9qFa70h1vsfnh6DfkITABM9EQ/s5049/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2637" data-original-width="5049" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4pUofjdmCdvwG8X9q-QkPMfFSyhGVYVjMWzCNgLXFMOt9-KRiaCU-LWnKmvsL9INyY6H7dTIhYg6E_8BctCUoSJz6by4Ke290GeO-yWNcNByxhM_ChRtCvcMi0SxVgRzUNdFaEdLdJbUfw5vEl3vRJQg5vOrhrcGQ9qFa70h1vsfnh6DfkITABM9EQ/w365-h191/IMG_1291.JPG" width="365" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The home team came close as their 13 shot across the
face of goal in the closing stages. At full time I accepted a request for a
quick interview on my thoughts of how the game went for the impressive Minburi
City social media platforms.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It was time for me to head back, as I walked through
the grounds of the university to the main Phanon Yothin Road, where I caught
the number 26 bus home. There was no chance I was walking in both directions!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-20119482952100635452023-04-26T07:07:00.001+01:002023-04-26T07:07:05.578+01:00KMITL Stadium (Bangkok)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h1INyQ_CyjBBVVO3kRQBFlXDWj_M0Co6FTCxtYhw_Cpgxej0he2NCX47FtE9W1Csx9qXGcLSvq-Q0Tq_7HgVWs4cBNgkDd4XbN53Doe6AgXlxgRPmi__X19ujvrmXjHsS-9WdDGOjMkW9k4hA2avTXFlOaPgeW7exe42nF_KF8e-pEfWbLpfCwz6Gg/s474/OIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h1INyQ_CyjBBVVO3kRQBFlXDWj_M0Co6FTCxtYhw_Cpgxej0he2NCX47FtE9W1Csx9qXGcLSvq-Q0Tq_7HgVWs4cBNgkDd4XbN53Doe6AgXlxgRPmi__X19ujvrmXjHsS-9WdDGOjMkW9k4hA2avTXFlOaPgeW7exe42nF_KF8e-pEfWbLpfCwz6Gg/w144-h144/OIP.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">KMITL (King Mongkut's Institute of Technology
Ladkrabang) Stadium is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of the educational
institute of the same name in the Lad Krabang district of the Thai capital of
Bangkok.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The venue has played hosts to several Thai League
clubs over the years. Thai Airways were the first in 2007, followed by Thai
Honda in 2010 who also shared the facilities with Kasem Bundit University for a
few games the same season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVLQYWsZ7EKHNitn_YO8fSOPcYR8NsPwoirrblMvhb88LoJZmoqr9Pr7ePMuwrL4UwJkcP0CMz-OapYHxBc_uyzVUdNJb3kriIYig75GWZ6I_SPE3GbmBpV-NfRoP_eH3WPjiLfDZtNdQM0k8T-jmlsE_zjAL2LigRHI3c88FS8fpjrRK930hYDioDA/s5184/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVLQYWsZ7EKHNitn_YO8fSOPcYR8NsPwoirrblMvhb88LoJZmoqr9Pr7ePMuwrL4UwJkcP0CMz-OapYHxBc_uyzVUdNJb3kriIYig75GWZ6I_SPE3GbmBpV-NfRoP_eH3WPjiLfDZtNdQM0k8T-jmlsE_zjAL2LigRHI3c88FS8fpjrRK930hYDioDA/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thai Honda returned from 2012 to 2014 while Rajpracha were
tenants for a couple of campaigns, 2015 and 2016. The stadium has hosted the
Lad Krabang Rugby 7s as well as the football games of the host university.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is a venue that is often asked about by those passing it after leaving the airport and heading past on the motorway towards Pattaya.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">My visits</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Thai Honda 0 Samut Sakon 1 (Sunday 8th April 2012)
Thai Regional League Bangkok Area (att: 150)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To read all about it, click on the link <a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20Thai%20Honda " target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">here</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">KMITL 2 Minburi City 4 (Tuesday 20th December 2022) Friendly
(att; c20)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNsFHKw0tcR1STZEd1Ap6CsepjrmEggiMgp7tgnesUixj2onedSjpwuxqU3XRXi9NW0tZkSU6iJZSELv2qWPvzLXL0VYgfjHU387Ard4IL1rAVg5qewuWlyd9xqGi8k5g5h2h-GP4YPlCCxRlE2rR1EVSxMZoHyA31hh0cPSbHh_NBgdu_67KKNXuZw/s1800/IMG_9763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNsFHKw0tcR1STZEd1Ap6CsepjrmEggiMgp7tgnesUixj2onedSjpwuxqU3XRXi9NW0tZkSU6iJZSELv2qWPvzLXL0VYgfjHU387Ard4IL1rAVg5qewuWlyd9xqGi8k5g5h2h-GP4YPlCCxRlE2rR1EVSxMZoHyA31hh0cPSbHh_NBgdu_67KKNXuZw/w230-h230/IMG_9763.JPG" width="230" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’d given up on any more football until the New Year,
with the Thai League having packed up for their festive break, but never say
never. I’d noticed this friendly appear on my timeline on social media but didn’t
consider I’d be attending.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Having started playing again with a group of Thais introduced
to me by Big Suh, a copper who became my mate as fellow customers of my
girlfriend, Teaw’s Brothers and Sisters Bar. He said that there was a game, but
not for the first time it failed to materialise.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4kkFV4FKYFD0Xi8x9VxaKDxFPycXX88HFrq-h7QNJ5lGPC5rjndnYTBB0N3JrRSVn_7TgwwzwGdsWsaXynb0NolpGV23Y8LOiUsg98p4QVUI2E38Pmjh4bb8p-RM1_RDjiA3pySH4HyMBJ54_4GnO5wHUX5Rqm-mFNDoYrpjw7WEQU5yNXylvNDFFQ/s16382/IMG_9759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="16382" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4kkFV4FKYFD0Xi8x9VxaKDxFPycXX88HFrq-h7QNJ5lGPC5rjndnYTBB0N3JrRSVn_7TgwwzwGdsWsaXynb0NolpGV23Y8LOiUsg98p4QVUI2E38Pmjh4bb8p-RM1_RDjiA3pySH4HyMBJ54_4GnO5wHUX5Rqm-mFNDoYrpjw7WEQU5yNXylvNDFFQ/w428-h95/IMG_9759.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Not to worry, I still had a Plan B and plenty of time
to implement it. I caught a songthaew from Minburi Market that turned off halfway
down Rom Klao. Not to worry, as these things happen. I was soon aboard a second
such vehicle.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I was assured by a student that it was heading to Lad
Krabang. Well, it was, sort of, only on the main road it headed right rather
than left and towards the city. It’s fair to say that I failed to see the funny
side, but soon restored my composure.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTh2Ey5FMAYM60GXHJcovml2RwiDEaw3f-dnwHVgMLManvLEJ3fV7yhB3B5dK-70xusYlSigSgRO2Vc5nMnU5M3qwSDlOHb0aZzoV03dbOcImKuWDO6nYUp-jFbYs0oeWBOhIPYAc8ZAg25k6klrSCB_uEyU0JiDpdZbF_xDpB4h6t1yfzZBV8VUx2A/s5184/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTh2Ey5FMAYM60GXHJcovml2RwiDEaw3f-dnwHVgMLManvLEJ3fV7yhB3B5dK-70xusYlSigSgRO2Vc5nMnU5M3qwSDlOHb0aZzoV03dbOcImKuWDO6nYUp-jFbYs0oeWBOhIPYAc8ZAg25k6klrSCB_uEyU0JiDpdZbF_xDpB4h6t1yfzZBV8VUx2A/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Crossing the road, I was soon heading in the right
direction before alighting and walking past Wat Pluk Sattha to find myself adjacent
to the eastern rail line towards Pattaya. The walk along Chalong Krung 1 Alley allowed
me to grab provisions at a convenience store.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The stretch had quite a good selection of street food,
coffee shops, and mini markets, presumably to cater for the needs of the nearby
students. Crossing the railway further up I was in familiar territory and
heading to sit in the large stand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj524fM4odA1u3MS-ILNXhjiYqjfgkS4bpHPjDyuu6MqyUz2AMc45l3gN8JtQeIPxAlDsI_2XPSkHePq9Oxel2bVxV_3wOeMSv3xqz1HeyOrwyK9eYxedj-M-tCWlOqiMbFyoREIV8Bj_-vnM85TIwFKX_WNXL4y-HedDfT3Ibgl9c89bCMlbVFfn25Qg/s4949/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3477" data-original-width="4949" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj524fM4odA1u3MS-ILNXhjiYqjfgkS4bpHPjDyuu6MqyUz2AMc45l3gN8JtQeIPxAlDsI_2XPSkHePq9Oxel2bVxV_3wOeMSv3xqz1HeyOrwyK9eYxedj-M-tCWlOqiMbFyoREIV8Bj_-vnM85TIwFKX_WNXL4y-HedDfT3Ibgl9c89bCMlbVFfn25Qg/s320/IMG_1455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There was no admission charge and before long a couple
of Minburi officials recognized me and gave me a wave. I tried to get to see
them possible, as they had kindly given me a cap, scarf, and facemask at an
Amateur League game. I had earlier purchased a couple of shirts from them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The stand was much further from the dry and bumpy pitch
than I remembered with both the playing surface and facilities in need of some
TLC. City were in preparation to enter the Semi-Pro League with hopes of
winning a place in Thai League 3. Their players wore trackers over their red
shirts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjB76P3nELoPhtTxmmVtEICwZV19MEdvzaWCges1rCb072hfd0b8taarbwYzRyPgl7fKFUhH8ugtDFt34WUPDEn2FAopqfXOKJXYbPILHkaTc2Yfm7nhnFVDfI8pYkIXT88VDgb60R5Tds9WcgLju96XvbtBziexSOkcD1ndGU8E8-eGCfo3MUGO7Bg/s5184/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjB76P3nELoPhtTxmmVtEICwZV19MEdvzaWCges1rCb072hfd0b8taarbwYzRyPgl7fKFUhH8ugtDFt34WUPDEn2FAopqfXOKJXYbPILHkaTc2Yfm7nhnFVDfI8pYkIXT88VDgb60R5Tds9WcgLju96XvbtBziexSOkcD1ndGU8E8-eGCfo3MUGO7Bg/s320/IMG_1466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">KMITL’s shirts didn’t have any numbers on them. It was
certainly a very low key encounter, but if the players and coaches got
something from it, then it was surely a worthwhile exercise. They’re the
important ones, not the spectators.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The hosts took the lead before Minburi restored parity
with a good low shot. It was hard to keep concentration, with the players being
so far away, and joggers going round the track while the game was in progress.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6gbd6hCkly3JpfibgSDYd-KHPJJC9Yh6vwwokVAb1H5u5q55HEW3TH6XnEyoVF4uDM8A0PSJc5TcEjNh4yf5V12C969ocI_18dW1lZWFFarzsIc4Y1w_c-nQep0G7JjS1sFUQ4PBgRle97gC3vn7LhHf4p3n3bHCEJGJ6J6i1lpWCti8XTqI5VDT3Q/s5184/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6gbd6hCkly3JpfibgSDYd-KHPJJC9Yh6vwwokVAb1H5u5q55HEW3TH6XnEyoVF4uDM8A0PSJc5TcEjNh4yf5V12C969ocI_18dW1lZWFFarzsIc4Y1w_c-nQep0G7JjS1sFUQ4PBgRle97gC3vn7LhHf4p3n3bHCEJGJ6J6i1lpWCti8XTqI5VDT3Q/s320/IMG_1459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Overhead planes on their descent to Suvarnabhumi as
well as passing trains all added to the spectacle, which was enough to keep
anyone with a semblance of an imagination entertained, even if they didn’t like
football.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">KMITL went back in front as the Minburi defence was
opened like a can of beans meaning it was three attackers against a lone rearguard.
The chance was well finished, but City again levelled things up just after the
break with a good header.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb8dP_AXEUC4nbz7oAUbttJp6kb1wPqZRz6ByoeE69IfYrqTxng5pqsTcO7BzU0SXGfsTpExWIIqBQs04ebVUoFYaYi-ls-Dv2qLEVY_SAjWsmj2BpxjGr8VUtmpQ2B0UP9wweM4MPPC1AVwYBb5KOAGBxpInJk2n976Qoby-wrOME4WIWPNErw-niA/s5184/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb8dP_AXEUC4nbz7oAUbttJp6kb1wPqZRz6ByoeE69IfYrqTxng5pqsTcO7BzU0SXGfsTpExWIIqBQs04ebVUoFYaYi-ls-Dv2qLEVY_SAjWsmj2BpxjGr8VUtmpQ2B0UP9wweM4MPPC1AVwYBb5KOAGBxpInJk2n976Qoby-wrOME4WIWPNErw-niA/s320/IMG_1463.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was nip and tuck with many substitutions being
made. It wasn’t the greatest of games, so I made a sound decision to walk round
and miss the final ten minutes. City scored two late goals, which I missed, not
that it would ruin my day.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I was wary of trying to find a way home and being
stranded, so I decided to walk along the track to Pra Chom Klao station and
catch the final train of the day to Lat Krabang. The ride was only a few
minutes and there was no time to even purchase a ticket.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKbddUB1I-Lkb9j_ddGF1PwL41_Dz94EUh7XCrlJn8dcJ8b6eCdr9c8K41VsTy6ob5D6Y79m4Y1JQPtFr7d4QQVPKBQy0Kxeg9VoVfXix7IDRXfQ9NWn8uJbXdTgMfUD8Z8r_5FU7a59F7gt6Yyui-Aok-QHNmFhUianpyh2IXC4UJrMjNFx7cIJUEg/s5067/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3801" data-original-width="5067" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKbddUB1I-Lkb9j_ddGF1PwL41_Dz94EUh7XCrlJn8dcJ8b6eCdr9c8K41VsTy6ob5D6Y79m4Y1JQPtFr7d4QQVPKBQy0Kxeg9VoVfXix7IDRXfQ9NWn8uJbXdTgMfUD8Z8r_5FU7a59F7gt6Yyui-Aok-QHNmFhUianpyh2IXC4UJrMjNFx7cIJUEg/s320/IMG_1469.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Before long I was on a familiar songthaew heading back
to base for a rest, shower, and then some libation in the company of my good
lady. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-60887811496914933532023-04-24T13:12:00.005+01:002023-04-24T13:12:49.685+01:00Mahasarakham Sambaitao (Thailand)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_tbuYhgfoEXXPOr9vYjY9mtCiBl9KfLMLZOsTY59txDzhtYycJf4qZ3n55u64URwrTaQaiomKpM06KSBldGis2zvaP2aWZQdrlBaQpi-A2K0eq7MziVaiXyJcGfOhrJceZRTNf__dB8JkKe8WtrlmvRx3xAs3E4La1i_EjC8YlBmF4W6csRIU70vxQ/s316/Mahasarakham_SBT_logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_tbuYhgfoEXXPOr9vYjY9mtCiBl9KfLMLZOsTY59txDzhtYycJf4qZ3n55u64URwrTaQaiomKpM06KSBldGis2zvaP2aWZQdrlBaQpi-A2K0eq7MziVaiXyJcGfOhrJceZRTNf__dB8JkKe8WtrlmvRx3xAs3E4La1i_EjC8YlBmF4W6csRIU70vxQ/w139-h139/Mahasarakham_SBT_logo.png" width="139" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mahasarakham Sambaitao, or SBT, FC is a professional football club
based in the city of Mahasarakham in northeast Thailand. Formed in 2009 as Mahasarakham
FC with the nickname of the Isaan Tigers, the club was admitted into the third
tier Regional League North Eastern Division.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Led by coach Pinet Daoruang the team played home
matches at IPE Mahasarakham Stadium prior to becoming Mahasarakham City FC a
year later as they finished in ninth place, one lower than in their debut
campaign.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPQXfnOxuTdKuJwxnj2CT62TQvrLbNz5Zj9F3IO7zITIKxcjO5N0qilQBIoCCdBjIhS2JV4oYUnOTzSZkhwm5ObxqgwUIu6wRCD8w2geC72zlK0yTrK0ElHwY_ILgOG3mwdmOhNNhoKNMymwlg3fNlaRq5LKDQVXKVTMNzIq7Gsy1ApsMt4sKQZaIlw/s10974/IMG_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="10974" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPQXfnOxuTdKuJwxnj2CT62TQvrLbNz5Zj9F3IO7zITIKxcjO5N0qilQBIoCCdBjIhS2JV4oYUnOTzSZkhwm5ObxqgwUIu6wRCD8w2geC72zlK0yTrK0ElHwY_ILgOG3mwdmOhNNhoKNMymwlg3fNlaRq5LKDQVXKVTMNzIq7Gsy1ApsMt4sKQZaIlw/w371-h127/IMG_0439.JPG" width="371" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Similar finishes were maintained for the following few
seasons. In 2011 the club title was changed to Mahasarakham United, with
matches being switched to Mahasarakham Rajabhat University Stadium.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fifth place was achieved in 2014, with the promising
return being backed up as the club took on the name of Marasarakham FC in 2015,
with sixth place in 2016. In 2017 it was seventh with Rewat Yothapakdee banging
away the goals in Thai League 4 Northeastern Region following a restructuring
of the leagues.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNacaGOvVBlhwYCblAmWvs2EV97qjRn3oKMY0XOg06t_FIlErpJwT5dKndUcHtQSq-WbMPwo-cryV5gRMDx7LzWCON3amiYX9Wwm34NhTRIJ0HBF3vOhgsJJIiV7_o--GLRxbVTCnFpCc9foRnEK4PouEQLXzhJBpokjQHf5f5SFyMqY5dwwn5jRgnaQ/s3563/IMG_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2803" data-original-width="3563" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNacaGOvVBlhwYCblAmWvs2EV97qjRn3oKMY0XOg06t_FIlErpJwT5dKndUcHtQSq-WbMPwo-cryV5gRMDx7LzWCON3amiYX9Wwm34NhTRIJ0HBF3vOhgsJJIiV7_o--GLRxbVTCnFpCc9foRnEK4PouEQLXzhJBpokjQHf5f5SFyMqY5dwwn5jRgnaQ/s320/IMG_0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Nitipong Ruangsa and then Teerathep Pangkam shared the
goals for ‘The Great Purple Crabs’ who struggled near the wrong end of the
table in 2019 and then 2020-21 as the side was placed in the third tier Thai
League 3 Northeastern Region following further league adjustments as Manaschai Pupaisit
coached the team.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">With Worawit Tason in goal, Mahasarakham had an
improved 2021-22 with a seventh place finish aided by the goals of Fellipe
Veloso the club added Sambaitao (or SBT) to their title and changed crest. Sanphapakron
Srijan started the season as coach before being replaced by Jakaraj Tonehongsa</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh0RpC2uklGMgAXVJBmagkoZptWCQuKhAyWqBjdHD2v39s4G77JQK0NC0wPiY6SMHhI2A92bo9q5ZXOsEQlk4y2Xiab3Y80APY18-_njVGzb1A9dWbUPhuIdvbAZgDLD0r2Q0HMdjoFFz9VNRRTGOr72ac09dh7iSfoZP1bW8kbdjoXeRzyozVV69lQ/s4032/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh0RpC2uklGMgAXVJBmagkoZptWCQuKhAyWqBjdHD2v39s4G77JQK0NC0wPiY6SMHhI2A92bo9q5ZXOsEQlk4y2Xiab3Y80APY18-_njVGzb1A9dWbUPhuIdvbAZgDLD0r2Q0HMdjoFFz9VNRRTGOr72ac09dh7iSfoZP1bW8kbdjoXeRzyozVV69lQ/s320/IMG_0449.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The improvement continued with a fantastic 2022-23
campaign in which the team was crowned as regional division champions.Nattapon
Thaptanon and Wanit Chaisan shared the goals for Tonehongsa’s team, while Ittikorn
Kansrang was impressive in goal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mahasarakham SBT 0 Sisaket United 0 (Saturday 22</span><sup style="font-family: arial;">nd</sup><span style="font-family: arial;">
April 2023) T3 Champions League (Northern) Play Offs (att: 1,349)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxH74-UQV05U7JMOanQxUQpZuhe8jRBnHsMpni5YSibcekB_eDwLEm8OU82d7DHYTlx4TAJjKy1R6wqVveAoa2GiDUkT-sh3B7fY8qmxOFWactt_3Xb3NW3SNG7LHOBWcD8g729fXZfmFKEBLvQPiJaenCn98Sd9ZsIuACwWqOI5nkUU0w6cYmxox9A/s2000/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1800" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxH74-UQV05U7JMOanQxUQpZuhe8jRBnHsMpni5YSibcekB_eDwLEm8OU82d7DHYTlx4TAJjKy1R6wqVveAoa2GiDUkT-sh3B7fY8qmxOFWactt_3Xb3NW3SNG7LHOBWcD8g729fXZfmFKEBLvQPiJaenCn98Sd9ZsIuACwWqOI5nkUU0w6cYmxox9A/w227-h252/IMG_0418.JPG" width="227" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A month or so prior to this match I had hopes of
going, but I hadn’t a clue how I would manage it. Then a couple of weeks before
it, my wife Taew was driving us back to our Sisaket home from the Chiang Mai
International Cricket Sixes when we passed the stadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Around the same time, she said she wanted to stop off
and see an old friend who lived an hour away in Suwannaphum. Not a problem, I
said as my brain quickly worked out the possibilities opening in front of my
eyes.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y259WroZquy9Tnp6_MqfRFCPpXjsRvqK0MjQ1p-ERtg8UUMu6gJJYuTcCchZV8TNyrwGcgVSr_uq8vxf7OE9lsJxosZvpkOMXnULehtdR7PjUR3dP3xm-sE4ZI6ORg0qbxWXuReWND4-RlRhMgodMOxcyPqo-oIA97EISF8HkqQZ-2295yCbi82MZA/s1706/IMG_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="1144" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y259WroZquy9Tnp6_MqfRFCPpXjsRvqK0MjQ1p-ERtg8UUMu6gJJYuTcCchZV8TNyrwGcgVSr_uq8vxf7OE9lsJxosZvpkOMXnULehtdR7PjUR3dP3xm-sE4ZI6ORg0qbxWXuReWND4-RlRhMgodMOxcyPqo-oIA97EISF8HkqQZ-2295yCbi82MZA/w189-h282/IMG_0438.JPG" width="189" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Neng had a roadside restaurant and knocked me up a
very tasty pad krapow for lunch. The two old friends got nattering, and I
suggested we returned and stayed over after the football so that they could
enjoy some drinks and food and we could stay over.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">All agreed we set out around midday on matchday, with
my good lady suggesting some sightseeing on the way, which was not a problem for
me. Phrathat Na Dun is a religious sanctuary holding Buddhist artifacts, and it
was bloody hot.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pod3kJsXtB8vq2eDHo548cK-wT4TCHs2GNSBVHfZM5y-3jKYk-TqjgJuriu0GYjfn7TCf17wiJSbNMVfZXsJi9VU-tYGJ_cKrpLBBOSMGk84GDUQODRv4Eib6Gzw7LffIX4uNJ0RLCMvGpiOhsmypmJrg6r8KljZjU06-gppYvYPmtexJhJCDtP0-A/s2532/IMG_0428.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2532" data-original-width="1170" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pod3kJsXtB8vq2eDHo548cK-wT4TCHs2GNSBVHfZM5y-3jKYk-TqjgJuriu0GYjfn7TCf17wiJSbNMVfZXsJi9VU-tYGJ_cKrpLBBOSMGk84GDUQODRv4Eib6Gzw7LffIX4uNJ0RLCMvGpiOhsmypmJrg6r8KljZjU06-gppYvYPmtexJhJCDtP0-A/w109-h236/IMG_0428.PNG" width="109" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was as hot as I’d ever felt in my life and delighted
to have an ice cream and cold drinks. A stop by the road for food and we were
on our way, arriving at Mahasarakaham Province Stadium just over half an hour
prior to kick off.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Explaining to Taew where to use the toilets and get
drink and food if she wanted it while I went into the match, I was taken aback
when she said she was going in with me. Not to say delighted. Her first ever
live match. I must have been doing something right!</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXGd5f6OLM2QFzLQ2BBsCav9bAt8sWuco8ZRU_4YWccLIscX0hadSF59hw_qh0ca8ud3PXyXZtIUqiu7SpiMypfvjWgHaZNQ6gh_KEVAHeOmmgXJ3o6IktKldGSeLIe46_hwEDMXM7WZhJ3zo9dziMEu8dvegLmyhcDJhWv5XuVvqzzUIYQoGDaoBuw/s3224/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2418" data-original-width="3224" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXGd5f6OLM2QFzLQ2BBsCav9bAt8sWuco8ZRU_4YWccLIscX0hadSF59hw_qh0ca8ud3PXyXZtIUqiu7SpiMypfvjWgHaZNQ6gh_KEVAHeOmmgXJ3o6IktKldGSeLIe46_hwEDMXM7WZhJ3zo9dziMEu8dvegLmyhcDJhWv5XuVvqzzUIYQoGDaoBuw/s320/IMG_0436.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The stadium was similar to many others owned by the
Sports Authority of Thailand, with one covered stand, an open one opposite, a
running track around the pitch, and nothing behind the curves in the way of
spectator accommodation.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tickets were 60 Baht, as I took us to where I guessed
the sensible away fans who wanted shelter would head. My judgement was sound as
we were among the majority of the away fans with just a smattering in the
official visitor’s section in the sun opposite.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdc_s8WIR_JHcp4QWans6YlFejAACo-qNneiUfeAGqe2Qc64Pu4G71qRVq2ym9mZP7MrTzjeVauk_BScclNLmAJpu89EFAPUpR7GJ9-WekWw4GAegQuYyc5YI-S7U4OjEwhhh1YnW9kMyGbC3xe2oUn5Xx-1T2S7ARIY-UHqCff8f4NU8YZXllbUzJw/s4032/IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdc_s8WIR_JHcp4QWans6YlFejAACo-qNneiUfeAGqe2Qc64Pu4G71qRVq2ym9mZP7MrTzjeVauk_BScclNLmAJpu89EFAPUpR7GJ9-WekWw4GAegQuYyc5YI-S7U4OjEwhhh1YnW9kMyGbC3xe2oUn5Xx-1T2S7ARIY-UHqCff8f4NU8YZXllbUzJw/s320/IMG_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We were treated to an entertaining and feisty encounter
with no passion missing. The hosts badly needed a win to stay in touch of a top
two place and possible promotion. United were playing for pride and to stop
their Isan rivals.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sometimes I questioned the attitude of the Sisaket
players, particularly the three Brazilians but not on this occasion as they
gave everything. Romario was outstanding throughout, getting stuck in and
making intelligent runs and always being available.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gbxqlDMK0WIhWoXic7RMZjmHF6E2MB7pODYYLSbzJKZa-qW2FhEOznJSo_zf7NUKANI0w0PtCViNxWD3UhlKJBgBF2JyjU-dQooIJojdp4RcjcKOCnk9j1DfgIXhf05jLLTyvBjjna7pxy-8wevIy2TlmsEzq8T1l93V4dTLZ6w14BQrESUx1F3NlA/s4032/IMG_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gbxqlDMK0WIhWoXic7RMZjmHF6E2MB7pODYYLSbzJKZa-qW2FhEOznJSo_zf7NUKANI0w0PtCViNxWD3UhlKJBgBF2JyjU-dQooIJojdp4RcjcKOCnk9j1DfgIXhf05jLLTyvBjjna7pxy-8wevIy2TlmsEzq8T1l93V4dTLZ6w14BQrESUx1F3NlA/s320/IMG_0442.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Both defences held the upper hand with chances being
at a premium. The hosts had a header go over from Brazilian striker Erivelto in
the early stages that should really have been on target before Thepwirun Chatkittirot
volleyed wide.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Taew was getting right into it, probably not realising
the physical nature of a game from her brief looks on TV while she laughed at
the comments of other fans, including a disabled Sisaket follower who I’d seen at
ever match I’d attended. A proper fan as he constantly made a noise down his
home made vuvuzela.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTa0JYrMg-sZOPgnZBlcJRMCV3XADwV_fVokqV1UfFwdp4xJD5A3xd8UDS5W1tF0OzRbtTNcOMs6G9QCMB2uEplWU9by51xTOz5FwVMkB0D5UU4_vIxDlWfEeLxL1_ccXWkl0aOUsP2m-9Iha3rE8efEN11cZWdeznG4xGL5s0GveLnRfXazvjCMprdA/s4032/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTa0JYrMg-sZOPgnZBlcJRMCV3XADwV_fVokqV1UfFwdp4xJD5A3xd8UDS5W1tF0OzRbtTNcOMs6G9QCMB2uEplWU9by51xTOz5FwVMkB0D5UU4_vIxDlWfEeLxL1_ccXWkl0aOUsP2m-9Iha3rE8efEN11cZWdeznG4xGL5s0GveLnRfXazvjCMprdA/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A fine wide pass picked out United’s Suphaphon Sutthisak,
who always impressed me. His low cross was close to being converted by Cristian
Alex and Neto, but neither could get a definitive touch to force the ball home.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Shortly after, all hell broke loose when Romario was
extremely incensed as he later indicated that a home defender had grabbed him
somewhere painful and private. It took many players of both sides to calm him
down while home defender Nopparat Sakunood ran across the pitch to crank him up
further.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OuLECogT9qF3-5o5JlKsvvBhofYZKjWxWFysiJJddwron3smOoJ1tJqErFH6oU6RnQhdx3WTO3Q993cFmhC5I0JU44B_vUgkLm5NoHkzpolG-Ax6zJNqcOnVvyz75AOMOItCdY5BoA_cakVH6A_NU1erGcP3CSjK71Y-eKZ2xM6TAFK-g_tuX7hlRg/s4032/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OuLECogT9qF3-5o5JlKsvvBhofYZKjWxWFysiJJddwron3smOoJ1tJqErFH6oU6RnQhdx3WTO3Q993cFmhC5I0JU44B_vUgkLm5NoHkzpolG-Ax6zJNqcOnVvyz75AOMOItCdY5BoA_cakVH6A_NU1erGcP3CSjK71Y-eKZ2xM6TAFK-g_tuX7hlRg/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Both players received a yellow card and fortunately
the half time whistle came soon afterwards, but not before Nattapon Thaptanon
was played in but his low cross was deflected into the side netting. At the
break I took advantage of a large bucket of popcorn and a beer for a combined
total of just 100 Baht.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Shortly after the restart the reliable Sisaket keeper Itthipon
Kamsuprom was fortunately when he kicked out of his hands straight into the
back of, with the ball rebounding past him and just wide of the post.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA5RvVuQNmEXIkEDKOyXiLTj2ph-Klb8hWtebngCJx8Xo9wyItBnRRuwh6Qdb600pXYUP8Wjnu6NJ1eEmCA-HBQug4tHddp0JInmJOqR6LuMRJ7yE4UfVCqtTN3T2YIs7pNV4Ayv2tQKky604VaaPTtPr3Tmquar4bGWd0QUKXVhQL8r7kwaxmJSxvg/s4032/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA5RvVuQNmEXIkEDKOyXiLTj2ph-Klb8hWtebngCJx8Xo9wyItBnRRuwh6Qdb600pXYUP8Wjnu6NJ1eEmCA-HBQug4tHddp0JInmJOqR6LuMRJ7yE4UfVCqtTN3T2YIs7pNV4Ayv2tQKky604VaaPTtPr3Tmquar4bGWd0QUKXVhQL8r7kwaxmJSxvg/s320/IMG_0450.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On fifty-two minutes Wanit Jaisaen saw his shot come
back off the underside of the Sisaket bar. Erivelto fluffed his follow up, with
the ball landing at the feet of Phituckchai Limraksa whose effort was superbly
pushed over by Kamsuprom.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At the other end, a low cross from Bunyarit Srinam was
put on the half volley over by Neto, who should have done better. Both sides
went for it in the closing stages as the match increased in entertainment as
play was stretched.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUG_U9vMdnBMx7XJ0xypdFEX2aBSzP8mtJMS9dzT5cDpVfZgG1irJGbPz1ZVWPhiwH1qSJ9_xp-By151qPihV4yf2ahJXRIoHBFP3OrkaHW-kOA27y6UfjCF8rWxf229T4-HvguDdfW4n7DDU-0njBQm70FVdUMv15B8ylJxkcCGV3t6TbWkOJZO_IQ/s4032/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUG_U9vMdnBMx7XJ0xypdFEX2aBSzP8mtJMS9dzT5cDpVfZgG1irJGbPz1ZVWPhiwH1qSJ9_xp-By151qPihV4yf2ahJXRIoHBFP3OrkaHW-kOA27y6UfjCF8rWxf229T4-HvguDdfW4n7DDU-0njBQm70FVdUMv15B8ylJxkcCGV3t6TbWkOJZO_IQ/s320/IMG_0451.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With three minutes of normal time remaining Kamsuprom
flapped at a cross. The ball fell to xx whose sliced effort was headed
goalwards and onto the underside of the bar by Teerapak Punboonchu before the
follow up from Alberto Gouveia was headed off the line by Pakornkiat Kaena,
before Komkrik Cumsokcheak saw his shot go narrowly wide.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then a bicycle kick from Erivelto passed by the post,
with Romario seeing his long range low free kick gathered by keeper Ittikorn
Kansrang in the last of the action. The home fans couldn’t believe their side
hadn’t scored.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8f_FRj43eQ2WzOJMixCAhxZAPWIxupfocrvs79vsS_Qmq385WpXjAlj2YS2ncc5t4-IHHrybFCAdsYUrQRWIg0invec8k4khXJsVnB8KonfswW69YUUPNkFcl0vfVAvsgrxsTdWOHLrFHMKgR4TpF920Kc8Skuqva0fupWWkrG8D6d8UYbughu9apCA/s4032/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8f_FRj43eQ2WzOJMixCAhxZAPWIxupfocrvs79vsS_Qmq385WpXjAlj2YS2ncc5t4-IHHrybFCAdsYUrQRWIg0invec8k4khXJsVnB8KonfswW69YUUPNkFcl0vfVAvsgrxsTdWOHLrFHMKgR4TpF920Kc8Skuqva0fupWWkrG8D6d8UYbughu9apCA/s320/IMG_0446.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was happy that Sisaket gave it everything and felt
that the players would have gone to any length to prevent their opponents winning,
which I liked. The erratic performance of erratic referee Narongsak Kubkun also
added to the drama.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At full time the journey took around ninety minutes
back to Suwannaphum where we met Neng at Leela house Kasalong. The large Leo’s
were only 70 Baht, while the surroundings and service were excellent. I enjoyed
the live band too.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx1YhAa_R-G0w33j-uLuMjXspOUeAUZtP6aRVbzE0Zsq_M5yul5jStgkr7vrl9aI-RD9L0MACAHtFbbLvDxPCgKDpsghDLgmWdFXS3IYC3jPRJjWyDcFLzCOCStWNOwECyrpMZ9vpqKYxNtsy32xq36kWQcattKLUk36eu0K4AJehX38udm3p6TuBGQ/s4032/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx1YhAa_R-G0w33j-uLuMjXspOUeAUZtP6aRVbzE0Zsq_M5yul5jStgkr7vrl9aI-RD9L0MACAHtFbbLvDxPCgKDpsghDLgmWdFXS3IYC3jPRJjWyDcFLzCOCStWNOwECyrpMZ9vpqKYxNtsy32xq36kWQcattKLUk36eu0K4AJehX38udm3p6TuBGQ/s320/IMG_0477.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In fact, I also thought the food was very nice, but the
two ladies disagreed, and as they are both fine chefs, I decided that they were
correct to save time. They probably were to be fair, with my taste buds still
not accustomed to the judgement of the quality of Thai food.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We said our goodbye and headed to the nearby Premium
Hotel, which was anything but what its name suggested, but we were tired and
had a few drinks, so it was just about better than nothing. At least it gave us
a laugh later.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfJLHXgKLAKaHhr8nvSshVguN96m58769spxb0tKt0eDv-6cFgosC9_SQ5WvDSuw4IOusnzdGuTzG4TtHPiwLyn1pSSDdhF9CsSECjRj7oDWuYw6vqn0vEwZtesH9HccarQ6jSwLlV3YgUXOBQA2PCKWj5B_4AuR86sBstzZURFrFkaiddN2jePeSIg/s2002/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2002" data-original-width="1502" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfJLHXgKLAKaHhr8nvSshVguN96m58769spxb0tKt0eDv-6cFgosC9_SQ5WvDSuw4IOusnzdGuTzG4TtHPiwLyn1pSSDdhF9CsSECjRj7oDWuYw6vqn0vEwZtesH9HccarQ6jSwLlV3YgUXOBQA2PCKWj5B_4AuR86sBstzZURFrFkaiddN2jePeSIg/s320/IMG_0513.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The following morning, we headed home early, stopping
at the attractive Rasisalai Dam tourist attraction on route and then Anny
Restaurant near Sisaket Railway Station for breakfast before buying an air con
unit for the house and doing the weekly shopping. A quality trip, with hopefully
many more similar to come.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-33474585065765290602023-03-13T10:17:00.011+00:002024-03-12T09:01:03.987+00:00Ubon Poly United (Thailand) <p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCNkHJ6fidIOuxWt183g_Nk-ps9PSjDdLDQR-K81MJaWpZyGpxv5qHE6nDV8zdSWKFbNgeYuANkRJ73CDJm2Rpqm40HM72Il5smLFskBLq1s8WYnI77LjBIb2y1kht4o4EH3eeRXJxQ_ZGO7UseEZCMrfyrHSFKFShXEE37LeFvEzSS3eCRawX7hh2Q/s225/download.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCNkHJ6fidIOuxWt183g_Nk-ps9PSjDdLDQR-K81MJaWpZyGpxv5qHE6nDV8zdSWKFbNgeYuANkRJ73CDJm2Rpqm40HM72Il5smLFskBLq1s8WYnI77LjBIb2y1kht4o4EH3eeRXJxQ_ZGO7UseEZCMrfyrHSFKFShXEE37LeFvEzSS3eCRawX7hh2Q/w153-h153/download.jpeg" width="153" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ubon Poly United FC is the team of Ubon UMT Academy, which
was formed in 2019. They are based at the Eastern University of Management and
Technology, which is where the initials UMT come from in the city of Ubon
Ratchathani.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Poly have seemingly been formed as a replacement
for Ubon UTM United, carrying ta similar coloured crest, with a phoenix
replacing an eagle. United had been formed in 2015, with UMT Stadium being
built in the grounds of the university after spending their first season at Tung
Burapha Stadium.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4BTovPcMKtrRHK24X1mfnhwwSqpFRM-7wpBmHm-OzGm-edUKIBb_EWnL5XEmrZp6F1RVdw7WWlCO8JaSOGTBf8Jz739r4EXyp_L78vVkP97560-t14xNtH0gsiUmmYJ5b542XC49i2Yxfq0bZULTTuTTVr9ESrPmxN7HdYwe9ntFIUal58KfwUcdVA/s11986/IMG_0554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3341" data-original-width="11986" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4BTovPcMKtrRHK24X1mfnhwwSqpFRM-7wpBmHm-OzGm-edUKIBb_EWnL5XEmrZp6F1RVdw7WWlCO8JaSOGTBf8Jz739r4EXyp_L78vVkP97560-t14xNtH0gsiUmmYJ5b542XC49i2Yxfq0bZULTTuTTVr9ESrPmxN7HdYwe9ntFIUal58KfwUcdVA/w378-h105/IMG_0554.JPG" width="378" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">‘The Eagles’ ended in second place in the third tier
Division 2 Northeast in 2015, with Trinidad & Tobago international Darryl
Roberts putting away the goals. This was backed up with top spot in the
Champions League playoffs with victory over Satun United claiming the overall league
title.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Promotion to Division 1, saw Brazilian front man Victor
Cardozo slot away the goals in 2016, with Ubon finishing runners-up under coach
Scott Cooper to clinch a second successive promotion, this time to the top
level of Thai football.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7PbS9FuXsujvj8_hj5kqF3BJzZueupj5ZyecFA0lp2eO2FDiiQOp2jMO87Zv02eFbaRmkC9_ZqoQGLQ9mHpOFMlRWSfVvNZcEnftxWBKaCLWgEvBOnwVAmtgIMaif21Jko8Q04CfMgX6JyX0J94-96ytCP3vVd4iRW1rpEUrMg6MdqUwhIiIx5AbKA/s3949/IMG_0547.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2697" data-original-width="3949" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7PbS9FuXsujvj8_hj5kqF3BJzZueupj5ZyecFA0lp2eO2FDiiQOp2jMO87Zv02eFbaRmkC9_ZqoQGLQ9mHpOFMlRWSfVvNZcEnftxWBKaCLWgEvBOnwVAmtgIMaif21Jko8Q04CfMgX6JyX0J94-96ytCP3vVd4iRW1rpEUrMg6MdqUwhIiIx5AbKA/s320/IMG_0547.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A tenth place was achieved in 2017, as Bajram Nebihi
led the scoring charts. However, 2018 saw Cooper resign and be replaced by Mixu
Paatelainen, who in turn was succeeded by Sugao Kambe as United were relegated
despite the goals of Apiwat Pengprakon and Somsak Musikaphan.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ubon endured a shocking 2019 campaign, ending second
from bottom in Thai League 2 as Rogerio top scored, but there was much worse to
come.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2H_8wrlcbKXp0_fJzbE5BlrqBw-Jw9iZuRbrbY9Kl_7hEBrJwdQY4RCqjcqLIueMH0aCvrn-eFORreDzEdpPXaG30BECrgU_cLj_x-ZlNU-DAMF_KF-ziFE4Y8y9s_kaV7DQ-eABEe6_5TQCzHrkHfb35dgNwJnSz93KRrQacVlgYFgliWReH_G1Yw/s4032/IMG_0552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2H_8wrlcbKXp0_fJzbE5BlrqBw-Jw9iZuRbrbY9Kl_7hEBrJwdQY4RCqjcqLIueMH0aCvrn-eFORreDzEdpPXaG30BECrgU_cLj_x-ZlNU-DAMF_KF-ziFE4Y8y9s_kaV7DQ-eABEe6_5TQCzHrkHfb35dgNwJnSz93KRrQacVlgYFgliWReH_G1Yw/s320/IMG_0552.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The club was initially relegated to 2020 Thai League 4
by the FA Thailand owing to a failure regarding the club licensing and wage
problems. United were dissolved leaving the way for the academy and Ubon Poly
to use UTM Stadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Poly held trails and played many friendly games prior
to entering the Thailand Amateur League of 2022, where they ended in third
place in Northeast Southern Zone Group C with Aekkayut Thongsai coaching the
side.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvnh1zH2Lg1i965Gb59wiebIl8yootI_bJm6Om911KwzKKt68XCT7li7nhcAt0-Tl7_ugMAHzBubYjaqVje40WiSGVZkVTI-NSNKJ4llcF6YOpTTZ-Fdez8aYnWWLYx_P4jbrA1NQBEfKHGYfiOPkNyv__zlLwJE2y_sBWvqaCJccSnEVuOpkAARudw/s4032/IMG_0559.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvnh1zH2Lg1i965Gb59wiebIl8yootI_bJm6Om911KwzKKt68XCT7li7nhcAt0-Tl7_ugMAHzBubYjaqVje40WiSGVZkVTI-NSNKJ4llcF6YOpTTZ-Fdez8aYnWWLYx_P4jbrA1NQBEfKHGYfiOPkNyv__zlLwJE2y_sBWvqaCJccSnEVuOpkAARudw/s320/IMG_0559.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The team continued to build after this recruiting
players and playing lots of friendly matches as Poly were admitted into the
Thai Semi-Pro League of 2022-23 playing in the Northeast Region under head
coach Panuwat Sripao, hoping to win promotion to the national league set up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They failed in their first attempt in the competition, before adding United to their title for the 2023-24 campaign, which saw the appointment of head coach Sarawut Ruksasri.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ubon Poly FC will play in the Thai Semi-Pro League Northeast in the 2022-24 season</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">My visits</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Ubon Poly 4 Ubon Kids City 2 (Sunday 5</span><sup>th</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif">
March 2023) Thai Semi-Pro League Northeast (att: 432)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a4_bCPv215xeRu00ss-f9jIqxUh95_e95lGAq-NzavWgS0dTuWE1e0Z0XUiZ1MWWYaBPElGUe-QB-c_uwb86aNCVtVu9g-oC2_0WHgZrOBGwT2-puz1ew5o8AXFE1-0hWsAuc3m14Gwi1yXDAypLqycLlIAZIZis2EAznCUNd8ztm7YZm4SIFg8WCw/s2048/IMG_0532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a4_bCPv215xeRu00ss-f9jIqxUh95_e95lGAq-NzavWgS0dTuWE1e0Z0XUiZ1MWWYaBPElGUe-QB-c_uwb86aNCVtVu9g-oC2_0WHgZrOBGwT2-puz1ew5o8AXFE1-0hWsAuc3m14Gwi1yXDAypLqycLlIAZIZis2EAznCUNd8ztm7YZm4SIFg8WCw/w262-h262/IMG_0532.JPG" width="262" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was keen to visit UMT Stadium as soon as I saw that
it would be back in action and hosting what were decent crowds. It was the
weekend before my wedding, so I decided to head to Ubon despite being at the
Sisaket United match the previous evening with soon to be family.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My wonderful woman Taew did the honours and dropped me
at Kanthararom where I popped round to the small bus depot to wait for a van
for 53 Baht, which took around forty minutes to the large bus terminal of Ubon
Ratchathani.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbITc5IjLmbpSWD-G-1Y-o_FsD00c7kioNY8jY2b-Aivvjx8qy_C4WSbgtsiHH4-b4sJ4NeN5qAvzOdDEiPhx8dJWPN5pQxVyA-gLDfWOb0pz_cXwv5fsDaQhoG_es9_CvII37Ka57Z49SjNdvu05mrCsKXXpidiI-rbNbx38A1vaeDY5hLa-c6ZXjw/s3925/IMG_0565.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2684" data-original-width="3925" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbITc5IjLmbpSWD-G-1Y-o_FsD00c7kioNY8jY2b-Aivvjx8qy_C4WSbgtsiHH4-b4sJ4NeN5qAvzOdDEiPhx8dJWPN5pQxVyA-gLDfWOb0pz_cXwv5fsDaQhoG_es9_CvII37Ka57Z49SjNdvu05mrCsKXXpidiI-rbNbx38A1vaeDY5hLa-c6ZXjw/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On arrival, there were services heading everywhere, but I soon
managed to locate the City Bus which ran to the airport via the main drag. The
10 Baht fare took me to Thung Sri Mueang, a main square and park in the city.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It had historical connotations to a Briton, as the
monument was provided by former Prisoners of War from the Death Railway at
Kanchanaburi, who were sent to Ubon by the Japanese. The monument was a way of
saying thank you to the kind locals who took care of them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgbANyfpuumNcec9iSDNPXsG40kHFyFx7ZP7Imvvlp6mNQz73-Ie3jQKP7ZMN3b1DkESi9LwqYwPkYUxPDtfpAlopf6iUGNz_R-QWGUH3DFlIk2cFS9CbU1R8F8Rqfr4CxDxBQwGc_Eue24UDeUrscea7FtIs2ymZr1tt5C5utU6vPAIlERVC0GOhTA/s4032/IMG_0564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgbANyfpuumNcec9iSDNPXsG40kHFyFx7ZP7Imvvlp6mNQz73-Ie3jQKP7ZMN3b1DkESi9LwqYwPkYUxPDtfpAlopf6iUGNz_R-QWGUH3DFlIk2cFS9CbU1R8F8Rqfr4CxDxBQwGc_Eue24UDeUrscea7FtIs2ymZr1tt5C5utU6vPAIlERVC0GOhTA/s320/IMG_0564.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Next, I wandered down to the Mun, the large river that
runs through the province to Sisaket. I decided to have pork fried rice for
lunch at the friendly and excellent value at Mala Table Set, Branch 15 before a
wander into the city in search of transport.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A songthaew looked to have solved that but I had to
disembark as it took a right turn towards the airport, with a taxi being my
salvation the rest of the way to the stadium, in time for a beer and a look
around inside what was a most impressive venue as I took advantage of the free
admission.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcBaZ87jpzMTY7YlocwRzQjWdpWYkDkCIR_izda42eTsSJxXmUI6dkrvgjLrcNcnrYR2vZuWtKmITseEcJRDiijSELX7Wm35xafFF9Suc0DcGAzU1vgQO6bxh1SlW_3qRbX1btDOAPNLwgbFPxhbolMyPOcsPdIMY1o5OXjCRjSZhVZfVkkLFnL1h5g/s3057/IMG_0571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2548" data-original-width="3057" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcBaZ87jpzMTY7YlocwRzQjWdpWYkDkCIR_izda42eTsSJxXmUI6dkrvgjLrcNcnrYR2vZuWtKmITseEcJRDiijSELX7Wm35xafFF9Suc0DcGAzU1vgQO6bxh1SlW_3qRbX1btDOAPNLwgbFPxhbolMyPOcsPdIMY1o5OXjCRjSZhVZfVkkLFnL1h5g/s320/IMG_0571.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I particularly liked the ends behind each goal with
substantial seating blocks, and the corner section between the near end and the
main stand. Every bit of space had been used thoughtfully, and I could imagine
quite an atmosphere could be built with a large sized crowd.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Possibly, its best feature, was that there was ample
leg room between each row of seats, something that’s quite often overlooked.
The local derby would see the hosts go to the top of the table with a win, so
the encounter attracted a decent attendance, including many from over the river
supporting the away side.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQiRxfgwwx53hyrkuG5Xf96Cppbzc8WoM1xPE1p8N4uVNq_R46yncgOTijpNzYDRIBb8rTi5PXyPDQ4-XG-iyK1bCs4H2-1LFQdcv3UbNJU7mgC6FZqfHzgnYw8sEFtQMXack90WMkJg7MRroyRGa0kQWaMKFIk8WLi1a27DLMM6abHm-XTCTaKo46w/s4032/IMG_0575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQiRxfgwwx53hyrkuG5Xf96Cppbzc8WoM1xPE1p8N4uVNq_R46yncgOTijpNzYDRIBb8rTi5PXyPDQ4-XG-iyK1bCs4H2-1LFQdcv3UbNJU7mgC6FZqfHzgnYw8sEFtQMXack90WMkJg7MRroyRGa0kQWaMKFIk8WLi1a27DLMM6abHm-XTCTaKo46w/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Poly’s Thichanon Phimwan fired over a great chance in
the early stages, as his veteran strike partner, Rachanon Srinork, threw his
considerable weight around and used all his experience of getting into the ear
of referee Nakarin Thongkerd who was not the strongest official I’d ever witnessed. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">There were fouls aplenty as the game woke up, with
plenty of local pride at stake, with Tanyapong Saengsawang firing just wide for
the visitors on what was a hot and steamy afternoon, necessitating a couple of
breaks for drinks in each half.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6dZWjhmia9oS5jP9fafM90wxqq1_K7eN33QnYT82qXsC6V1ryWdp6IBM5CtftdvKwFZaCuOz9mNMUEWOKkpnwWyFKrC5cLd1ziuIxCR2PyxTnh373ypNzs2S7f-NlvRKjnuBXx5_gzu2cQNfNhVTDmCWGkplCRgSOWE2Pf3eD4xrichgZrMyMI097Q/s4032/IMG_0566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6dZWjhmia9oS5jP9fafM90wxqq1_K7eN33QnYT82qXsC6V1ryWdp6IBM5CtftdvKwFZaCuOz9mNMUEWOKkpnwWyFKrC5cLd1ziuIxCR2PyxTnh373ypNzs2S7f-NlvRKjnuBXx5_gzu2cQNfNhVTDmCWGkplCRgSOWE2Pf3eD4xrichgZrMyMI097Q/s320/IMG_0566.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Home skipper Noppawit Obma clumsily brought down an
opponent in the box, but his blushes were spared when keeper Pattanan Pijittham
pushed the penalty away from Theerawat Sirijan in what was becoming an
absorbing match which was not lacking in commitment or passion.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The hosts winger Nattapakun Paingpala looked
impressive, while the visiting bench were going spare with the nearside
linesman. It began to get a little naughty, and the ref thankfully seemed to
get a grip for the safety of the players, entertaining though it was.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc6y6LdHvpHhsHans06S4m8PcTu4F_G6SZRCKMH30MRUX2PlFN36sTtnVEWg7mfRek16ylTfTGckaFgVGrgYUIoaYT1D2_AprKABcHqYy93OVCVVQdA99wsGcVj4cB3xsWZg4ezeQweftGaDDJlXt9awvc4ZAHFkm7c33_KOfbEAqqINvXkMq9yDDgA/s4032/IMG_0574.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc6y6LdHvpHhsHans06S4m8PcTu4F_G6SZRCKMH30MRUX2PlFN36sTtnVEWg7mfRek16ylTfTGckaFgVGrgYUIoaYT1D2_AprKABcHqYy93OVCVVQdA99wsGcVj4cB3xsWZg4ezeQweftGaDDJlXt9awvc4ZAHFkm7c33_KOfbEAqqINvXkMq9yDDgA/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was Paingpala who set up Phimwan with the opening
goal ten minutes from the break, before the lead was doubled from the spot by
Srinork after a shot from outside the area was deemed to have been handled. The
goals noticeably dampened the enthusiasm of the away support.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For the second half I decided to go behind the goal
that Poly were attacking, which turned out to provide me with some cracking
views as the sun dropped and day turned to night. It wasn’t long before it was
3-0, as a diving header at the near post from Suphakrit Dongchan from a free
kick beat goalie Krissadakorn Suepbun four minutes after the restart.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz1wBYsIaDEXz_ff9I78_U3fb42WVwLpvJFnT6wLKhN9V-qtsvhs_RRIpCT-usLKtRHJEp9s24uPOAndwLnyQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Kids were united just prior to the hour mark when
a header from a corner went in off the far post with the effort being marked
down as an own goal by defender, Thiraphon Phrinphun, offering hope of a
comeback.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The game became disjointed as the players tired, and
Poly looked to hang on to what they’d got. I was helping a first timer try and
get a ticket for the Port v Muang Thong game via Twitter, while back at UMT Taweesak
Detphon fired across the face of goal for the home team.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGucALyRTTbjgJpdB3rfTTpEGkwnZip0hytWLlTuMXZmMIkkazssIU6gCHEN7vJ3jHeTQEeoeXrcq3-NMm49_Uc9c3j7-RO53vnyLHjUAcofqBVTryxSPwRmulnZA3Eraq0hKlxmDT9YhQRutfC1MXgVnU_ujHAclbUBnXG8RGYHKX9h1W0QhW4LPIQ/s4032/IMG_0581.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGucALyRTTbjgJpdB3rfTTpEGkwnZip0hytWLlTuMXZmMIkkazssIU6gCHEN7vJ3jHeTQEeoeXrcq3-NMm49_Uc9c3j7-RO53vnyLHjUAcofqBVTryxSPwRmulnZA3Eraq0hKlxmDT9YhQRutfC1MXgVnU_ujHAclbUBnXG8RGYHKX9h1W0QhW4LPIQ/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The frustration got all too much for Kids sub goalie Sarayut
Khongcharoen who was given a red card while on the bench. In the closing stages
Theodkead Siribon, a sub for Poly was put through but denied by the legs of Suepbun,
before he collected the rebound and chipped into the empty net from outside the box.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">There was still some action to come as Winai Jarukan saw
a free kick well saved as City continued until the end. They were rewarded with
the last kick of the game as Suphakon Phumkhong made the final score 4-2.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvoMVqIhSe-Btc5vV8DYvNE4SCCq4tn7UlvZzf2tUn06-DojV1KAGprPUKoh0ppvQDEYrF670Fxf357xSN9P2phGEleocnckbGM8GbcnB0NN8V-XpCYCCAHUCnYIAT-6qM8xSBs1f_sYUW86NLx4dVtTVwPWyh0hVIxgAVZkHH_KwTTn3p7WzSRz_-A/s4032/IMG_0582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2807" data-original-width="4032" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvoMVqIhSe-Btc5vV8DYvNE4SCCq4tn7UlvZzf2tUn06-DojV1KAGprPUKoh0ppvQDEYrF670Fxf357xSN9P2phGEleocnckbGM8GbcnB0NN8V-XpCYCCAHUCnYIAT-6qM8xSBs1f_sYUW86NLx4dVtTVwPWyh0hVIxgAVZkHH_KwTTn3p7WzSRz_-A/s320/IMG_0582.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I made my escape via the next door Nong Bua Market, happy that I’d
seen a blood and thunder match without any theatrics. Just every player giving
their all. I needed the assistance of a Grab taxi for the next part of the
evening as I was deposited at Ubon Tap Taste House Craft Beer & Foods.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What an excellent choice this turned out to be as I had
three glasses of extremely hoppy ale at 6.5% percent which quenched the taste
buds and was soaked up a good if small portion of spaghetti carbonara, and a
perfect plate of piping hot chips.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneRv8Z6Yg3vg9wngZeo42fJj3SyQYWt1J9KDjDs0p3CHJrKLVE-wmdEgyHIsGivGMrA65jXN04f8eG1rZHIUAIdfgUR6-KgeVAbUYwNFOun0g3YhoV_jAiaJOlnn0YhWdyz2B45dS99iGBo2JlMiQfRPJ-10mTG9xEi_RfaCBhR3P0q5Cxj_oeoeXFw/s3867/IMG_0590.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2236" data-original-width="3867" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneRv8Z6Yg3vg9wngZeo42fJj3SyQYWt1J9KDjDs0p3CHJrKLVE-wmdEgyHIsGivGMrA65jXN04f8eG1rZHIUAIdfgUR6-KgeVAbUYwNFOun0g3YhoV_jAiaJOlnn0YhWdyz2B45dS99iGBo2JlMiQfRPJ-10mTG9xEi_RfaCBhR3P0q5Cxj_oeoeXFw/s320/IMG_0590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The bar played excellent music at just the right
volume and had good staff. It’s one that I would recommend, but just for an
occasional treat, as the prices were at the higher end. That said I received a
10% discount, which was appreciated.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A further taxi was booked, which took me to the station in time
for the 8.30pm train, with my fare to Kanthararom costing 7 Baht. At the other
end, my regular cab driver Toy was waiting as Taew had made the arrangements
for me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFbeeFQuTeKwEOdQlRioOSU90KFYjgljn_4eKXaCBXAM5ig944D62iWE8oXTuEUM7jJX4cqJ0o_EVIS56PcAsFizEnFtaRqvSpb-tm1KjyysoAX9Q35qEuYvOh5Iin0FOQJS2f6phxsm9UohkqOUSEndrZg_9aPnh_zPbp_GjrB-UovIBdjSfCOGclA/s4032/IMG_0593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFbeeFQuTeKwEOdQlRioOSU90KFYjgljn_4eKXaCBXAM5ig944D62iWE8oXTuEUM7jJX4cqJ0o_EVIS56PcAsFizEnFtaRqvSpb-tm1KjyysoAX9Q35qEuYvOh5Iin0FOQJS2f6phxsm9UohkqOUSEndrZg_9aPnh_zPbp_GjrB-UovIBdjSfCOGclA/s320/IMG_0593.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I really
liked Ubon and enjoyed my first proper visit. I don't know why, perhaps the wide
avenues, quiet tree lined streets, the football stadium design and craft pub that
reminded me of a small Dutch or German city.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">There was a bit of a surprise awaiting on the lane close to
home as a far larger wedding than I imagined was taking place, with a full stage being erected in the
garden, with singers, dancers, and a band. It was of Tawandang Brewery size in
Bangkok. We managed to squeeze past the people buying from stalls outside the
house.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S38NJiAo7hkdNN42myClyj41bh-0SS8wVb8QXbJv3P9idIC8qEv_OliJB_QZMJ1b2m9qk8rnb3YXBXWnJ2nLwwSEXqI4eaDgCundOhtl2iJ0nti91f18P0QRDg7iXQnIAfxqyOJhKvjlA1iV7Zv-uC4IpQIwzyTLt0hydHCWxdyN46IVGwow1_Wx6g/s4032/IMG_0598.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S38NJiAo7hkdNN42myClyj41bh-0SS8wVb8QXbJv3P9idIC8qEv_OliJB_QZMJ1b2m9qk8rnb3YXBXWnJ2nLwwSEXqI4eaDgCundOhtl2iJ0nti91f18P0QRDg7iXQnIAfxqyOJhKvjlA1iV7Zv-uC4IpQIwzyTLt0hydHCWxdyN46IVGwow1_Wx6g/s320/IMG_0598.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There was only one way to round the night off, as my
good lady and I headed down there to bump into friends and family and have some
beers and a dance. It was most certainly the biggest wedding within 100 metres
that week. What a great day, though I paid for it the following morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ubon Poly United 0 Udon Banjan United 2 (Sunday 10<sup>th</sup>
March 2024) Thai Semi-Pro League Northeast (att: 620)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0W6DCp3cnAZlRPp27xSrYqd_0U8B9e4gAP8HQ-asSpUZLCHw0Q8jhmUVBQLR526MZ_NK8N6jzqcbByvyUbCOZARAFM8o-kM6E3Ig-VZ808kW_968zClNiHYnbzaLydaLgoNyadFomhpJf-uwUt_39j96CT5t2-rHN_Z1gInkSsrcoi1DvvpnOi91wnjO/s2048/IMG_5828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1619" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0W6DCp3cnAZlRPp27xSrYqd_0U8B9e4gAP8HQ-asSpUZLCHw0Q8jhmUVBQLR526MZ_NK8N6jzqcbByvyUbCOZARAFM8o-kM6E3Ig-VZ808kW_968zClNiHYnbzaLydaLgoNyadFomhpJf-uwUt_39j96CT5t2-rHN_Z1gInkSsrcoi1DvvpnOi91wnjO/s320/IMG_5828.JPG" width="253" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">An hour ride down the 226 road to Ubon Ratchathani
where an excellent display for the visitors put them back on top of the
regional division, from which the champions are promoted to T3 and the national
set up.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When the teams lined up for the King’s Anthem, John,
my regular attending mate, pointed to the difference in height and build
between the two sides, with Poly looking far more adept in being able to deal
with the physical demands of the game, and so it proved in the first fifteen
minutes or so.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRE_mHwDuED6SDmIFiVRFObkj-1K79kJYBvjSlrMsdfFJBaOKZfM_jJKGCEyjUJPFcL8gPWMETNN3GeZggolxgMYQNTcbSGBkX6Lsi00uNNQQuOAjeU4o_KKobyr5dLePbSFT8_VBudoiF5FDvn6ZzPOw5aP9s5rcs2rQgriWPStT-L1sMez-G5emA49VU/s4032/IMG_5897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRE_mHwDuED6SDmIFiVRFObkj-1K79kJYBvjSlrMsdfFJBaOKZfM_jJKGCEyjUJPFcL8gPWMETNN3GeZggolxgMYQNTcbSGBkX6Lsi00uNNQQuOAjeU4o_KKobyr5dLePbSFT8_VBudoiF5FDvn6ZzPOw5aP9s5rcs2rQgriWPStT-L1sMez-G5emA49VU/s320/IMG_5897.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, for all their good play, they failed to lay a
glove on the visitors where it mattered. The more slight and quicker Udon side
slowly got into things and began to dominate the midfield with their pressing.
The tiny right back looked exposed but he kept his discipline, meaning the
fella he was marking would be withdrawn at the interval.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By then a superb passing move put in Phongphat Pholphut
to score smartly past keeper Panupong Pijittham at the back post. The goalie
was pressed further into action making a good stop as the highly impressive
home crowd were given a shock. The winners of the game would go top after three
games, with Ubon Poly the favourites for the title among many observers
including myself.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-0lfA02fDXQl5RZEAZlkK3FaUS20MYFEzTm3TP_j9mVMbJJ7IsYD1bU3SPlUIIJUDzltuh38TOZE_qzzdaDXm8DhoOZT8TFbKofWijHSmnnhsOUZdQgN7mlGU7O7F4W64CtMk07hPgtWKAHcVXUTuzzEe1P3j1E5pjbfV3SdasOBYzoTgJiW1F9SSZpP/s3353/IMG_5903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2642" data-original-width="3353" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-0lfA02fDXQl5RZEAZlkK3FaUS20MYFEzTm3TP_j9mVMbJJ7IsYD1bU3SPlUIIJUDzltuh38TOZE_qzzdaDXm8DhoOZT8TFbKofWijHSmnnhsOUZdQgN7mlGU7O7F4W64CtMk07hPgtWKAHcVXUTuzzEe1P3j1E5pjbfV3SdasOBYzoTgJiW1F9SSZpP/s320/IMG_5903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We opted for a seat behind the goal after the break,
not least to enjoy the stunning sight of the setting sun and temple behind the
far end. The pace of the moves being out together by the away side was leaving
Ubon all at sea, too predictable and cumbersome at times. Then referee Rutratchapoom
Moolpong decided he would get in on the action.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I couldn’t remember the last time I saw a free kick
awarded for a deliberate back pass, but that’s what we gave, despite angry
protestations from home players and supporters alike. The wall was nowhere near
ten yards back, but it wasn’t to deter the plans of the Udon side. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb3KDd92bbCGmICtL2YmMpf_PwFofuiOgvs91fcHJLHac-n8sx80gevfZQrhr1Y31ZD0h38tHWFDC0_qhfzYoQmCqF9Lb1cA3Yk46xIC7mtDHkGX8KbMho0lTkNSYIMG1s-c-K9ALWXoAL_JRvXGmHgzV9b4IAi09ESVJNPiYLmhWE35yL_xn5dgAhBaa/s3883/IMG_5904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2569" data-original-width="3883" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb3KDd92bbCGmICtL2YmMpf_PwFofuiOgvs91fcHJLHac-n8sx80gevfZQrhr1Y31ZD0h38tHWFDC0_qhfzYoQmCqF9Lb1cA3Yk46xIC7mtDHkGX8KbMho0lTkNSYIMG1s-c-K9ALWXoAL_JRvXGmHgzV9b4IAi09ESVJNPiYLmhWE35yL_xn5dgAhBaa/s320/IMG_5904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The ball was
laid slightly backwards and square to Sittipat Kreearee who smashed his effort
in the very top corner. It was a brilliant strike leaving the hosts with a real
uphill battle with just over half an hour remaining. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Battle they did and forced visiting custodian Wiraphat
Chainikhom into making two brilliant stops as well as being rescued by the
woodwork. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The frame of the goal was also rattled at the other end, as Udon undid
their hosts at will, and should have really won by a wider margin. Their head
coach Supachchart Manakit is one to keep an eye on if he could produce sides like
Udon Banjan.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbjh10pQ5yZ3MKWs0AWRNRp1UKVczIC2PgoXeycZ7lrqHEnSdbgoxRGjofd5IVoTIox9T3LsrsE2NvlImEhvNpDadbVFjA1rZJ1Bv4I3V0fm2LVIWEBYeMJpXwXPo2lryCtM1BH64eSTOOq7ZUkYbZYPzmmPcQYxIjkJUmlgHilImEAYB4ws4HWxPBlkC/s3024/IMG_5909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2952" data-original-width="3024" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbjh10pQ5yZ3MKWs0AWRNRp1UKVczIC2PgoXeycZ7lrqHEnSdbgoxRGjofd5IVoTIox9T3LsrsE2NvlImEhvNpDadbVFjA1rZJ1Bv4I3V0fm2LVIWEBYeMJpXwXPo2lryCtM1BH64eSTOOq7ZUkYbZYPzmmPcQYxIjkJUmlgHilImEAYB4ws4HWxPBlkC/s320/IMG_5909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A wonderful day out as ever, special for me as it was
my wedding anniversary. A lift from my good lady to the pickup point and then
quality cuisine and Laos Dark beers at Peppers which really is worth a visit in
Ubon. It was a pleasant surprise to see vendors selling beer outside which
could be taken in as well as a table where home shirts were for sale for 390
THB (8.50).</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">No fans of current T3 side Ubon Kruanapat in evidence,
but plenty including a gaggle of expats in old Ubon United colours. A chat to a
couple after the game included the predictable but disappointing reasons that one
didn’t want to live in York anymore. John kindly dropped me at home where my
wife had a bottle of Jacobs Creek red waiting with some food. A really good day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-79379106093005192722023-03-01T04:30:00.005+00:002023-03-01T04:30:55.647+00:00Siam FC (Thailand)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3qut4hu8DETxqNwQsIwwsSMf4l8FQdClYIgZ4VcJIAcU1KsDqMGYdBfRBJ7sJyuDkPQvZvUl58Yxw34K_foEmsfVtPCb5S_tRZd7I4_lCYoZkSvLbCskfIXTUANSyvuEvzEPUYvVawxoTTGKTTMM19NZrOBPgoJuADN0btG7u-9YqRtrCD38EENPFg/s354/Siam,_2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="282" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3qut4hu8DETxqNwQsIwwsSMf4l8FQdClYIgZ4VcJIAcU1KsDqMGYdBfRBJ7sJyuDkPQvZvUl58Yxw34K_foEmsfVtPCb5S_tRZd7I4_lCYoZkSvLbCskfIXTUANSyvuEvzEPUYvVawxoTTGKTTMM19NZrOBPgoJuADN0btG7u-9YqRtrCD38EENPFg/w125-h156/Siam,_2019.png" width="125" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Siam FC is a professional football club located in the
Thai capital of Bangkok, which was originally formed in 2011 as Rangsit FC, who
were given a place in the third tier Regional League Division 2 Bangkok
Metropolitan Region as an expansion club in 2012.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A debut season eleventh place playing at Leo Stadium,
home of Bangkok Glass. A change of name for the following campaign to Thonburi BG
United followed, with the team a reserve side for Glass, with home
games played at Thonburi University Stadium.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Zwr2aWyMFRQVyjvrVWDN7quB1OoIEzDFkJp5-nybRcrGXZksSlooOxIbZIiFpwAbJeMFaJ-F93zZqDRQ1HzNmBctIMdMO6mhLakY_Mhep9AGOeDt_r9glkSZIPqoN7ednOrmJlt4m4VBKNHbCrTWkJXyO_Ohs0gHxWyajXfDbRz5yQt9MWFnH31IA/s15844/IMG_1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="15844" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Zwr2aWyMFRQVyjvrVWDN7quB1OoIEzDFkJp5-nybRcrGXZksSlooOxIbZIiFpwAbJeMFaJ-F93zZqDRQ1HzNmBctIMdMO6mhLakY_Mhep9AGOeDt_r9glkSZIPqoN7ednOrmJlt4m4VBKNHbCrTWkJXyO_Ohs0gHxWyajXfDbRz5yQt9MWFnH31IA/w412-h94/IMG_1668.JPG" width="412" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The side ended second from bottom in Central &
Western Region prior to a move back to the Bangkok region, where they reverted
to the Rangsit name, finishing in midtable while playing at Rajamangala
University of Technology Thanyaburi Satadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A return to Leo Stadium followed in 2015, and with it,
a slight improvement on the pitch, with another similar position being achieved
a year later. Thai football extended to four tiers for the 2017 season, which
saw the club become Bangkok Glass B in the Bangkok region of Thai League 4,
where the team ended third.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58SBCGdz3Z1cGOfPKrMg7wF7ygnUyoSqyulgLE6fM5FesoTGDWhh8K-6whI1g_bkQAOjvBwaOjZOaSwMP8H6bB3sVTcrHYE0WbIQGHUxd-6U7H578QammckGP4IMUVqlSUFDfvyR1dyK8qlnRBY1BJMzaj3EZ7U8OTWjFHl_vOvqm0Fcss4ySayXJlw/s4788/IMG_7702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3591" data-original-width="4788" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58SBCGdz3Z1cGOfPKrMg7wF7ygnUyoSqyulgLE6fM5FesoTGDWhh8K-6whI1g_bkQAOjvBwaOjZOaSwMP8H6bB3sVTcrHYE0WbIQGHUxd-6U7H578QammckGP4IMUVqlSUFDfvyR1dyK8qlnRBY1BJMzaj3EZ7U8OTWjFHl_vOvqm0Fcss4ySayXJlw/s320/IMG_7702.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2018 saw another retitle, as BGC ended in the
Champions League playoff positions, where their hopes of promotion ended in
defeat to Hua Hin City as Phattharaphon Jansuwan led the scoring. At this point, the club was taken over and renamed Siam FC.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The side played half the 2019 campaign at Rajamangala
University of Technology Thanyaburi, with the other at Nonthaburi Province
Stadium, with the side ending in seventh place as Ghanian striker Oscar Plape
provided the goals under coach Alireza </span><a name="_Hlk128556668" style="font-family: arial;">Hassanalizadeh</a><span style="font-family: arial;">
who was replaced by Philip </span><a name="_Hlk128557155" style="font-family: arial;">Adejoh</a><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwRqny1RdqHBEgKxerP_7NGj41t4Kx9gxtHWV_BHAXTsWygkXGIW4ljS9r24BwSz1QnUe44qof2ar3xk_MAle7pjDxZIaXfU7duum-ICZFLznaTq8gbGJK6Wih0G7Fm_u85_HMyg2-waqr_kSH2gtFmLNrEiMrRtpK3J1z7jDdJXdALcrrF0vhkoWEw/s5184/IMG_7700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwRqny1RdqHBEgKxerP_7NGj41t4Kx9gxtHWV_BHAXTsWygkXGIW4ljS9r24BwSz1QnUe44qof2ar3xk_MAle7pjDxZIaXfU7duum-ICZFLznaTq8gbGJK6Wih0G7Fm_u85_HMyg2-waqr_kSH2gtFmLNrEiMrRtpK3J1z7jDdJXdALcrrF0vhkoWEw/s320/IMG_7700.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A turbulent campaign ended with Boonyanaisakdi Yiamran
in charge of the side. The club set up an academy at the same time, to try and
nurture its own production line of talent. The 2020-21 season saw Thai professional
football revert to three levels, and to adopt the European playing calendar.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Siam finished second from bottom of the table, in
which Hassanalizadeh had another spell at the helm, followed by Ruben Fortunato
Lopez and then Matu Conde. A vastly improved performance saw a sixth-place finish in 2021-22 after relocation to the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Minburi.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5A1fSn2Jj1IkG6NXZECkazTH4WG0Lybnoem834Pigo4XdNuH_XAIWZcJ33g6tOGmtcZx7jYIHkTlKyoCyRVKzwlHEHsAwnOG4cDDSKv4bEtSnN5t6HD_TOUVKS1HfQXIfVHiB4DocE8XlG-PNI3W5WFrFnuS8SgGAhhp2ru5iG_91H9qhz3zUh1Akw/s4032/IMG_7368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5A1fSn2Jj1IkG6NXZECkazTH4WG0Lybnoem834Pigo4XdNuH_XAIWZcJ33g6tOGmtcZx7jYIHkTlKyoCyRVKzwlHEHsAwnOG4cDDSKv4bEtSnN5t6HD_TOUVKS1HfQXIfVHiB4DocE8XlG-PNI3W5WFrFnuS8SgGAhhp2ru5iG_91H9qhz3zUh1Akw/s320/IMG_7368.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That season saw Sarfo Otis Adjei end as top scorer for
the team led by Kobenan Leon N'Guatta from November 2021, prior to the return
of coach Adejoh. Adisorn Kittipornpracha was put in charge of the side at the
start of the 2022-23 season.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Siam FC will play in Thai League 3 Bangkok
Metropolitan Region in the 2022-23 season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">My visits</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Siam FC 1 Inter Bangkok 0 (Sunday 4th September 2022)
Thai League Cup First Qualification Round (att: c150)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ_7LiGIjR1ijgeBkRAymbpvLLty9a61d_WG5MemD6jSVuyFPZhZUBfbOiUY7HupisshRc6DI0y6bMCW3gEIXI4M8hUAQOjdgT92nKR_qxQ5rvT1k0OMrBegk-nE6-BsApDVw1cupL8e2xscE2vt6p2BfoendYRdl5R_RYKaIikeaTOG0bqPrd_C1WA/s2048/IMG_7304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ_7LiGIjR1ijgeBkRAymbpvLLty9a61d_WG5MemD6jSVuyFPZhZUBfbOiUY7HupisshRc6DI0y6bMCW3gEIXI4M8hUAQOjdgT92nKR_qxQ5rvT1k0OMrBegk-nE6-BsApDVw1cupL8e2xscE2vt6p2BfoendYRdl5R_RYKaIikeaTOG0bqPrd_C1WA/w276-h276/IMG_7304.JPG" width="276" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My third visit to <a name="_Hlk128559050">the 72nd Anniversary
Stadium </a>after previously seeing BEC Tero Sasana and Inter Bangkok as home
sides there. This encounter would see the two clubs currently sharing the venue
do battle in a cup tie.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My friend Gary was down from Buriram eager to tick the
venue of his list, as we were going to the match between Police Tero and Port afterwards.
On a gloomy Sunday lunchtime, he and his girlfriend headed for lunch with Taew
and I.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfzgZlpTY_KFAN9S6-fPN2YvHWOlyKcy6w4yOrgk2kaxMgxm4wG7ovEp_juuT6ydUJ7D-Ac5jQzAfu3DwEfpCh3PUYe0HwlrTcVZVAIcMQkmMBgzR4hlbEaj055O2KmtzfX5SJ13QQf7Od_JLRNdVWyJ8aViAr0lxot1ax69D6AkHIw_F3FpH0yVtKQ/s4032/IMG_7370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfzgZlpTY_KFAN9S6-fPN2YvHWOlyKcy6w4yOrgk2kaxMgxm4wG7ovEp_juuT6ydUJ7D-Ac5jQzAfu3DwEfpCh3PUYe0HwlrTcVZVAIcMQkmMBgzR4hlbEaj055O2KmtzfX5SJ13QQf7Od_JLRNdVWyJ8aViAr0lxot1ax69D6AkHIw_F3FpH0yVtKQ/s320/IMG_7370.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We met at the decent Phahon View Restaurant on Khum
Klao for some nice food, before my good lady headed off to open her bar, while
we went over the road and down the lane to the match, where free admission was
an obvious bonus.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The 72nd Anniversary Stadium is a venue like many
others used in lower league Thai football. It has a track round the pitch and
stands either side. The ones in Minburi are big, the place is showing signs of age,
and it is far too big for any of its uses. A proper white elephant.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That said, the views high up under the roof are
excellent. The pitch, like many other hired out arenas was hard, bumpy, and
badly maintained. We saw what turned out to be a reasonable match as both sides
tried to play football.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9d_Z7AYev3KxqSGHGahgdgygcYNmWHBbK48iJtoHuqm4C4APM95mQ9tVkgBVBIu3y6dNq2AA1d8PO7IZhwqvIJiQMDGiccFiR8StmncoEq5UE0w7Qhyxa-XLAOlOioAVEn7eHn2UAIMsYKOdUIlZchmvK2a-Xa_Es5zxNXOITge5-U2RYud_XrRaKw/s4008/IMG_7371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2623" data-original-width="4008" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9d_Z7AYev3KxqSGHGahgdgygcYNmWHBbK48iJtoHuqm4C4APM95mQ9tVkgBVBIu3y6dNq2AA1d8PO7IZhwqvIJiQMDGiccFiR8StmncoEq5UE0w7Qhyxa-XLAOlOioAVEn7eHn2UAIMsYKOdUIlZchmvK2a-Xa_Es5zxNXOITge5-U2RYud_XrRaKw/s320/IMG_7371.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Inter had been taken over by AUU in the close season,
and I expected them to be the stronger of the sides, but not for the first
time, my prediction was wrong. The teams were separated by a goal from Otis Sarfo
Adjei, which was scored nine minutes before halftime.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The facilities for spectators were pretty much nonexistent,
with toilets, which were far from pristine, being the only amenity. The chance
of refreshments was zero, which was a shame as when I saw Tero playing there it
was an excellent set up.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At full time we sped away as quickly as possible to
pick up our mutual mate Steve in the centre of Minburi ready for the evening’s
action, which was truncated by a huge storm and the three of us getting
drenched.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Siam FC 0 Thai Royal Army 1 (Saturday 19</span><sup style="font-family: arial;">th</sup><span style="font-family: arial;">
November 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: 75)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-0lrbj3LSN5L2-0e3evDpHE9PMQCrADmxEtJzjMExz2OoLvurBBtWzeIwvCIaPJZUaL-oY5LQ7enFXPyTI4uk_LJXhHUZc4TYpXKxm6yeDe0jc97S-SnNswpcjgA1kNAM0P1FzG66BcQ3y67AC3CEliVOp7PSZ6GDKu0c5eoEIKhwC0t8OEG0uaS7g/s1000/316037157_1823193471375658_4445177712275538625_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-0lrbj3LSN5L2-0e3evDpHE9PMQCrADmxEtJzjMExz2OoLvurBBtWzeIwvCIaPJZUaL-oY5LQ7enFXPyTI4uk_LJXhHUZc4TYpXKxm6yeDe0jc97S-SnNswpcjgA1kNAM0P1FzG66BcQ3y67AC3CEliVOp7PSZ6GDKu0c5eoEIKhwC0t8OEG0uaS7g/w278-h278/316037157_1823193471375658_4445177712275538625_n.jpg" width="278" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was an unexpected return later in the season, as I
wanted to stay close to Minburi, as my friends were coming to Brothers and
Sisters Bar to celebrate my birthday. I knew Taew was making an effort, so I
didn’t want to be worn out or late.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My plan was a Minburi City friendly at 3pm at
Kanjanapat Arena, not too far away and handy to get to by bus. Unfortunately,
that fell foul of the overnight rain, and I wouldn’t have been too worried
about staying in, until I received a message from a mate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucT2VyfTnnnmbVYnDxsmLMrf3kQu_K93G_fVr-O62ptZ2gYyLF5b6g-aBeOuNGyoJYNCEUm7dtjPKUL7oXxHxbzp3u56_dBXfxGXi6EfEDkM4CPGyvSnYfxyzkPq0Km7uiG6AzoAyaeKS7w9ymjyYO8M3D_5aQ6CVQhBEE4y6yHPkhb9icsLfAp295Q/s2955/IMG_E9350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="2955" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucT2VyfTnnnmbVYnDxsmLMrf3kQu_K93G_fVr-O62ptZ2gYyLF5b6g-aBeOuNGyoJYNCEUm7dtjPKUL7oXxHxbzp3u56_dBXfxGXi6EfEDkM4CPGyvSnYfxyzkPq0Km7uiG6AzoAyaeKS7w9ymjyYO8M3D_5aQ6CVQhBEE4y6yHPkhb9icsLfAp295Q/s320/IMG_E9350.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Brett Johnston and his daughter Libby were in town and
keen to catch up, and they didn’t mind going to football, so they agreed to
meet me at Min Residence. From where we took a taxi to the stadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s fair to say that this would not have been my
first pick, especially as Port were at home to Buriram United later, but that
was sadly out of bounds. Admission was 80 Baht, the club looking like they'd found a volunteer to sell tickets, but the atmosphere was
negligible.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7qDKCtZ7of1GUCfHjLo79GP8LZ9mvhW-jiZl1ERJfmJLapf9TIWKH_cEbkCQtovpqYl-bts1_IawrG9L8UF9bUTlo9SRwu6nugivgTn-cSBvHsoBjZfECDeEMIEI2-NPCiYjD2mBPXj_p_o8daihB4CA9biSw-gxD5hFdxH0AmmPQmodLo3lDGw70w/s4032/IMG_E9104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2789" data-original-width="4032" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7qDKCtZ7of1GUCfHjLo79GP8LZ9mvhW-jiZl1ERJfmJLapf9TIWKH_cEbkCQtovpqYl-bts1_IawrG9L8UF9bUTlo9SRwu6nugivgTn-cSBvHsoBjZfECDeEMIEI2-NPCiYjD2mBPXj_p_o8daihB4CA9biSw-gxD5hFdxH0AmmPQmodLo3lDGw70w/s320/IMG_E9104.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At least I knew to advise my friends to pop into 7/11
and take refreshments with them. I’d seen the Army side win at Kasem Bundit a
few weeks earlier, and their style matched their persona. They were fit and
disciplined but not hugely flamboyant.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was lovely to catch up and try to answer as best I
could the questions about the lower leagues of Thai football, and why such a
small game was being played in such a huge stadium. I honestly did not know. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIhUWI-d0Upd3LOzA76R99P6ul77LpLt-_IVcSE4JyomwsxfD1TMHhUQTC77z4Yzq7qe1u2FRb889JQn74yQoSLGv4bqZCWAB9Lrbz8IuuVO3Zk3I-ivbsgXhyJHUOnAdPlKM_R9y65VBcOZwO2YXRjZLIcXZtZ_yR2QzQ3DNatjLcV4un2Qz4FT1rQ/s4032/IMG_E9106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIhUWI-d0Upd3LOzA76R99P6ul77LpLt-_IVcSE4JyomwsxfD1TMHhUQTC77z4Yzq7qe1u2FRb889JQn74yQoSLGv4bqZCWAB9Lrbz8IuuVO3Zk3I-ivbsgXhyJHUOnAdPlKM_R9y65VBcOZwO2YXRjZLIcXZtZ_yR2QzQ3DNatjLcV4un2Qz4FT1rQ/s320/IMG_E9106.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The only surprise to me was how long it took the Army
outfit to break the deadlock. It might have been the pitch, or some hard work
from Siam, who played nothing like the lovely stuff I would see from their Academy
team on a couple of occasions.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The goal eventually arrived halfway through the second
period, when substitute Wasin Tiammuang thrilled the gaggle of away fans along
the main stand. Both sides tried their best, but it was pretty obvious that the
goal would be decisive.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNn603TxwHR_LDspX-HKqCG40PvzhbQjpLmv3Umm-0KK2kCoouf8QHA_yCOl7Rta9F8H_b_suH2wMTZqnjPKcPI81A-WjAr84lCnAxNUBD4CjkSCfU1ezdeFEun0PEGmaOHjC53Tsn-6Khr75aCszUsc2u28eovwQBOWyyNqqdoMhXSIYfSvD8zeXqjw/s1204/316261514_10162542892214676_1631601430242732125_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1204" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNn603TxwHR_LDspX-HKqCG40PvzhbQjpLmv3Umm-0KK2kCoouf8QHA_yCOl7Rta9F8H_b_suH2wMTZqnjPKcPI81A-WjAr84lCnAxNUBD4CjkSCfU1ezdeFEun0PEGmaOHjC53Tsn-6Khr75aCszUsc2u28eovwQBOWyyNqqdoMhXSIYfSvD8zeXqjw/s320/316261514_10162542892214676_1631601430242732125_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We departed a few minutes from fulltime, not to beat
the traffic, I hasten to add. Sods law decreed that there were no taxis, so
walked along to the main road. I dropped my friends by Minburi Market so that
they could have a good mosey while I grabbed an hour on the bed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They both joined me, Brett for a very long drink, at
my favourite bar as a wonderful night of food and drink ensued. And Port took a
beating, so all in all, things probably worked out for the best. Friends are
always more important than football.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-41842354675381963182023-02-28T06:26:00.006+00:002023-10-03T10:12:08.879+01:00VRN Muangnont (Thailand)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mqeOetvqxdQFnWgvJWb9jowrUz7AA1sCnnZ-mGb8crfZzaurc-bdAZ9f4SpO-ShfWi69UpVdXPtcUxhHUq4igHpB_NAxWa84j-W-DrRgCRe__p5NnfRLCulJWbeLUQ0e2xnATdc4iPeLqhMrpAbTokg-Xps5I4uXNuu3UHqglQZwZcMMfkmG61YmArNo/s334/Muangnont_Bankunmae_2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="334" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mqeOetvqxdQFnWgvJWb9jowrUz7AA1sCnnZ-mGb8crfZzaurc-bdAZ9f4SpO-ShfWi69UpVdXPtcUxhHUq4igHpB_NAxWa84j-W-DrRgCRe__p5NnfRLCulJWbeLUQ0e2xnATdc4iPeLqhMrpAbTokg-Xps5I4uXNuu3UHqglQZwZcMMfkmG61YmArNo/w170-h152/Muangnont_Bankunmae_2020.png" width="170" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">VRN Muangnont is a professional football club
representing the district of Nonthaburi in the Thai capital of Bangkok, who
started off like back in 2012 as Singburi Kapoon FC, prior to a second move before
their current base and academy was established.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Singburi Kapoon competed in the Central Region of the Thai
Division 3 Tournament in 2016, which was in effect the highest competition
outside the national league set up.</span> <span face="Arial, sans-serif">A fantastic tournament played out at the Nong Chok
National Football Center ensued for the club.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr32cw8_KM6nW1_WGQOIVjoXXyaXNVIT1FZxMFR6h0HJ8wNl9R19N9y7Q3Y1TbXmB4DtPQAmg0hP196HCEn6HDBAZiY3gXFfNJOB6xIeqkn_O_4xsgXXxtdgyCibdLVytw75hNr0tyCUhZu3w9VgSFrvSiKfX1uJzcxiRKXVV5nxRo4YY-gVtNY8IiEA/s5184/IMG_1392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr32cw8_KM6nW1_WGQOIVjoXXyaXNVIT1FZxMFR6h0HJ8wNl9R19N9y7Q3Y1TbXmB4DtPQAmg0hP196HCEn6HDBAZiY3gXFfNJOB6xIeqkn_O_4xsgXXxtdgyCibdLVytw75hNr0tyCUhZu3w9VgSFrvSiKfX1uJzcxiRKXVV5nxRo4YY-gVtNY8IiEA/s320/IMG_1392.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">They won their group before disposing of Kasetsart
University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nongkhae, Bang Pa-In School, and Pichaya
Kasem Technological College. This set up a final against Vongchavalitkul
University, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with Kapoon winning 4-3 on penalties.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Their reward was promotion to Thai League 4 Bangkok
Metropolitan Region for the 2017 as the league was extended to four tiers. Now
competing as Kapoon Warrior, they ended in sixth place as Ludovick Takam scored
the goals for the team who played their home games at Ayutthaya Stadium.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNIrBuEqzWrFE-YJa8ZYuuSirIspxt-Mc-E9UYpWoxr_P0dThfu2azcwKFzz-ocbrl17qQu39UZvd3wSnZrpspRx_o_kLiO1IpRzYbmR7PFF3TI1MdQ_7bmhu_tFubWFuE78qHDnwrPUXYuuVC1M_o37AxyzxU9iHzhXCd5Euf5rxKh6wDZhGSvrQXg/s4985/IMG_1410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3739" data-original-width="4985" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNIrBuEqzWrFE-YJa8ZYuuSirIspxt-Mc-E9UYpWoxr_P0dThfu2azcwKFzz-ocbrl17qQu39UZvd3wSnZrpspRx_o_kLiO1IpRzYbmR7PFF3TI1MdQ_7bmhu_tFubWFuE78qHDnwrPUXYuuVC1M_o37AxyzxU9iHzhXCd5Euf5rxKh6wDZhGSvrQXg/s320/IMG_1410.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Wittawat Wongnarat top scored for the seventh placed side in 2018, who finished a spot lower twelve months later for the club who
had changed their name to Bankunmae FC, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic causing
disruption around the world.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thailand decided to revert to three tiers of professional
football and turn to the European based calendar for the 2020-21 season. STK
Muangnont was born, moving to the Nonthaburi Youth Centre Stadium, formerly the
home of BB-CU in the top-flight.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKAb3IGpOT-WNAbuXVAMDEiCPA5h4r8AuKs7xf1AE7GowiatyqLRN0MDQVktbVOWbNYqBTLINuqFlv8TFFt1-k9nIm1a9CfpZ6mUiX5xzhPvZLxB4gNXLbvn3YfJz_eLPsKzube4IEVblo-rmkcXJutQbhBG-ZsLUdfU-NDLLXoQ3_2dekQQsG57MsA/s225/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKAb3IGpOT-WNAbuXVAMDEiCPA5h4r8AuKs7xf1AE7GowiatyqLRN0MDQVktbVOWbNYqBTLINuqFlv8TFFt1-k9nIm1a9CfpZ6mUiX5xzhPvZLxB4gNXLbvn3YfJz_eLPsKzube4IEVblo-rmkcXJutQbhBG-ZsLUdfU-NDLLXoQ3_2dekQQsG57MsA/w156-h156/download.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The club also started their academy with land over the
river in Nonthaburi, called </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Angsana New"; mso-bidi-language: TH;">Five Zone Field being acquired. STK ended sixth, as Brazilian forward Fabricio
Peris Carneiro scored regularly, while </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Supazin Hnupichai excelled in goal for the team
coached by Nikorn Anuwa, who was later replaced by Ittiphol Pimvong.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2021-22 saw Muangnont drop down a couple of places,
with Cláudio top scoring after Ekalak Thong-Am took over team affairs for the
second half of the season. Surachai Jarisirichoth was installed as head coach
for the 2022-23 campaign, lasting a few months until the appointment of Jakkree
Nongnoi.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwvIXeXh_6FoqZBFHQpZTnOEhCiTDi6RKf0sYAAQ4D3iMa2HyZ5U2Eu2nCsXJwQX5lKJcQvWYrC6jyhMMAo3_EgG4gUYf9Vv3WFoaOA2pWkk7CCa0uukVjeT50XQSanv1SOFHVZzPdMi_GwAJLMP7vSBecJu14rBfUSJTo0en3PKj0B0JAjJ1wveHqg/s5184/IMG_1393.JPG" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwvIXeXh_6FoqZBFHQpZTnOEhCiTDi6RKf0sYAAQ4D3iMa2HyZ5U2Eu2nCsXJwQX5lKJcQvWYrC6jyhMMAo3_EgG4gUYf9Vv3WFoaOA2pWkk7CCa0uukVjeT50XQSanv1SOFHVZzPdMi_GwAJLMP7vSBecJu14rBfUSJTo0en3PKj0B0JAjJ1wveHqg/s320/IMG_1393.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The side ended in eleventh, and then prior to the 2023-24 season the club changed title from STK to VRN Muangnont as Akarat Naunla-Ong was appointed as coach. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">VRN Muangnont will play in Thai League 3 Bangkok
Metropolitan Region in the 2023-24. season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">My visits</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">at STK Academy, Five Zone Stadium</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Bangkapi FC 4 Minburi United 1 (Saturday 7th May 2022)
Thailand Amateur League Bangkok Group B (att: c70)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOYZh2XEaFqPSAXlxqJ43bUr_37pIt6vnDLZ3KQ77HhJpUNshY9p8tYql1pi9YMuGo8dMPU2vnFLUmHCCo7cKbXKUt_8hjfbZ2j1D6wiPVmrTqDhvc_hmPuFFMXfs7ypzSgYEKXftysXNkwAId1dKqP7RNq6ZaKC8ltt9qRYxpMJEEergYLFRN4sKJg/s4963/IMG_9376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3723" data-original-width="4963" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOYZh2XEaFqPSAXlxqJ43bUr_37pIt6vnDLZ3KQ77HhJpUNshY9p8tYql1pi9YMuGo8dMPU2vnFLUmHCCo7cKbXKUt_8hjfbZ2j1D6wiPVmrTqDhvc_hmPuFFMXfs7ypzSgYEKXftysXNkwAId1dKqP7RNq6ZaKC8ltt9qRYxpMJEEergYLFRN4sKJg/s320/IMG_9376.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Please <a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20Bangkapi%20FC" target="_blank"><span style="color: #04ff00;">click here</span></a> to read all about a deciding day
fixture on a very wet pitch at the excellent academy facility. Much was at
stake to qualify for the next stages towards hopeful promotion to professional
football, and I got a see a cracker.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">at Nonthaburi Youth Centre Stadium</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a name="_Hlk128476509"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">STK Muangnont </span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif">0 Bangkok FC 0
(Wednesday 9<sup>th</sup> November 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att:
205)</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCPn_OguZEUM3tQy36XcH5mlCG3yONUD9ZN-I1q5Z7SEaSoRZOd1R6MqmOGSqpagbn81hdpRKJGZ2qeEwT571bYu45kgHOC_zQS4Kr8Zf_KIB7Nnh8QNXvA4JpyqF_nHTFL6eOJ5_grR9cH_3X8oJHicnlbz1IYq-xquU_MYBcqV278vtsQ-oTNrpKg/s2048/IMG_8940.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1409" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCPn_OguZEUM3tQy36XcH5mlCG3yONUD9ZN-I1q5Z7SEaSoRZOd1R6MqmOGSqpagbn81hdpRKJGZ2qeEwT571bYu45kgHOC_zQS4Kr8Zf_KIB7Nnh8QNXvA4JpyqF_nHTFL6eOJ5_grR9cH_3X8oJHicnlbz1IYq-xquU_MYBcqV278vtsQ-oTNrpKg/s320/IMG_8940.JPG" width="220" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’d got to enjoy several Wednesday afternoon fixtures
since my move to Bangkok, as it offered me the opportunity to see various places in daylight, and still get back to Minburi to enjoy food and drink at a
reasonable hour.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">After carrying out the task of booking a nearby hotel
for friends heading to my forthcoming birthday and sussing out a van to
Pattaya for the following day, I caught a minivan to Chaeng Wattana prior to
catching a number 66 bus.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcguKzVisPH0R0yv6dZdbGmBX0roYyvzGTrNAB3QT95eUlejWoLUI4zVuhZ_VFkpzn8l6rTjfyKadGtvkO0UiIcoChSMeodkeS1p_jNMHmotfiAaiQUpOif0bqGmDLrdnGJKvCE_kvW1RDtw6ce757qHn80FmtJD520Hv0kkd4ehJMrN68UGIZPXHgWg/s5184/IMG_1396.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcguKzVisPH0R0yv6dZdbGmBX0roYyvzGTrNAB3QT95eUlejWoLUI4zVuhZ_VFkpzn8l6rTjfyKadGtvkO0UiIcoChSMeodkeS1p_jNMHmotfiAaiQUpOif0bqGmDLrdnGJKvCE_kvW1RDtw6ce757qHn80FmtJD520Hv0kkd4ehJMrN68UGIZPXHgWg/s320/IMG_1396.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jumping out at the intersection of Pracha Cheung and
Samakki Roads, I wandered along the road through a quickly developing area,
with lots of future potential, as it had plenty of eating and drinking
establishments for the locals along with other amenities.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Grabbing some provisions at 7/11 I proceeded to <a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20BB-CU" target="_blank"><span style="color: #04ff00;">the stadium I’d visited with my pal Steve</span></a> to see BB-CU on a grand day out that also
included horse racing at the RSBC. The venue seemed unaltered since then,
making it one of the better third tier grounds.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvCXUs1wbeVb0En6MiW1IWan42fV_uuZcQlfx9TVDOd_qohhEsrO4KrugGGZYvHn4nWO0ZSveDv6W7Kein8zwfWdPEbV8l9G5oPoR-l2i2OluJLbiz7-8m8oVYKRYY9UJXhpYH8m0M3nvt7_sI_TuqJ_nsDenyiHu2po_si8Rb3GnO2gbOwUbr0tIxw/s4958/IMG_1395.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3718" data-original-width="4958" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvCXUs1wbeVb0En6MiW1IWan42fV_uuZcQlfx9TVDOd_qohhEsrO4KrugGGZYvHn4nWO0ZSveDv6W7Kein8zwfWdPEbV8l9G5oPoR-l2i2OluJLbiz7-8m8oVYKRYY9UJXhpYH8m0M3nvt7_sI_TuqJ_nsDenyiHu2po_si8Rb3GnO2gbOwUbr0tIxw/s320/IMG_1395.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Admission was 80 Baht for home fans, of which I
included myself, with an extra 20 Baht in the away section along the same
stand. Half chances didn’t quite materialise at either end on a late humid
afternoon for the 4pm start.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Brazilian midfielder Guilherme Moreira caught the eye
for the hosts who were under the control of head coach Jakkree Nongnoi for the
first time. His keeper Siwat Rawangpa caused a flap trying to play out.
Fortunately, for the home side the effort from Bangkok’s Bruno Suzuki was
blocked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrvGK_fS1GbtQddYAB6HwIxOHtva6yMKe5nOwGgaMynGzw7STnS7hIEZkVBcnVUFid6LmTEyA1lSUjTLxMvh9pPEOm_zJXKLQJm6CFHJn4k9wyQoOXcdzpeuvCdKOFtwxw3U-Z5zIikmaMznYcwT8pKzPcacF52cCw5tCTEBmKtVPkMxO357jDNCMoQ/s5184/IMG_1397.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrvGK_fS1GbtQddYAB6HwIxOHtva6yMKe5nOwGgaMynGzw7STnS7hIEZkVBcnVUFid6LmTEyA1lSUjTLxMvh9pPEOm_zJXKLQJm6CFHJn4k9wyQoOXcdzpeuvCdKOFtwxw3U-Z5zIikmaMznYcwT8pKzPcacF52cCw5tCTEBmKtVPkMxO357jDNCMoQ/s320/IMG_1397.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I do like the atmosphere that Thai fans create, often
in small numbers, but the drumming and chanting from the Muangnont contingent
was awful, being out of tune and time. Meanwhile, I was quickly discovering why
Rawangpa was a goalie and not an outside player. He was poor with his feet.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">STK’s skipper Jeera Jareansuk put in a good cross to
find Naoya Tokai in a good position, but he put his header wide. The visitors
put together a fine move including play from Bunlue Thongkliang, Wichaya
Pornprasart, Suzuki, and Padungsak Phothinak.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQKZa8he_-q44YAKwj70NIgV0KGXXBURcke_4fQJdbLHL6qoJtq8SRwy0lJBPDD7IgbPLGNtbMRU_OE8S1-sWBH-lS1avZFri7Ehc69kLV7T0UdtdVVw_BJPGpdkiPz2pa3PPzAiDd2mcI2C3gVmPD5srWIb58cWSN7CuZTC7ITkqY2rI1td2dl-sHA/s5184/IMG_1399.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQKZa8he_-q44YAKwj70NIgV0KGXXBURcke_4fQJdbLHL6qoJtq8SRwy0lJBPDD7IgbPLGNtbMRU_OE8S1-sWBH-lS1avZFri7Ehc69kLV7T0UdtdVVw_BJPGpdkiPz2pa3PPzAiDd2mcI2C3gVmPD5srWIb58cWSN7CuZTC7ITkqY2rI1td2dl-sHA/s320/IMG_1399.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The ball found its way back to Thongkliang who saw his
shot blocked. Referee, Niruch Panjontuk, who I thought distinctly average,
called a halt halfway through the period for drinks, which stemmed the
flow as nothing much else happed until halftime.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At which point I went for a wander to take some photos
and have a stretch. Shortly after the restart, an effort from Pornprasart produced
a fabulous save from Rawangpa. I had enjoyed the attacking play of Bangkok when
I had seen them earlier in the season at Kasem Bundit when they somehow lost
after dominating and being 3-0 ahead at the break.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ-LZ3qSIj6SWi_ulp2211IOjoq90gm_ALJyQcmh0hAymoHzPrFaf_bizY6vXzo9PqySKVgAqDYM6yenZY7sIRyUXM7PPJsfVaMRde1QVg9lvf7v_wnp_QEmhf5H1S_Y1EkMl_ZO9-KinvLGvPYQHWKaBrRfmiJ_4RBoFtgfPM4Aq4YNiLpiVTxWahw/s4805/IMG_1415.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3603" data-original-width="4805" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ-LZ3qSIj6SWi_ulp2211IOjoq90gm_ALJyQcmh0hAymoHzPrFaf_bizY6vXzo9PqySKVgAqDYM6yenZY7sIRyUXM7PPJsfVaMRde1QVg9lvf7v_wnp_QEmhf5H1S_Y1EkMl_ZO9-KinvLGvPYQHWKaBrRfmiJ_4RBoFtgfPM4Aq4YNiLpiVTxWahw/s320/IMG_1415.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A weak shot from Sattawas Leela failed to trouble
Bangkok goalie Yannasit Sukchareon as dusk descended on the arena, with no
signs of the floodlights being turned on. Both sides probed and looked for the
breakthrough in what was a decent enough encounter.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dauda Bortu played a one two for the visitors with Phootran
Gingpan but was denied by Rawangpa. At the other end, a long punt put in
substitute Teerapat Watyota who rounded Sukchareon but put his attempt over the
bar.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLDc9tbf_NZu_QTJyN3ZAxl3s5ULHFaHgBSgw44wg4VhYGzMR3qzUoo0jAjPWL3A2aQ1fELNQYN5zrUBsFaFUQie2o6OdOvsU1BMzrw4kdPeMFW5M_dMQEmjApMMMxxIpZy6elyJMZhAt1FUYDDagoB0iMZHPCsiYTDTczkGSqqzaid4AI4vbxgXZHg/s5184/IMG_E1412.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3318" data-original-width="5184" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLDc9tbf_NZu_QTJyN3ZAxl3s5ULHFaHgBSgw44wg4VhYGzMR3qzUoo0jAjPWL3A2aQ1fELNQYN5zrUBsFaFUQie2o6OdOvsU1BMzrw4kdPeMFW5M_dMQEmjApMMMxxIpZy6elyJMZhAt1FUYDDagoB0iMZHPCsiYTDTczkGSqqzaid4AI4vbxgXZHg/s320/IMG_E1412.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The lights were eventually pressed into power with
just four minutes remaining, as the game flowed from one end to the other. The
hosts had an effort blocked while Bortu and Thongkliang set up Gingpan who
blasted over for the Fire Bulls.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The final action in stoppage time saw STK nearly grab
all three points as Moreira astutely played in Watyota who made a brave
challenge with the ball falling to Pokpong Chaveesuk who was denied by Sukchareon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVauatM3tVEavhvZJ1BcuL2kMVstoeRFTw1Waz-DEdKi8_ee5SocqtZFEOnXtsxJIx6xQ_7LG7ndgaBvpYyMSg5UbErmTa0W2qpmQhscHuazp-Sc_unZJHi2SDCM-x6vOcxxzYf4qP2UIlnThF8me9BwElsYfYX27WubcJ73QnM_JqT6QQ6hpuyb6Y7g/s4291/IMG_E1419.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3138" data-original-width="4291" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVauatM3tVEavhvZJ1BcuL2kMVstoeRFTw1Waz-DEdKi8_ee5SocqtZFEOnXtsxJIx6xQ_7LG7ndgaBvpYyMSg5UbErmTa0W2qpmQhscHuazp-Sc_unZJHi2SDCM-x6vOcxxzYf4qP2UIlnThF8me9BwElsYfYX27WubcJ73QnM_JqT6QQ6hpuyb6Y7g/s320/IMG_E1419.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The last fifteen minutes were good entertainment, not
hugely helped by some ropey officiating. I headed away with what I thought
would be a simple enough journey back to Minburi, but we live and learn!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Hardly a taxi passed on the main road and the two that
did, didn’t want to know, so it was Plan B time. I jumped aboard a songthaew
which I presumed would drop me on a main road, so I was therefore a little
jumpy when it pulled off in ridiculously heavy traffic, to enter what seemed
like a village of housing.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmaUVxNGI8KP33PV-C_IQRw39pm2OjDop0ZscdKF-JWOYfjbszsxPEeBKfcX9lLCjs9FNbKvOjwYcSg6L6ewPpDMaws1UBRiaFGE5kzsp5g2tyaT_ZxIeQ7F9XJrLVM7tVoJVqR-xSHDTv6Hfuo3xJJ5ov1Zkzyn1KiG5Leb0MLBKFPZkPpxWfF5RZg/s5024/IMG_E1390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3768" data-original-width="5024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmaUVxNGI8KP33PV-C_IQRw39pm2OjDop0ZscdKF-JWOYfjbszsxPEeBKfcX9lLCjs9FNbKvOjwYcSg6L6ewPpDMaws1UBRiaFGE5kzsp5g2tyaT_ZxIeQ7F9XJrLVM7tVoJVqR-xSHDTv6Hfuo3xJJ5ov1Zkzyn1KiG5Leb0MLBKFPZkPpxWfF5RZg/s320/IMG_E1390.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Not to be perturbed, I alighted with the other
passengers wondering what I was doing on it in the first place before walking
down alongside the Prapa canal down to the busier Ngamwongwan Road from where I
knew that I could catch buses heading east.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sure enough the 114 soon arrived which deposited me at
Kasetsart University, so it was easy to get a taxi to take me to Minburi, where
I wanted to get back to so that I could make a phone call back to the UK. It
was a slightly longer adventure than I anticipated, but an excellent few hours out of the flat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-33227814871201695692023-02-27T04:39:00.007+00:002023-02-28T06:37:56.842+00:00Surin City (Thailand)<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV309bwE5VvarZZdo03hhn9M_kY2UiEQNUFsbGQrryObE3ekZrCCovswr3-GizxLVXCYHlMjvhjzKmXImz0TFJJdD5BcwaJn2_OYmbfFtLK4bgXdxferuDyoLYqtvGY7neGlLQT1kYPf3080J0FdFqhfHOYrO-WUKM0YaZx8vyxOdydduBYn_qGummQ/s225/SurinCitylogo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV309bwE5VvarZZdo03hhn9M_kY2UiEQNUFsbGQrryObE3ekZrCCovswr3-GizxLVXCYHlMjvhjzKmXImz0TFJJdD5BcwaJn2_OYmbfFtLK4bgXdxferuDyoLYqtvGY7neGlLQT1kYPf3080J0FdFqhfHOYrO-WUKM0YaZx8vyxOdydduBYn_qGummQ/w152-h152/SurinCitylogo.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Surin City FC is a professional football club based in
the Isan city of the same name, which was formed in 2009, initially as Surin FC,
with the nickname of ‘The Crazy Elephants’, playing their home matches at Sri
Narong Stadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The team was admitted into Regional League North
Eastern Division, under initial head coach Kittisak Meejaroen, where the goals
of Sekson Jansing saw them end in sixth place. A couple of lowly finishes and
another sixth spot ensued as goals were shared by Jakkaparn Chaiyasang and Apichat
Polpoon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpECcdb3Y2onCjlQ1inHGyRwmgolA9fNJ-UytmbNVpu01zQJNy03TdBKGE8Ch9MdjY1eCKEFsxAyU2oLsYbubOBMoMs-ZKVRlADgkjCNTl3ghpsb7YpVpYdU9LhdQVFxeJcVDI3_h3Bi1Vxd-kwe9-gXu8pxhH-jFBQ1S4crXzSmYbr1iYnDZPWleRw/s3558/IMG_0438.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2685" data-original-width="3558" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpECcdb3Y2onCjlQ1inHGyRwmgolA9fNJ-UytmbNVpu01zQJNy03TdBKGE8Ch9MdjY1eCKEFsxAyU2oLsYbubOBMoMs-ZKVRlADgkjCNTl3ghpsb7YpVpYdU9LhdQVFxeJcVDI3_h3Bi1Vxd-kwe9-gXu8pxhH-jFBQ1S4crXzSmYbr1iYnDZPWleRw/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2013, saw the club add ‘City’ to their title with the
nickname being modified to ‘War Elephants’. The side ended in fourth, and then
fifth, prior to dropping down the rankings for a couple of seasons.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thai football was reorganized to have four tiers for
the 2017 campaign, with City being placed in Thai League 4 (T4) Northeast,
where they ended in fourth position as Sathorn Junsoem found the net the most
often.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK0WDsAcqU-V_pRb0u8CXtHljbyZbfOplvqYyNm4LZVMT7ncQkayepOHVUJYKuUybPJ64cY3xSDMa8JdBmgr8veb9YFpyToRSitkiDXPhfAn0xc9McmiIaPjU78arzV2DDh8sAi4E76rxGE2oI5k2LjElQYSgwqUgFlYOE6yhjqJpiaq5nfZ-3WZh3g/s3959/IMG_0419.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2144" data-original-width="3959" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK0WDsAcqU-V_pRb0u8CXtHljbyZbfOplvqYyNm4LZVMT7ncQkayepOHVUJYKuUybPJ64cY3xSDMa8JdBmgr8veb9YFpyToRSitkiDXPhfAn0xc9McmiIaPjU78arzV2DDh8sAi4E76rxGE2oI5k2LjElQYSgwqUgFlYOE6yhjqJpiaq5nfZ-3WZh3g/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Top scorer in 2018 and 2019 was Watthanapon Chinthong
as Surin ended fifth and then seventh. At this point the Covid-19 pandemic hit,
and at the same time the Thai League was reduced to three professional levels,
while the calendar corresponded with its European counterparts for the 2020-21
season.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Surin ended in fifth place in Thai League 3 Northeastern
Region as Chitsanupong Minphimai put the goals away for the side coached by Watcharapong Samanthong. He was replaced for the start of the 2012-22 campaign by Tanut Pattaramaneesre.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sixth spot resulted, with the reliable Chinthong again on the mark as the
club continued their policy of not employing any foreign players. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Surin City FC will play in Thai League 3 Northeastern Region in the 2022-23 season</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Surin City 1 Sisaket United 0 (Sunday 26</span><sup>th</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif">
February 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 208)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9NAiVjTwavj7RVEsE6fpybGPEenlOWKCxH6cwUWG4EoBnAencx5UrECyRV8dmFqW6Z-R_P1z4U8AmkvYxpZjwOL-wMJT74U04DcUvj4x5uogVSHUEhxe4m8aENFucNcdGsJ--fNrpIzJIM6_xmpZcxiZ9uqburVkhoSbvQPHkX9Vy8Y2DlR4maDRGQ/s940/IMG_0415.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9NAiVjTwavj7RVEsE6fpybGPEenlOWKCxH6cwUWG4EoBnAencx5UrECyRV8dmFqW6Z-R_P1z4U8AmkvYxpZjwOL-wMJT74U04DcUvj4x5uogVSHUEhxe4m8aENFucNcdGsJ--fNrpIzJIM6_xmpZcxiZ9uqburVkhoSbvQPHkX9Vy8Y2DlR4maDRGQ/s320/IMG_0415.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A day familiar like all others as many other seasoned
football supporters will testify. A great day out spoiled slightly by the
match. Yet, within minutes of getting home, plans are being made for the
following week.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Going to a game at least once a week is the aim, and
this looked like a piece of cake a few days before as I had a choice of four,
all at venues I had never previously visited. But Surin was the one I wanted to
go to, for several reasons.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d_GIkf99W3-X1_vLGVRv2Vz5ANLtdRtIDTZP2F_r-OmHXUj4WqSWNpH5MRgKEZYtp15wwiExfCkuU5PyfRti11Is0oKMpP1QYOY2Dj30YPixDhK1wa_mAW-y9uMCJfuHGisT5tEqgihFDqtkx1fdcHtHZ8firFTi2gde0_GY1CAFrA_kSV1HTANG4Q/s3930/IMG_0423.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2735" data-original-width="3930" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d_GIkf99W3-X1_vLGVRv2Vz5ANLtdRtIDTZP2F_r-OmHXUj4WqSWNpH5MRgKEZYtp15wwiExfCkuU5PyfRti11Is0oKMpP1QYOY2Dj30YPixDhK1wa_mAW-y9uMCJfuHGisT5tEqgihFDqtkx1fdcHtHZ8firFTi2gde0_GY1CAFrA_kSV1HTANG4Q/s320/IMG_0423.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I had stayed for one night in the city during a tour
of the area in 2018, so I was keen on a revisit after previous happy memories.
It was the pick of the games with Sisaket requiring a win to push for the
regional title, and they were my biggest local club when based in the province.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">However, there was the nagging doubt whether I could
get back after the game, with knowledge being so sparse on the internet. I
asked Taew, my good lady to try phone numbers at Surin Bus Terminal but they
could not help.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxJgIb6VHkrx9_le6kZrtJ14a-837LEwnofEU6siN0PtVOJxpNDkBKiGsYpD-PfnHriTUp1qN0L3V5AZQRaFCjmbae3uUNiZO17PBvUZtJ_hCNWkGhXwTxrImxHA3Spt9NQSDb_E86t5BhpzeG9rUTsudYD8afdT-TKIj6E3WU8CShFv7IWX-FkMLEg/s4032/IMG_0418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxJgIb6VHkrx9_le6kZrtJ14a-837LEwnofEU6siN0PtVOJxpNDkBKiGsYpD-PfnHriTUp1qN0L3V5AZQRaFCjmbae3uUNiZO17PBvUZtJ_hCNWkGhXwTxrImxHA3Spt9NQSDb_E86t5BhpzeG9rUTsudYD8afdT-TKIj6E3WU8CShFv7IWX-FkMLEg/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I tried the United and a fans page on Facebook to ask
if there was supporters transport, but I got no reply. I also tried expat pages
on the same medium in both cities, but the answers were not filling me with
confidence. It looked like I would be heading to Ubon Ratchathani for my fix.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On Saturday teatime after attending a spiritual
festival at a relative’s house in the village I asked Taew to try the bus
station at Sisaket for me. My eyes lit up when she said that the last one back
from Surin was 6pm.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n0YdCgyTUSBOg9k0MqCIJJl8hJooM9uMACmVoEH4nwrF48TRC5Y_UF7MBF144k0LdlyPch3TKYonBd0OfqVlmndl3dt3yTThKjBlQLHHXgF8C6uTLwKciBJ3mWisJurrqb0NHTiCVZ3phhyPSQOjLkHhGKawW9oChZGCqRLJmSdkvZY9Ysz5tpS3lg/s4032/IMG_0421.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n0YdCgyTUSBOg9k0MqCIJJl8hJooM9uMACmVoEH4nwrF48TRC5Y_UF7MBF144k0LdlyPch3TKYonBd0OfqVlmndl3dt3yTThKjBlQLHHXgF8C6uTLwKciBJ3mWisJurrqb0NHTiCVZ3phhyPSQOjLkHhGKawW9oChZGCqRLJmSdkvZY9Ysz5tpS3lg/s320/IMG_0421.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sunday morning, I had completed by early morning
bicycle ride, listened to some of the Test match from Wellington and got myself
ready, for my wonderful lady to take me to Kanthararom where I left her to go
shopping while I headed round to the bus station.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Before long, my small nus arrived to take me to
Sisaket for 53 Baht, perfectly timed to give me a few minutes before my minivan
set off to Surin. The bus was cramped, but the driver got me a single seat. The
fare was 75 Baht, and it took just over two hours.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA6fEaR7i2zyYQuPY4hLBXt-5SmjqjP3cO0GGyiUX-XElE0yDJ35GM_cCcyog3BQPKVzDEqr3_2Mw_fMNDPxUJ7Ms6e5mbSaoB8K0V1hKTSCwznjUMPKPoZGPIciAodZddMEOyuSoFBeJGPZoIZ5_x1Kd_YBVVAyAFDTLKH9Awk5_0eU8PueLHjUQKQ/s2789/IMG_0422.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2580" data-original-width="2789" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA6fEaR7i2zyYQuPY4hLBXt-5SmjqjP3cO0GGyiUX-XElE0yDJ35GM_cCcyog3BQPKVzDEqr3_2Mw_fMNDPxUJ7Ms6e5mbSaoB8K0V1hKTSCwznjUMPKPoZGPIciAodZddMEOyuSoFBeJGPZoIZ5_x1Kd_YBVVAyAFDTLKH9Awk5_0eU8PueLHjUQKQ/s320/IMG_0422.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The main road between the two places was having lots
of works done to it, including what looked like a new flyover. We also stopped
at a couple of small towns to drop off passengers and goods. It was interesting
if nothing else.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On arrival I made sure that the last bus was at 6pm,
before I commandeered a tuk tuk to take me to Thanon Sirirut, AKA Soi Kola
where I knew of a couple of bars that opened at lunchtime. I was back on my
stomping ground from five years previously adjacent to the Thong Tarin Hotel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FOwlKK6Mqbi2lVwCWisdofcFpC29wZu0upJAJRrE2VqLr8RveTnV_TkVQEjUDdxltZAl29LG5mvklHb6I7Utwn5JAHSHr4AlDpVcqyneLvg-42KcMESTmbcmmIy2qcUCBlnru1BX4L9yJF7nY3lWgKvGSufdERKcJJleBTqyrKEEpRq2j_SURddRJQ/s4032/IMG_0424.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FOwlKK6Mqbi2lVwCWisdofcFpC29wZu0upJAJRrE2VqLr8RveTnV_TkVQEjUDdxltZAl29LG5mvklHb6I7Utwn5JAHSHr4AlDpVcqyneLvg-42KcMESTmbcmmIy2qcUCBlnru1BX4L9yJF7nY3lWgKvGSufdERKcJJleBTqyrKEEpRq2j_SURddRJQ/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In fact, it might have even been the same bar I had
watched the opening game of the 2018 World Cup in. Whatever, the A&A
Fantasy Bar did the job with a Hawaiian Pizza, and three bottles of Beer Lao,
before I sorted a Grab taxi to the stadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The 50 Baht entry to the ground was paid at the gate
to the complex, from where spectators were free to wander about. I went over
and said hello to a group of away fans gathered near the team bus before
seeking out further refreshments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTcfBoYeasxPo5vFmP4LkO9NvK7LhQhpdOMsO9yQGMO5Nol8_4M2AOUmAuCsufTLcNLONxnn8p9ADAsm7BJm-257v0CKvcW5qiYcAoaTa81yRWkff8a0ZxAP3BiBZDPgRFCzKpDrnU5PXbM3rFExyzic3O1t_PB8mK9vxct8GKMFJU3ggdqBOmmiFHg/s833/IMG_0425.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="833" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTcfBoYeasxPo5vFmP4LkO9NvK7LhQhpdOMsO9yQGMO5Nol8_4M2AOUmAuCsufTLcNLONxnn8p9ADAsm7BJm-257v0CKvcW5qiYcAoaTa81yRWkff8a0ZxAP3BiBZDPgRFCzKpDrnU5PXbM3rFExyzic3O1t_PB8mK9vxct8GKMFJU3ggdqBOmmiFHg/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Despite having several stalls, nowhere served beer. A
coke it would have to be as I grabbed a photo of Neto, one of United’s overseas
contingent, before I joined the rest of the visitors in the stand. They made up
around half of the attendance.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sisaket had the strong wind at their back in the first
half, with the first effort seeing a long low range shot from Phutchapong
Namsrithan being tipped around by home goalie Jeerasak Phananut, which hardly
raised a cheer, as the game at this stage was creating no crowd noise
whatsoever.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLOGdjGkm7ctjDhVU79kc2AA54X3mfOHIhh0YuzAR448FUNnc2CThoVKt6JxkDKR2snQmevzKVqQApPdm5SzbF4HqZcJ3vXtLE_gfz8Bj29Gov5rlfgjLCkO-Kk6cLiNSqpxyNN-ITBveAa8zUgU3M_NZL-pdNXiM8R7QmEzTVLoFyVZm40pdfbv2rw/s2944/IMG_0426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2057" data-original-width="2944" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLOGdjGkm7ctjDhVU79kc2AA54X3mfOHIhh0YuzAR448FUNnc2CThoVKt6JxkDKR2snQmevzKVqQApPdm5SzbF4HqZcJ3vXtLE_gfz8Bj29Gov5rlfgjLCkO-Kk6cLiNSqpxyNN-ITBveAa8zUgU3M_NZL-pdNXiM8R7QmEzTVLoFyVZm40pdfbv2rw/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sri Narong Stadium located to the south of the city,
near the airport, was a typical Sports Authority of Thailand venue, with a
running track, one covered stand and an open terrace opposite, virtually
identical to the two sides in Sisaket, right down to the paintwork, which
started orange, but has since faded and now looks more like pink than its original shade.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">It was certainly showing signs of age, and the pitch
wasn’t any better, being hard and bumpy, which along with the wind added
nothing to the spectacle. Romário Alves’s wild effort for United interested
only the ballboy’s.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jBOaJEW8KNffj37hN5zmiuc73V9ihIUbfZWAAgzt26D5o9nvIg1k9WtQ3i4Vx52jdn1Tj5_n7YmyBTXZCW0VXjoWlU-3--kU-aB5Pg88xq0E6JFc8h3RkDLQz48noJGRGL9xBM0XJClRsWQsap8W_19bzfs9D9K8PEWntIINNNJ9YsvzXiG8Ts1uIA/s4032/IMG_0420.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jBOaJEW8KNffj37hN5zmiuc73V9ihIUbfZWAAgzt26D5o9nvIg1k9WtQ3i4Vx52jdn1Tj5_n7YmyBTXZCW0VXjoWlU-3--kU-aB5Pg88xq0E6JFc8h3RkDLQz48noJGRGL9xBM0XJClRsWQsap8W_19bzfs9D9K8PEWntIINNNJ9YsvzXiG8Ts1uIA/s320/IMG_0420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Up at the other end a low effort from Watthanapon
Chinthong was easily gathered by Sisaket stopper Itthipon Kamsuprom. The home
side continued to play the conditions well and look dangerous on the occasional
counter.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A fierce cross on the left from Aphidet Sawaengsuk found
the head of Adisorn Bunloet, whose downward effort was saved. United’s Phattharpong
Phengchaem, who was tricky throughout, had a cross shot that went wide of the
post.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tWQHWfO4IxSNvgIZK8oYvbFUocIUUB0Yo7qpNA1otcvMkgyH-pBfRcpydQ74hmkBznI90A8q8iNPqR6fSr0tj9H0QGO5vZ7C0vcEaZvoYK8e2o8MxuzUaz61TVI7PqGSC5Xpp2JeU66zJb6SfSZ1J6tcvm7pWbcVxzGHcVuSxTkeUUrqwjVZDOTBBQ/s4032/IMG_0432.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tWQHWfO4IxSNvgIZK8oYvbFUocIUUB0Yo7qpNA1otcvMkgyH-pBfRcpydQ74hmkBznI90A8q8iNPqR6fSr0tj9H0QGO5vZ7C0vcEaZvoYK8e2o8MxuzUaz61TVI7PqGSC5Xpp2JeU66zJb6SfSZ1J6tcvm7pWbcVxzGHcVuSxTkeUUrqwjVZDOTBBQ/s320/IMG_0432.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Some excellent work from Neto Santos, who had a good
game in general, saw a cross find the unmarked Cristian Alex at the back stick.
The third of the Brazilians somehow headed wide with what look liked an open
goal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">This was the third time I’d seen United, and Alex’s
attitude hadn’t impressed me in two of the matches. He lumbered about and did a
lot of moaning. Before the end of the half, Santos teed himself up for a volley
that flew side. Sisaket had not taken advantage of the conditions.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0veiMZnaTE3SDzu-jEIfSbNsu4ZjA28dvBgXw8ebS6ri_7nYE94uZfVp5zyZQyDgccBlfx8H_qPdUCANvfpDH_ssglGXp_q2sMx67zBwb80WaFcd4fzWbE5bqejeD9C-JCGDqcxmWl6_mTlnsCMM0EnxWD6oQ_okR0dLwelHwvkYZ4w-gnH1uIUXhIg/s4032/IMG_0437.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0veiMZnaTE3SDzu-jEIfSbNsu4ZjA28dvBgXw8ebS6ri_7nYE94uZfVp5zyZQyDgccBlfx8H_qPdUCANvfpDH_ssglGXp_q2sMx67zBwb80WaFcd4fzWbE5bqejeD9C-JCGDqcxmWl6_mTlnsCMM0EnxWD6oQ_okR0dLwelHwvkYZ4w-gnH1uIUXhIg/s320/IMG_0437.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At the interval I got chatting to an away fan, went
for a walk to take a look at the Provincial Sport Stadium next door, which
looked barely used, though later research pointed to concerts, took some photos
around the stadium, and nipped over the road to grab a small can of Singha.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I rejoined the couple next to me in the stand for the
second half, the wife of the partnership being a jolly soul, who seemed to enjoy
my frustrations at the performance. United were playing alright, but barely
threatened. I’d seen games like this play out many times before.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYbNKzcZ7ZnvKVgIEC5Ys3-PbAMXEXXbUApHsdWgmFWZAAfR-dgq2QaJnLsiRd8nckZJf1ZUkkIr10oyZ7uX5PWvrd4_bEAiUtZJlvkvDeBoMMrFyW2GLStaCnpm-GsJ8o6NZHsFrdJRfF_9HAYiGX7KHVEn_AZh5_11k9LXRxRc0eQciJO6tbO8DOQ/s3581/IMG_0431.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2581" data-original-width="3581" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYbNKzcZ7ZnvKVgIEC5Ys3-PbAMXEXXbUApHsdWgmFWZAAfR-dgq2QaJnLsiRd8nckZJf1ZUkkIr10oyZ7uX5PWvrd4_bEAiUtZJlvkvDeBoMMrFyW2GLStaCnpm-GsJ8o6NZHsFrdJRfF_9HAYiGX7KHVEn_AZh5_11k9LXRxRc0eQciJO6tbO8DOQ/s320/IMG_0431.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was no shock on sixty-five minutes when Heman
Kittiamphaipruek didn’t notice Chinthong nip in as he dithered. The defender
kicked the forward where he assumed the ball would be. Referee Manuschai
Chawong was bang average all afternoon, but he was spot on awarding a penalty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The visiting team complained for quite some time,
realising that they were making a proper mess of things. The officials were
unmoved as the prolific Chinthong dusted himself down before firing the kick
straight down the middle past the diving Kamsuprom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDoaUGXX6P3Q5VFkt3xcGx7xFQCxd3-l9tZ7uIPlfMwwBzry_jQKLFNDqH-pTN428xYrz43xIfSRjw6mJjdZBZssAjbRzMmcH4SJ-UW5-pwRS6_-t9nVeOmbne9SALsgTmk35voxsq7Z9h9Z_G5PBw-FTVH_s_KpBiaTVjjUgjYWnNWPS1Ez7J6muwA/s3347/IMG_E0441.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="3347" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDoaUGXX6P3Q5VFkt3xcGx7xFQCxd3-l9tZ7uIPlfMwwBzry_jQKLFNDqH-pTN428xYrz43xIfSRjw6mJjdZBZssAjbRzMmcH4SJ-UW5-pwRS6_-t9nVeOmbne9SALsgTmk35voxsq7Z9h9Z_G5PBw-FTVH_s_KpBiaTVjjUgjYWnNWPS1Ez7J6muwA/w347-h141/IMG_E0441.JPG" width="347" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It woke the away supporters up who for some reason
felt aggrieved, while Alex continued whinging at everything. Sisaket decided
that it was time to try and do something about it, but the hosts were not going
to let go of their advantage.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Surin went close to a second when Amnat Sooknoi took a
free kick finding Noppadol Rojchanakongyoo, whose flicked header went just over
the bar. The away team plugged away, but nothing was going their way as they
become more and more frustrated.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPI_J7Vx9aTXizf8G05-Q8M-x_Nlu6b84zfo4WlBbkdIy1e7FwlmKll8AczFD3Wzjl1IQgMDY6QvTXTSrw22mbgOpb2b8ovjaFLlTVTcGOGqEXJLktOMtaMzDNcYd7RB0DpuKH0Ow68GzdBOD1oErhzB1Io85TYnWWJhi4NbWvDjxr0O_56tc_2ZQXA/s3540/IMG_0439.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2137" data-original-width="3540" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPI_J7Vx9aTXizf8G05-Q8M-x_Nlu6b84zfo4WlBbkdIy1e7FwlmKll8AczFD3Wzjl1IQgMDY6QvTXTSrw22mbgOpb2b8ovjaFLlTVTcGOGqEXJLktOMtaMzDNcYd7RB0DpuKH0Ow68GzdBOD1oErhzB1Io85TYnWWJhi4NbWvDjxr0O_56tc_2ZQXA/w344-h207/IMG_0439.JPG" width="344" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Meanwhile, I had my eyes on other things. I had a
train tracker on my phone, which indicated that the last train back was running
at least twenty minutes late. I decided to order a Grab taxi when the board
went up to indicate five minutes additional time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When there was a stoppage in play, I went to watch the
end of the game near the exit in the open area behind the goal. Surin deservedly
hung on, while I jumped into my ride, which delivered me at the station with
fifteen minutes to spare.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFlK83kGSRDZPSaZwXRBHL0uc81BlDVoiEEUKAhncYl8igBjDcTwv2OR68kJ37qI7XWiBAYirej5caTd_tjrgZ9ET6EYFwQPb57cig6NGYEV0aHb31ZQF1xG9GIlCWzAwHSlJUtBS-V9mAhpaph_V3xMAHq5sIUmkUFdEoGxYfmSUpHZNwDkdFjO6_A/s4032/IMG_0440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFlK83kGSRDZPSaZwXRBHL0uc81BlDVoiEEUKAhncYl8igBjDcTwv2OR68kJ37qI7XWiBAYirej5caTd_tjrgZ9ET6EYFwQPb57cig6NGYEV0aHb31ZQF1xG9GIlCWzAwHSlJUtBS-V9mAhpaph_V3xMAHq5sIUmkUFdEoGxYfmSUpHZNwDkdFjO6_A/s320/IMG_0440.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The fare was 20 Baht, and it took less time than the
minivan. Taew sorted me a taxi, which was eventually located when I arrived
back in Sisaket, for me to be taken home ready for some food, drink and to get
warm on what had become a cold blustery night.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, where are the next week’s fixtures!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-56929367042524200992023-02-13T11:22:00.005+00:002023-02-13T11:22:58.216+00:00Vichupa Football Field (Bangkok)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvO3ogGxycqhpSTThJUOCrROQYJKjfSrmAKqpXYOQOnLuhFQ2KdoSJIJfbpEs8Q11nRI6SOSxpsZIp4bxYnRzR4fboZXWPv4a-afOFoXX7jzkcdyLT0swL7nGJeuSVXqFuMfVd05_XODrCHNvtcAsHN163r8yo5u3TJMhlgtFGYOVFXI6XJa5v897jUw/s453/p_index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="453" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvO3ogGxycqhpSTThJUOCrROQYJKjfSrmAKqpXYOQOnLuhFQ2KdoSJIJfbpEs8Q11nRI6SOSxpsZIp4bxYnRzR4fboZXWPv4a-afOFoXX7jzkcdyLT0swL7nGJeuSVXqFuMfVd05_XODrCHNvtcAsHN163r8yo5u3TJMhlgtFGYOVFXI6XJa5v897jUw/s320/p_index.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Vichupa Football Field is a football venue, primarily located
on Soi Ram Intra 46/1, which has five full sized pitches, with another smaller
pitch for training and age group football. Teams rent the venue to play for a
full season in their respective competitions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is also booked for singular needs as a neutral
venue for other local football, such as the Bangkok Premier League or Thonburi
League. Or sometimes for one off recreational football or staging the matches
of professional youth sides.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39J7QNuVhKrVjL7fIc0CYi2RSrEnjUBbFzRNeVXaWS-SgbEX5sMdIQj5l5h8lwu9vB4WI-A6Bo7UZmKyzhU-KI4_2eFZea4ci3epyerwcsiIBz0DE0z8NwoZSpfwr8a3EzymgLwxdnzdpYaCPodIruvxBgEcyveuwXRlEQqOR3M3bbG9VWS7vnxYbCQ/s3898/V1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2924" data-original-width="3898" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39J7QNuVhKrVjL7fIc0CYi2RSrEnjUBbFzRNeVXaWS-SgbEX5sMdIQj5l5h8lwu9vB4WI-A6Bo7UZmKyzhU-KI4_2eFZea4ci3epyerwcsiIBz0DE0z8NwoZSpfwr8a3EzymgLwxdnzdpYaCPodIruvxBgEcyveuwXRlEQqOR3M3bbG9VWS7vnxYbCQ/s320/V1.JPG" width="320" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">All the pitches have high netting surrounding them to
prevent footballs disappearing into the wilds or adjoining houses. There are
changing facilities provided and each pitch has its own set of floodlights. In
all, an excellent set of facilities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">My visits</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">V 5</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Minburi City 3 Pivo V Revolution 0 (Wednesday 19th
January) Friendly (att: c25)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">An account of my first venture can be read <a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20Minburi%20City" target="_blank">here</a>, for a midweek game under the lights down the road on Soi Amon Wiwat.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">V 5</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">SG FC 0 FC Bangsaotong 0 (Sunday 6th March 2022)
Bangkok Premier League Division 2 (att: c15)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A <a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20SG%20FC " target="_blank">return to the same venue</a> came when an unexpected opportunity raised its head.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">V 3</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Siam
FC 3 Kasem Bundit University 0 (Sunday 12</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> February 2023) Thonburi
League Champions League semi-final (att: c15)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8JKArwqSn4uiVamm4UXnoSUq1XeFJGcRw1wefizDnF1CU07hBfb0ZeKEAuF1P4OGab0Uj-glTuawVguwUSUq9FJxsQIwWPIbQ-x4Q71BG0GYyL4wYLhPpkknOS6xF-sT5rLLpQQVcyw_0x6fIazAM7DJ5NK2oRtJ804oqulkCLHB3HrMHw9Xb7vzYQ/s519/328632799_863778108211497_9179252350092993309_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="519" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8JKArwqSn4uiVamm4UXnoSUq1XeFJGcRw1wefizDnF1CU07hBfb0ZeKEAuF1P4OGab0Uj-glTuawVguwUSUq9FJxsQIwWPIbQ-x4Q71BG0GYyL4wYLhPpkknOS6xF-sT5rLLpQQVcyw_0x6fIazAM7DJ5NK2oRtJ804oqulkCLHB3HrMHw9Xb7vzYQ/s320/328632799_863778108211497_9179252350092993309_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My
football adventures were less intense in 2023, usually meaning that I headed to one game a
week and looking forward to it, rather than packing in some games when on
reflection it had sometimes been a box ticking exercise.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">However,
I still loved visiting new venues whenever possible. Muang Thong United v
Buriram United was undoubtedly the best game in Bangkok all weekend, but a 7pm
Sunday kick-off and then the scramble to try and find a taxi deterred me from
heading that way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNr13cV3ND5vM0CEhT6S7DO3yDskQKk1nM5eAuyCVZn0xFp8aIXCgi1USOfjx8UHrGmmNwiiXztEr2kfBF5bMJaFZuLFVK0D9Yl8UEGgNS580OqSdrQAFqaEIjZBybtmJYKnx0osCtEyQDpOlAPTmNGQKaw5gciYOBiiVCXO6iurkIXh_cQlrpMDnW0Q/s4030/IMG_E0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2256" data-original-width="4030" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNr13cV3ND5vM0CEhT6S7DO3yDskQKk1nM5eAuyCVZn0xFp8aIXCgi1USOfjx8UHrGmmNwiiXztEr2kfBF5bMJaFZuLFVK0D9Yl8UEGgNS580OqSdrQAFqaEIjZBybtmJYKnx0osCtEyQDpOlAPTmNGQKaw5gciYOBiiVCXO6iurkIXh_cQlrpMDnW0Q/s320/IMG_E0169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It
was time for me to revisit some local stuff, with a choice of two matches. Linping,
formerly AC Tuttocuoio, against Nonthaburi City at Airport Stadium was one, but
the other with jeopardy involved at a venue I</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">’d yet to see a game at won the
day, but only just.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I was tired. Life was fantastic and every day was bringing joy, but along with it lots of mind and sometimes leg work. The temperatures were rising,
leading to walking being a more exhausting hobby. And I’d had a fantastic
Saturday with my beautiful lady looking after two friends from Hull.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_WpghMe5gvcZWnSL2COgc_pTcOsJa-JVlDkXxbDprZbJ6n6oyjziRWwpWxbu33xRa6VNTYwDI1ZJjahl7FPKJ4ieccXjZtZYaWIuVeCBefy5Ww-40Ctpwl4Hc_RbZru_zH6IHuQXAQcMbY6wnxZKd6dFu_77EF3f8dZ6cXOzS6E1_K0yImX0cUqLRg/s4032/IMG_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_WpghMe5gvcZWnSL2COgc_pTcOsJa-JVlDkXxbDprZbJ6n6oyjziRWwpWxbu33xRa6VNTYwDI1ZJjahl7FPKJ4ieccXjZtZYaWIuVeCBefy5Ww-40Ctpwl4Hc_RbZru_zH6IHuQXAQcMbY6wnxZKd6dFu_77EF3f8dZ6cXOzS6E1_K0yImX0cUqLRg/s320/IMG_0171.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Another attraction of my selected match was it ignited
the excitement of a bus route I’d yet to try and seeing what I would experience
along the way. All was good, apart from the bus didn’t want to appear, meaning
that I was close at one stage to reverting to the other game option.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I headed to 7/11 to break a large note, as I realised
that I could still go to my first choice, but by taxi. As I came out of the
shop, I was greeted with the sight of the lovely air-condition bus coming in my
direction. There was just enough time to cross the road and frantically wave my
arms.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqknt9EH7iTuLzK2hPlfRcyXcylqS_hznHfc3jkgKdwyG2DqlrKxKKwhg7oP2MvhNhOhMQFnlIAz77U7trkeTiTD61bSTFVJt_0B4w2SEDQ3GQk3vjpTu4EPpMosZTIBO05UvEqhA9OfltenJnh0KhA0WPLmYpM2UYZY-xRSLIheVmI6dinF5P2hMAtQ/s2402/IMG_E0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2036" data-original-width="2402" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqknt9EH7iTuLzK2hPlfRcyXcylqS_hznHfc3jkgKdwyG2DqlrKxKKwhg7oP2MvhNhOhMQFnlIAz77U7trkeTiTD61bSTFVJt_0B4w2SEDQ3GQk3vjpTu4EPpMosZTIBO05UvEqhA9OfltenJnh0KhA0WPLmYpM2UYZY-xRSLIheVmI6dinF5P2hMAtQ/s320/IMG_E0174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Despite being fifty metres short of the stop, the
driver saw my predicament, flashed his lights, and came right up to me. What a
good man. The journey was indeed interesting, as we went past a previously
undiscovered craft beer bar before I alighted from my 20 Baht ride.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It was a further fifteen minutes amble to the venue,
where panic set in on arrival, as no teams were warming up on the show pitch.
In the distance I could see a chap saving shots, and sure enough the game was
being played on V3 pitch, which could well have been the usual home ground of
Siam FC.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbDW5WtHYPj-4iNFaMEISMqdeXsyNa4jSgzfNv9_BT2hmSAv6G3Wy81_1KJCazMcK9ZLGUJ_cummzmLQQcJfr_-66Z-q2SXCzLVrXFfqD80J-nN-afQa0GNUskWCNxbAKdvBMXnDC0gxjTk0nSKBCsMnsDulxduJ_hobVa2IgWmTxhW1NAxX4aHDm3g/s4032/IMG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbDW5WtHYPj-4iNFaMEISMqdeXsyNa4jSgzfNv9_BT2hmSAv6G3Wy81_1KJCazMcK9ZLGUJ_cummzmLQQcJfr_-66Z-q2SXCzLVrXFfqD80J-nN-afQa0GNUskWCNxbAKdvBMXnDC0gxjTk0nSKBCsMnsDulxduJ_hobVa2IgWmTxhW1NAxX4aHDm3g/s320/IMG_0177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While not ideal, as spectator facilities were not freely
available, with both covered canopies with seating being taken up by either
side and their close allies. Neutrals weren’t really considered. I sat in the
semi-shadow of a floodlight pylon, which worked out perfectly.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It was a sweltering afternoon, the sort you would take
shelter from in the shade if watching cricket. Yet, the academy sides of the
two professional teams would do battle in temperatures well into the thirties for a
place in their league final on a pitch not too long in length.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPliZE3xy-VermXehDDI0PR-d_oxCEhmshlEmNE-xmUW-aXclUrx-bM64wGkiz37IC3mkb_Qo2ZyrXLWvpsbYkWoY20-bADz4BzA3gM5bm8wsNp_Wx2kZCvCU0PUGdVGlgDhDBWvmTt9dVoNclaVldutclCX3ATKIcrw57uWCfsEnxAD9GSt4nNvSvwg/s3964/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2973" data-original-width="3964" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPliZE3xy-VermXehDDI0PR-d_oxCEhmshlEmNE-xmUW-aXclUrx-bM64wGkiz37IC3mkb_Qo2ZyrXLWvpsbYkWoY20-bADz4BzA3gM5bm8wsNp_Wx2kZCvCU0PUGdVGlgDhDBWvmTt9dVoNclaVldutclCX3ATKIcrw57uWCfsEnxAD9GSt4nNvSvwg/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The playing surface was immaculate, which allowed for
a fast-flowing game, between two sides that I’d enjoyed watching over the
previous few months. It was the team of the university that was on top in the
early exchanges, as their 23 was clean through but dragged wide from a great position.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At the other end, the Siam 19 showed great footwork to
round the Bundit keeper but put wide with the goal gaping. At this point I
should mention the intervention of who I adjudged to be the man of the match.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87UhQAzT7OZ18HdKy7b7A5NSkp8VscCDX9nBt2kdNVK1ffSkGirD60cFK5yUiULYdr767tgx23N2Q_8EXrQXzihU2HnNGzIKz39wZpLSMDQbErmXKRdlNQQ-3i-r2B9ptXE6iGO9zeSmoaDHUGfJ8_Z_1VtCAZUvLrm_Nt1mjr7wc0fs1oMGigyhjew/s3945/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2232" data-original-width="3945" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87UhQAzT7OZ18HdKy7b7A5NSkp8VscCDX9nBt2kdNVK1ffSkGirD60cFK5yUiULYdr767tgx23N2Q_8EXrQXzihU2HnNGzIKz39wZpLSMDQbErmXKRdlNQQ-3i-r2B9ptXE6iGO9zeSmoaDHUGfJ8_Z_1VtCAZUvLrm_Nt1mjr7wc0fs1oMGigyhjew/w349-h197/IMG_0178.JPG" width="349" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The sound of the bell being rung by a fella on a motorcycle
with small frame attached was music to my ears. I thought that 40 Baht for a tub
of ice cream a little on the expensive side, but it was plentiful, cold, and
beautiful. In hindsight I’d have given him a one hundred Baht.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The weather was too much for the players as well, with
the referee sensibly splitting each half into three thirds to allow for lots of
water to be taken onboard. Once refreshed Siam’s 19 was soon back in the thrust
of the action.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiekavA_mH4tCM44qBH0YoqX6zhAo0VC5bihA1nLWaHmZ_zVVbcufoEEWv3U1UTNnmFZFSxVGlNDYdxN9vUydqHq21I0BXLXibTYVsETAktQu-JM3DnZYeBeRpotgeoAB0NEm3-ExUZKBVgaJ_2KUP-PrXKN72Ds8Iwj8iAdqn2WPz78JBmBrVIHcPA/s3581/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="3581" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiekavA_mH4tCM44qBH0YoqX6zhAo0VC5bihA1nLWaHmZ_zVVbcufoEEWv3U1UTNnmFZFSxVGlNDYdxN9vUydqHq21I0BXLXibTYVsETAktQu-JM3DnZYeBeRpotgeoAB0NEm3-ExUZKBVgaJ_2KUP-PrXKN72Ds8Iwj8iAdqn2WPz78JBmBrVIHcPA/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He had an effort saved by the feet of the Kasem keeper
after he beat the offside trap, although I wasn’t so sure myself. One thing I
was sure of, was I wasn’t going to volunteer to run the line. Any mistakes by
the far side linesman were totally acceptable.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">19 was at it again, once again springing the trap, but
this time firing over. However, he was not to be denied as he scored from close
range just past the half hour mark after 20 rolled square to him. The scorer
looked too embarrassed to celebrate, acknowledging his earlier misses.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNaM2rMZG_oCnfU8ldVpZL7-bcxvAglrlJHXUOxWn0W5ulDMtXHXDraHtpsPveJqALImVrVgGpnRMuK1ltBbKZZ9joNrQP_fmXG7HlkC0xL3akiHgClg2l7PUhPUyNF-hoVKHKAq8irvWQz7ZwxPInAE1MHOneGjweHc_k6ixt_iVDlFdfducq7EtSA/s3795/IMG_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="3795" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNaM2rMZG_oCnfU8ldVpZL7-bcxvAglrlJHXUOxWn0W5ulDMtXHXDraHtpsPveJqALImVrVgGpnRMuK1ltBbKZZ9joNrQP_fmXG7HlkC0xL3akiHgClg2l7PUhPUyNF-hoVKHKAq8irvWQz7ZwxPInAE1MHOneGjweHc_k6ixt_iVDlFdfducq7EtSA/s320/IMG_0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He would go on to complete his hattrick before the
interval, with two more predatory finishes before both sides earned a fully deserved few minutes to recover. I could have done with some water myself,
though I was fortunate that the shadows were growing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After the interval, the students in bright orange came
out with the bit between their teeth and threatened to force a comeback. 23 saw
an effort scrambled off the line, then the player wearing 88 in the Siam goal
saved a shot from the same Bundit attacker.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTj4YsMq4SU_vW8nDr3495U6fyJRHxykEB2mhd7aJJtcP8zpWN3SULOchfhWbTVl5rIP9SyEI7DBXTC7Cs_dwQ6C7hQmVnSJsr2cRw0ajUugr7XIUW7POtjERbNcRmBjcV-Q8mLaFD8FUUSYhJROioju4ue_dtIQayFsVeRnDiXt4JTUYxOQXQaO_PQ/s3075/IMG_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3075" data-original-width="2948" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTj4YsMq4SU_vW8nDr3495U6fyJRHxykEB2mhd7aJJtcP8zpWN3SULOchfhWbTVl5rIP9SyEI7DBXTC7Cs_dwQ6C7hQmVnSJsr2cRw0ajUugr7XIUW7POtjERbNcRmBjcV-Q8mLaFD8FUUSYhJROioju4ue_dtIQayFsVeRnDiXt4JTUYxOQXQaO_PQ/s320/IMG_0194.JPG" width="307" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The pressure continued as 10 saw his effort go
narrowly over the bar. There was more intensity in the second period, with the
university side getting stuck in, leading to several feisty exchanges, which I’m
not totally convinced the referee handled too well.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Siam defended resolutely and then began to look
dangerous on the break. The Bundit keeper pulled off a fine double save in the
closing stages, as I decided to walk round ready to make my escape after seeing
my app indicate that my bus had departed Minburi.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKY2N34DT1A9GFv_ZVaYIK5HwQOr3kdrhsrmyz4quMTRFHxvM36ftzpcugCSzQLiITkD0y_2WOYLrd5P9F6Aj9oODke_sKGFQgy-5YTMn2bE0_sJvyV9yXgCqCbNU6rNYrSvrJ_C-x2Ov4rgSiIJdKN1pPgBmMnpYCupk-l83bOyp5b5IqrTnPgjcvA/s4032/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKY2N34DT1A9GFv_ZVaYIK5HwQOr3kdrhsrmyz4quMTRFHxvM36ftzpcugCSzQLiITkD0y_2WOYLrd5P9F6Aj9oODke_sKGFQgy-5YTMn2bE0_sJvyV9yXgCqCbNU6rNYrSvrJ_C-x2Ov4rgSiIJdKN1pPgBmMnpYCupk-l83bOyp5b5IqrTnPgjcvA/s320/IMG_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My Yorkshire upbringing was about to kick in and I was immensely proud of myself. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The 197 bus route has some new air-conditioned vehicles
and are 20 Baht a ride, like the one I caught to the match.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Old ones, with wooden floors are 8 Baht with the
windows down to create a cool air. On this occasion, the posh one arrived one
minute ahead of the other. I saved myself 12 Baht. Why spend more, has always
been my motto and I wasn’t going to change now.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gOoVonVBIxbwIhYsqUi2cTJHNBrA0T2Xa9NGSlLnTE0Ocb1RkOVO8uqcysQUNJW3cfsea0JJkDCNBzBwoV4_tRRIR59w6rg9GVCubzMX9aqDNk8-SR_dwVNNxz3dJFOdGgDXbNvvg6k7tGny-ASgcQ5rFfP5AgbmNDXflYLHVqdD1a0680TK2Gn3jA/s4032/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gOoVonVBIxbwIhYsqUi2cTJHNBrA0T2Xa9NGSlLnTE0Ocb1RkOVO8uqcysQUNJW3cfsea0JJkDCNBzBwoV4_tRRIR59w6rg9GVCubzMX9aqDNk8-SR_dwVNNxz3dJFOdGgDXbNvvg6k7tGny-ASgcQ5rFfP5AgbmNDXflYLHVqdD1a0680TK2Gn3jA/s320/IMG_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The thriftiness continued as I used a discount KFC voucher
for our tea, some of which we gave to a neighbour, which is one of the reasons
I love Thailand. Like England of old with a community spirit.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A wonderful day all round, after I’d earlier shown my
lovely lady how to make spaghetti Bolognese, and we relaxed for the evening
over a few drinks while I watched a few classic Only Fools and Horses and the
Leeds United v Manchester United game. A Super Sunday indeed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-14396485401358535962023-02-13T09:32:00.006+00:002023-02-13T09:41:00.364+00:00Chonburi Municipality Stadium (Chonburi)<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IkcrvavYGluaGaoxHIA_voQ8ffl4EexYizk0HPUDDM4hBwPgBbNVyJyEcxv8gJBpWvtEdsRrmB5akLlJf7F5HhwBC0R9AeZ-b_xRIR7C2st46r147EPGwNMTxuokJT91BDVlQVbHuYX87TT3DZw6zm5P1fSDBEuFlsHsBlkJrargai73CubBe9s0Ww/s3321/IMG_E2154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1874" data-original-width="3321" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IkcrvavYGluaGaoxHIA_voQ8ffl4EexYizk0HPUDDM4hBwPgBbNVyJyEcxv8gJBpWvtEdsRrmB5akLlJf7F5HhwBC0R9AeZ-b_xRIR7C2st46r147EPGwNMTxuokJT91BDVlQVbHuYX87TT3DZw6zm5P1fSDBEuFlsHsBlkJrargai73CubBe9s0Ww/w391-h221/IMG_E2154.JPG" width="391" /></a></div><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Chonburi Municipality Stadium is a sports stadium in
the city of the title. A multi-purpose arena, it is best known for
hosting the matches of Chonburi FC when they played in the Provincial League in
the 2002 and 2003 seasons.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Once accepted into the Thai Premier League in 2006,
Chonburi played at the stadium until 2008, with its capacity sometimes tested
as the club pushed for honours as the Sharks were Thai Premier League champions
in 2007 and finished as runners-up in 2008.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIcP8TEPVoibdklHJJiVoxYjLCjzwCqiiKdGgV2Lj1PBlRkhcfB3pMg3rf6gHA6zm5kVvFuV2xXQYd4h8hWyRXk_lyTiOJb2wdtwbgDHu4Ibd2bIYeT12ZWs8f-E4h2O0_zfrZHWcjSoGlS1Etc1gDL99sI_7musES0NR0F8-ByUk7HV8UDfHr7Mg1g/s4032/IMG_E2155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2426" data-original-width="4032" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIcP8TEPVoibdklHJJiVoxYjLCjzwCqiiKdGgV2Lj1PBlRkhcfB3pMg3rf6gHA6zm5kVvFuV2xXQYd4h8hWyRXk_lyTiOJb2wdtwbgDHu4Ibd2bIYeT12ZWs8f-E4h2O0_zfrZHWcjSoGlS1Etc1gDL99sI_7musES0NR0F8-ByUk7HV8UDfHr7Mg1g/w343-h207/IMG_E2155.JPG" width="343" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The stadium was also the home to Coke-Bangpra FC for
the 2008 season in the Thai Premier League before they changed their name to
Pattaya United and were relocated down the coast. The owners of the venue ended
their agreement with <a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20Chonburi" target="_blank">Chonburi FC</a> who were forced out to Princess Sirindhorn
Stadium in Si Racha.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">My visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Friday 25</span><sup>th</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> March 2022</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Several years previously I had headed south from
Ekkamai bus station to spend a few hours in Chonburi and to hopefully take
photos of the Municipality Stadium. This was before the days of having a phone
with a map app.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRVuyE6BUe4OuoCi957NvRCt_WeITjNjnLIiDL_Pwx3GFnw6VVS2S-mFrsDprG9iZ3atkGNrL7KpMljMsamOM7xClnsUvikXtz11JIjKB_w-S8616nos1LAQJzSamIqCnrfUow4dtn9c-Cq7RvGpBQAgC8c7T5QLHaeJ63ktlEm95q8geTrxyqyh8nQ/s3322/IMG_E2152.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3322" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRVuyE6BUe4OuoCi957NvRCt_WeITjNjnLIiDL_Pwx3GFnw6VVS2S-mFrsDprG9iZ3atkGNrL7KpMljMsamOM7xClnsUvikXtz11JIjKB_w-S8616nos1LAQJzSamIqCnrfUow4dtn9c-Cq7RvGpBQAgC8c7T5QLHaeJ63ktlEm95q8geTrxyqyh8nQ/s320/IMG_E2152.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The day turned into a shambles as I caught a songthaew
and ended up taking photos of the basic stadium of Chonradsadornumrung School.
It was obvious that I was in the wrong place, so I asked a motorcycle taxi
driver to take me to my original intended target.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">We went all of twenty yards before I had to abort,
being totally petrified. Instead, I ended up going back to the old bus station
in the town centre and headed back towards the capital and misjudging the
volume of traffic.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MZY05KdUmT_QLse9GDOZ_WRsermgb3fckwgG5if7mKGGoySTuk1yvAdpJDt_629VdwQ6125tr_dhDnbmKEXt3BpOiw07Okd8tv-T2W8AGifMoqulxSqJhohoQ3lLhLPtKeQ2x1PpIBndWMgIO9CmLUESS3o1XVrjw0bLY-m-JByY8oLFjQHrjmC18w/s3907/IMG_E2159.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2181" data-original-width="3907" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MZY05KdUmT_QLse9GDOZ_WRsermgb3fckwgG5if7mKGGoySTuk1yvAdpJDt_629VdwQ6125tr_dhDnbmKEXt3BpOiw07Okd8tv-T2W8AGifMoqulxSqJhohoQ3lLhLPtKeQ2x1PpIBndWMgIO9CmLUESS3o1XVrjw0bLY-m-JByY8oLFjQHrjmC18w/w341-h191/IMG_E2159.JPG" width="341" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My pal Steve was not massively impressed when I
finally returned, with him having to sit outside the house after a stressful
day at work, on a boiling hot afternoon. Ironically, I eventually visited the
stadium when I had no intention of doing so.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">I’d been to the Thailand v Nepal friendly
international the previous evening at Chonburi Stadium and had hung around
Central Chonburi hoping that a van might stop heading back towards Bangkok, or
ideally Minburi.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbaED_sViy6Ch_C-Jl3WOGvIJlLqLGlyeU2jP-F4JdH_XlSV7_AamaIGyy8c0bkHm3FmdMlK6mc2wDew_JVe-6wS1Ea3HnJceFTYEyA_xnED-7chVUlB3ZykbKF9320MXbDujglp_hhWG81jP3x96CUog-ZxraRxsrpzgbA4hNhJX2HWCocqXKm_OYA/s3622/IMG_E2170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2052" data-original-width="3622" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbaED_sViy6Ch_C-Jl3WOGvIJlLqLGlyeU2jP-F4JdH_XlSV7_AamaIGyy8c0bkHm3FmdMlK6mc2wDew_JVe-6wS1Ea3HnJceFTYEyA_xnED-7chVUlB3ZykbKF9320MXbDujglp_hhWG81jP3x96CUog-ZxraRxsrpzgbA4hNhJX2HWCocqXKm_OYA/s320/IMG_E2170.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Nothing was happening, so when a songthaew pulled over
I jumped aboard knowing it would head towards the old city where my van had
stopped a couple of times on the way down. The only problem was that it veered
off the main drag.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">On this occasion I was fully equipped with technology
so there was no problem. The transport continued to Mueang Chon Buri District
Office where I alighted and headed in the direction of the stadium. Before I
got there. I enjoyed a walk around the beautiful Suan Tamnaknam public park.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaXKudA61V-Dc_iPsSI1uUp4faDhIVD0I6rz7u_gzX13SxUOdbQhosE8Q5WQ6wB6cq8Ipn5zvkBO3C3jJoM4nCAGzwZxPcLzjMMlPd_ceXjVdaUV6sAGen6SDOY3fzyrOus5-fcPJ3ZpN7GPGlfRUX4_fk1RYKX9FmKvdlj23hbfNtB_dERfN4gdcag/s4032/IMG_E2171.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2332" data-original-width="4032" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaXKudA61V-Dc_iPsSI1uUp4faDhIVD0I6rz7u_gzX13SxUOdbQhosE8Q5WQ6wB6cq8Ipn5zvkBO3C3jJoM4nCAGzwZxPcLzjMMlPd_ceXjVdaUV6sAGen6SDOY3fzyrOus5-fcPJ3ZpN7GPGlfRUX4_fk1RYKX9FmKvdlj23hbfNtB_dERfN4gdcag/w340-h197/IMG_E2171.JPG" width="340" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There was no access inside the arena, but plenty of
views inside were afforded, so I snapped away at a venue that obviously was
once popular, but by now had overgrown and was looking very shabby.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">It was noticeable just how far away the stands were
from the pitch, as I commented online that it would be a great venue for
Cricket Sixes, which I administrate in Thailand. The shale track was virtually
grown over. It painted a sorry picture.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_QJTkEScj4BATq93uL0CTkj8uxC3mnN8XHFe6UNcICpgEaCxONUyI1pR8k0N4OPTttnp2EOIHJbwni9bdmdOG-_G7MlPHFopJdbQI3TKBcy-BMSD3rFYEDwAlJqpThvhCNEwH75I-TBeWYCFzkBAUsnsmuyRKmabmpbevzqosjftXTo3TKRPEVTAFw/s4032/IMG_2153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_QJTkEScj4BATq93uL0CTkj8uxC3mnN8XHFe6UNcICpgEaCxONUyI1pR8k0N4OPTttnp2EOIHJbwni9bdmdOG-_G7MlPHFopJdbQI3TKBcy-BMSD3rFYEDwAlJqpThvhCNEwH75I-TBeWYCFzkBAUsnsmuyRKmabmpbevzqosjftXTo3TKRPEVTAFw/s320/IMG_2153.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was time for me to make tracks, and I enjoyed a
pleasant walk back towards Sukhumvit Road, passing the square where the night
market sets up, and Chon Buri Provincial Hall. I walked a mile or so up the
main road and found a stop with some vans parked outside.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">After a little bit of confusion, I was put aboard one
of them where it was explained that I would be deposited at Market Village
Suvarnabhumi in Bang Na, from where another vehicle would take me to Minburi.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQY1TAiddJTPE8IePbD8SR0fVjqkIqLwO5ghRQ1Wy1acASl-TqH_vr6e095zq8W-fJMUCZRmH0XpXzaS9_sPB6ilXtEumrnWlO-jpAK2Ahass4iLR3xdADeM1MxVhUyzuWDPWGnCeJaE89N5dfyhim78-350KNoUOb8ImmqTLL7sxCguodYtWFysC2A/s3920/IMG_E2173.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2940" data-original-width="3920" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQY1TAiddJTPE8IePbD8SR0fVjqkIqLwO5ghRQ1Wy1acASl-TqH_vr6e095zq8W-fJMUCZRmH0XpXzaS9_sPB6ilXtEumrnWlO-jpAK2Ahass4iLR3xdADeM1MxVhUyzuWDPWGnCeJaE89N5dfyhim78-350KNoUOb8ImmqTLL7sxCguodYtWFysC2A/w336-h252/IMG_E2173.JPG" width="336" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And that’s exactly how it worked out. A cheap return
journey costing 180 Baht and I had learned a most useful link to get back home
when attending football down that way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Many thanks to Chonburi FC fan Dale Farrington for providing information for this piece. Dale compiles the excellent and highly recommended fanzine/blog, <a href="https://itsahabitthatsticks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's A Habit That Sticks</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br /></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-76829726717345679032023-02-04T03:25:00.000+00:002023-02-04T03:25:05.365+00:00PT Prachuap (Thailand) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikV_Y7sJVENsw_aTqfP1UdOp-jVXzQKjZdoV148VnlUD4FBFdQg2CXCizLMSP8bNzcWt3soNWRC1F_VB7S5M8pTLQXKZM-kIv6Jgep1kKAra8r2hABC3sWb7RzDO3ghDLxyXcbpwvXqbhUumzhKbpP8IV-NF8zQXDu4eQPn9EL1yobyiywXM14eucwAA/s359/PT_Prachuap_2018_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="277" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikV_Y7sJVENsw_aTqfP1UdOp-jVXzQKjZdoV148VnlUD4FBFdQg2CXCizLMSP8bNzcWt3soNWRC1F_VB7S5M8pTLQXKZM-kIv6Jgep1kKAra8r2hABC3sWb7RzDO3ghDLxyXcbpwvXqbhUumzhKbpP8IV-NF8zQXDu4eQPn9EL1yobyiywXM14eucwAA/w135-h175/PT_Prachuap_2018_logo.png" width="135" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">PT Prachuap is a professional football club from the
Thai seaside city of Prachuap Khiri Khan, whose province which is in the
northern part of the Malay Peninsula on the west of the Gulf of Thailand, where
the club was formed in 2009.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Initially called Prachuap Khiri Khan FC, the side
finished tenth in the 2009 season, competing in the third tier Regional League
Division 2 Central & Eastern Region and playing at Sam Ao Stadium.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol54OewNI6ksBxo9x6uzOJdkWyeU7PUf053dwRzSGnDfU5P-7GpCRtATVyTaSrvTmYKWq-moj4HYJzqPeswjQVEVhxzGD2MF25yVeIX7fVGeM9ajLPPzsBKtdnxHess2mpGcWmElCnVA7Ae_kQWEix8wuJruqCuheM9-uZp4Br8EAvoIkS81khDqY6w/s11102/IMG_0738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3361" data-original-width="11102" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol54OewNI6ksBxo9x6uzOJdkWyeU7PUf053dwRzSGnDfU5P-7GpCRtATVyTaSrvTmYKWq-moj4HYJzqPeswjQVEVhxzGD2MF25yVeIX7fVGeM9ajLPPzsBKtdnxHess2mpGcWmElCnVA7Ae_kQWEix8wuJruqCuheM9-uZp4Br8EAvoIkS81khDqY6w/w389-h118/IMG_0738.JPG" width="389" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The club was moved to play in the Southern Region but
pulled out before a ball was kicked on the grounds of safety. Allocated a place
back in their old section for 2011, the truncated Prachuap FC ended third from
bottom of the table.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The following season saw a large on field improvement,
which continued with a second place in 2013 under the leadership of ambitious
and innovative chairman Mr Songkiat Lim-aroonrak. However, the ’Killer Wasps’
fell short in the playoff rounds.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeuKyZa53ytQT-TjiHwtKba1JELYMneWckTfuOtfzEKmXhKUZ6nZSe_LKnGv66B7_jOfP3mpDLQTWxbM_MjVaGhtXDMTCs4gKhZ2mTpp-EAZv5JnAEwpHO85qOgWWWUzNe2Lqfb3Eu07tikjuw0uXlezBAA-L5v-_62Wxxi2SGCBDkEMqsAlKxVSRaQ/s3836/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="3836" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeuKyZa53ytQT-TjiHwtKba1JELYMneWckTfuOtfzEKmXhKUZ6nZSe_LKnGv66B7_jOfP3mpDLQTWxbM_MjVaGhtXDMTCs4gKhZ2mTpp-EAZv5JnAEwpHO85qOgWWWUzNe2Lqfb3Eu07tikjuw0uXlezBAA-L5v-_62Wxxi2SGCBDkEMqsAlKxVSRaQ/s320/IMG_0748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The 2014 season saw Prachuap finish top of the table,
in the third level Division 2 South. On this occasion, promotion was sealed as
the side ended top of Group A in the Champions League playoff rounds.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Eighth place was a decent return for their first
season at a higher status with Nascimento Dos Santos Neto providing the goals.
Macedonian Hristijan Kirovski led the charts the following campaign, with Willen
Mota the crowd's hero in 2017.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXYoqFRrEOOcx9LMQU79bEYeHzEWBM--ERiU5tkebJbBkwd0Robhw0KXX-Adt3g0pKi3Zc1kIaBN8-dNr3RvC27LIFFjNd1kEynwC6fF8ekDj8fl9kEJuULRqeNswbfHyYjFlxZjmMjRaEdCRdkqXBfE56BakN1gPO7gG_y2CSrS_0_-yQRCuIoFqiA/s3953/IMG_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2164" data-original-width="3953" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXYoqFRrEOOcx9LMQU79bEYeHzEWBM--ERiU5tkebJbBkwd0Robhw0KXX-Adt3g0pKi3Zc1kIaBN8-dNr3RvC27LIFFjNd1kEynwC6fF8ekDj8fl9kEJuULRqeNswbfHyYjFlxZjmMjRaEdCRdkqXBfE56BakN1gPO7gG_y2CSrS_0_-yQRCuIoFqiA/s320/IMG_0749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The team ended that season in third place to win
promotion to Thai League 1. The club entered a sponsorship deal with a major
fuel company to become PT Prachuap for the 2018 season, in which Thawatchai
Damrong-Ongtrakul, which his outfit ending in an impressive sixth position.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It was another Brazilian, Jonatan Ferreira Reis who
put away the goals, before fellow countryman Caion took over the mantle in
2019. This was a groundbreaking season for the club who lifted their first
major honour.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4cRGJcPmTh12C33btvddil76_jXYkTVrKE4ehxvHkJPsYoGv8IZ1t9DcsMlsJFPRebr-oEiBeOD6MtUQeLcZo5pcu5tIVtC8T3VHUxJVXp53gbtUjc7MUlT0lEyzm0hB5iZw03Dy9QMoX0SXfHeKUqjjHTC9gH1NaxH4eFOQn46lpW3RZfg2okHHpQ/s3942/IMG_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3942" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4cRGJcPmTh12C33btvddil76_jXYkTVrKE4ehxvHkJPsYoGv8IZ1t9DcsMlsJFPRebr-oEiBeOD6MtUQeLcZo5pcu5tIVtC8T3VHUxJVXp53gbtUjc7MUlT0lEyzm0hB5iZw03Dy9QMoX0SXfHeKUqjjHTC9gH1NaxH4eFOQn46lpW3RZfg2okHHpQ/s320/IMG_0735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In a dramatic League Cup final at Muang Thong,
Prachupa defeated Buriram United 8-7 on penalties after the game ended 1-1
after extra time after Maurinho had put his side ahead. The 2020-21 season saw
the Thai League adopt the European calendar, during a disjointed time owing to
the coronavirus pandemic.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Prachuap ended in midtable, as they did in 2021-22
with Willen Mota continuing to enjoy his time up front for the club. He scored
the goal that took his team to another League Cup final. However, this time
Buriram United gained revenge with a 4-0 win at BG Stadium after Issara Sritaro
had taken over the reigns as head coach.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEmNflZWriKxVMKCMqI1-ebO-6T1Y0i2kWLAMYDYYBFjaJcHd2jwf_WGF74dAjCWilGzA-Mubuj_ol7cTB1HmvPyrS1pHj1wuYTgeDXLfqyJTzQxg_jG0dnucZ2-RNM8jEcJw6BhWLiGnwpyNjs110j708gVe6a08ZYpUa_QHMRJOuVS8mJerKJ3vyA/s4032/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEmNflZWriKxVMKCMqI1-ebO-6T1Y0i2kWLAMYDYYBFjaJcHd2jwf_WGF74dAjCWilGzA-Mubuj_ol7cTB1HmvPyrS1pHj1wuYTgeDXLfqyJTzQxg_jG0dnucZ2-RNM8jEcJw6BhWLiGnwpyNjs110j708gVe6a08ZYpUa_QHMRJOuVS8mJerKJ3vyA/s320/IMG_0728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Teerasak Po-on was out in charge in the summer of
2022, prior to being replaced by Dusit Chalermsan just before the midseason
break.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">PT Prachuap FC will play in Thai League 1 in the
2022-23 season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">PT Prachuap 1 Port 1 (Saturday 28</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> January
2023) Thai League 1 (att: 2,023)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG6nLLK0WWtLGblxfTNUdNDL7nHkLV6BGLPCuTA9qq2oWp702wh0bluc8gV3BGlJ0fhyo7qV22NrchRTh4IuZtN2fqISuKPK0XdHA4apoE2mf6t4wXtz9Y3eOhCsPU761BkgEYjY3eCKNlAEPAoztQlBShQlXe8BaFNOeXI6RLx2CieRhufAS1CcoaQ/s1170/325539611_1303712063878430_83786097122139893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1170" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG6nLLK0WWtLGblxfTNUdNDL7nHkLV6BGLPCuTA9qq2oWp702wh0bluc8gV3BGlJ0fhyo7qV22NrchRTh4IuZtN2fqISuKPK0XdHA4apoE2mf6t4wXtz9Y3eOhCsPU761BkgEYjY3eCKNlAEPAoztQlBShQlXe8BaFNOeXI6RLx2CieRhufAS1CcoaQ/w280-h256/325539611_1303712063878430_83786097122139893_n.jpg" width="280" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This was a trip that I was really looking forward to,
it the company of my lovely girlfriend Taew. We set off nice and early on
Saturday morning from our condo in the Bangkok suburbs, with me doing my best
to give the correct directions to my partner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As we were making good time, she suggested we stopped off at Don
Hoi Lot for food. Well, I’m game for any new place, and what a place she had
found. It was a small tourist village south of Samut Songkhram right on the
coast.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After a stretch and some photo opportunities, we sat
down to a lavish seafood lunch. Both very full, out journey continued past
signs for Petchaburi and Hua Hin before we finally turned off near 4pm to head
into the small city of Prachuap Khiri Khan.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now, I’m a good walker, but my other half not so much
so. Therefore, it was a shock when we spotted a temple on a mountain, that she
said we would park up and walk to the top. It was extremely steep and tiring,
but what a view.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The coastline with its features had immediately won me
over, and so did the immediately obvious friendliness of the locals. We found
our hotel, Prachuap Beach, which had a fantastic room for the 750 Baht that I
shelled out. After a shower we went for a wander.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I enjoyed sitting at the open fronted Timber Hut Café
with a cold beer watching the waves crash against the sea wall across the road,
even if it was turning a bit chilly, or at least it felt that way. It sounds
silly talking about cold Thai weather when games were being called off back in
England.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtLBS6sveRzKPUKT64cfmrLIiMZWaGBDyOVzpkLjYDm5B9U7wAAVhHfPjM525AP5xZNfPQWa9Bf_IYtDScUD0dSnjn-gjBl0P4P45GyaBPK1Cn6t5BhVNDECCI7flMu9WuyY6WQM9ziFmB9OlszInY3LjWbnQadpBh7o3idOcpZLDjrKhpeZMn6Pk5w/s1839/IMG_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1839" data-original-width="1380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtLBS6sveRzKPUKT64cfmrLIiMZWaGBDyOVzpkLjYDm5B9U7wAAVhHfPjM525AP5xZNfPQWa9Bf_IYtDScUD0dSnjn-gjBl0P4P45GyaBPK1Cn6t5BhVNDECCI7flMu9WuyY6WQM9ziFmB9OlszInY3LjWbnQadpBh7o3idOcpZLDjrKhpeZMn6Pk5w/s320/IMG_0720.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was soon time for me to try and work out how to get
to the game. The helpful receptionist arranged for me a taxi, which was not
what I expected. A happy old chap turned up on his motorcycle with a box
attached with two planks on it. A sidecar, but not as I knew it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Taew waved me off before she decided to use the room
to its max. It was just 50 Baht to the Sam Ao Stadium. Some very friendly
expats told me where I could buy my ticket for the away fans section, where a
table had been set up outside giving away free food to those cheering for Port.
Unbelievable.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rdVqDNQsCWSMVld2-DYqLM4wAUiuSIOoTEL87VRw0OmyD8E8k_EYJsqKKbLmSNf1o6SVwpSr5l38TrNhMxLTWP20c638Ks7GRrkaUdyz-4-cc0gBlrs_MrdXNkbKSx14ruR-Ahh2ct5k1yJDyPq6g1hdtAdHEiOp0vmP9kAlu9VfE7jvDFOIKZ8ETQ/s4032/IMG_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rdVqDNQsCWSMVld2-DYqLM4wAUiuSIOoTEL87VRw0OmyD8E8k_EYJsqKKbLmSNf1o6SVwpSr5l38TrNhMxLTWP20c638Ks7GRrkaUdyz-4-cc0gBlrs_MrdXNkbKSx14ruR-Ahh2ct5k1yJDyPq6g1hdtAdHEiOp0vmP9kAlu9VfE7jvDFOIKZ8ETQ/s320/IMG_0723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The beer stalls were round the far side, and again all
I saw was happy and nice people. I grabbed one to take upstairs to our seats,
which didn’t offer much in the way of a view or legroom way back behind the
curve and goal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not long into the game I got chatting to another Port
expat. Jamie and his wife Mam, who live in Cha Am just up the coast. They had
travelled down by train for their first game in three years, and it turned out
that they were staying in accommodation near to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfkI6MpDE3cafa8kicRlvyCwWlRgzcg8rdhj7psTW9DoQ8aqZRSw9Ml9lzLC96X2ep2JFQBLU5M-N4QeRTT232GEM9cTIiDjQNNwTXYWN1JJnQ2VGQJrSwKBwrClA5wSqDFq_Rk1l6cwmCn9i331w5iKOsX8F2ZlUR9YLUHAv4OMeABjQfhW8g3iMsA/s2048/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfkI6MpDE3cafa8kicRlvyCwWlRgzcg8rdhj7psTW9DoQ8aqZRSw9Ml9lzLC96X2ep2JFQBLU5M-N4QeRTT232GEM9cTIiDjQNNwTXYWN1JJnQ2VGQJrSwKBwrClA5wSqDFq_Rk1l6cwmCn9i331w5iKOsX8F2ZlUR9YLUHAv4OMeABjQfhW8g3iMsA/s320/IMG_0745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There were several others from the expat Port support,
in a turnout of around 150. TMost of the home fans, and particularly the more vocal element, were down the far
side, with the main stand a long way from the pitch being sparsely populated.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The game was extremely open and quick in the early
encounters, and I thought we could be in a for a high scoring encounter. As bookies
around the UK will be quick to tell you, once again I called it wrong.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-PnjHkBXmKfQOcDvxkTppaqFZaa8RXoKjmlHYsPbWm-G17xgF_L-yuSBmSLWY6VMKWvSKnb9jFgVy3V-cYRzVVtpNixhw1YhSjghVjbDHgWYonqkzwwKwD6qsgE1aHHdN_WmZgwzyrWbs5nFc4wShDshI54xb4KLpWRPDUJ8acN0o2K2ZaRLMBzWxg/s4032/IMG_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-PnjHkBXmKfQOcDvxkTppaqFZaa8RXoKjmlHYsPbWm-G17xgF_L-yuSBmSLWY6VMKWvSKnb9jFgVy3V-cYRzVVtpNixhw1YhSjghVjbDHgWYonqkzwwKwD6qsgE1aHHdN_WmZgwzyrWbs5nFc4wShDshI54xb4KLpWRPDUJ8acN0o2K2ZaRLMBzWxg/s320/IMG_0739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the first couple of minutes a shot from well
outside the box Port’s Sergio Suárez brought keeper Chatchai Bootprom into
action with a flying save. Visiting skipper Tanaboon Kesarat looked lively
alongside William Weidersjö in midfield as their side made a good start.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The home side were not slow in putting in challenges
which fired up away coach Matt Holland, and tested referee Mongkolchai Pechsri.
The nearest Prachuap came in the first half was when Port tried to be too cute
playing their way out of defence. Chakkit Laptrakul pounced but dragged his
shot wide.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P_rPTp09OJ-ertLkp4YtfguAGGk50bqphdKg9YUlcHAQbq5HhV4TmczLcewKIiH2yijptE1E9oNglcEs0vG2K60BjCbAcocZYM1wLmy_RzCUFpgNHoZ9NzDB8vsBviLk_QtQNz3WJbjaqxPBfg-NOiAx5VkC3IlR29wUNzxBGADNbpy16J9a0R_6dQ/s4032/IMG_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P_rPTp09OJ-ertLkp4YtfguAGGk50bqphdKg9YUlcHAQbq5HhV4TmczLcewKIiH2yijptE1E9oNglcEs0vG2K60BjCbAcocZYM1wLmy_RzCUFpgNHoZ9NzDB8vsBviLk_QtQNz3WJbjaqxPBfg-NOiAx5VkC3IlR29wUNzxBGADNbpy16J9a0R_6dQ/s320/IMG_0746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At the break I wandered back around and grabbed another
Leo for the second half. Plenty of tailgate parties were in evidence among home
and away fans throughout my procession. Not all the stadiums are top class in
Thailand, but the experience of a matchday is fantastic.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not all the Port fans were back in position and missed
the highlight of the game, at least as an away fan. A cross to the far side of
the box found Bordin Phala who teed up Kevin Deeromram whose delicious bending
cross was headed down into the net by Suphanan Bureerat in front of our
section.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24cQX0-49EmVLeJVq3Zz2bmhNL2nbabgBKpM5fachmKgwdKWDENS02XYHPkYtcTXD6_1ZEpVUqFeim5XdOgBH2kBqigo3BmFGuZVMmy-YIAGMB-rPwL83KiNKDLaJTeS3tZpss8hLle65TWzdYk_F_OwXFWthTY3B1_qKeeGhblo5Q7FbuMvXqoGNMg/s2000/IMG_0689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24cQX0-49EmVLeJVq3Zz2bmhNL2nbabgBKpM5fachmKgwdKWDENS02XYHPkYtcTXD6_1ZEpVUqFeim5XdOgBH2kBqigo3BmFGuZVMmy-YIAGMB-rPwL83KiNKDLaJTeS3tZpss8hLle65TWzdYk_F_OwXFWthTY3B1_qKeeGhblo5Q7FbuMvXqoGNMg/w253-h253/IMG_0689.JPG" width="253" /></a></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was most happy, as I honestly could not see Prachuap
scoring. Port were playing very well. Inevitably enough the hosts decided to do
something about the goal, and it was not long before away keeper Somporn Yos
was forced to pull off a superb point blank save from a header from Brazilian
forward Samuel Rosa.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He was then called into action to push away a shot
through a crowded area from Laptrakul. The same two players again saw action
with again the goalie stopping an effort on target as the visitors were forced
further back by the minute, when they could have offered more offensively.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Huc9MC-p9TLwMHA_XFVVxz-3Rg3DsZhJHQv6Dniu1R5_ZZkXoA1JwE1UVkt2tl0xE1LyminbIpeLhYWJ9cQxQayT5BjiX1wsZ-BbUMGFevNp53-PD94svnmz3yhnRrQtmbOKNQBQ3xO4gPIOZ8poOCtV6xS1R4GrvUh3S9qEhsjlxFw1uzWKzQ2ivQ/s853/IMG_0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Huc9MC-p9TLwMHA_XFVVxz-3Rg3DsZhJHQv6Dniu1R5_ZZkXoA1JwE1UVkt2tl0xE1LyminbIpeLhYWJ9cQxQayT5BjiX1wsZ-BbUMGFevNp53-PD94svnmz3yhnRrQtmbOKNQBQ3xO4gPIOZ8poOCtV6xS1R4GrvUh3S9qEhsjlxFw1uzWKzQ2ivQ/s320/IMG_0763.JPG" width="240" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A clever one two inside the Port box saw Yos smother a
cross with his legs that was destined to be tapped in behind him, with Thanaset
Sujarit the frustrated player seeing his hard work being denied.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Port were using one or two naughty tactics of their
own, which saw them pick up four yellow cards after the interval. The board
indicated that there would be five minutes additional time, but we still felt
confident.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYPaHRK0l2ZsHXzU25LWTUxpA3GGPy8dkThZqMYQPe36amcGp6uYyANAlIGB31I7hEVmIdQvMIVbjZYYQ7pY73WBaSnQ8SkJUq2PwIvco-RAqgphjLrXq343-hxl50QKriqcF-yiLkHl2UyP_hB3VEWlYUoV2I6cEOMX5KKYDNdYjPEohVUKmctFAMw/s4032/IMG_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYPaHRK0l2ZsHXzU25LWTUxpA3GGPy8dkThZqMYQPe36amcGp6uYyANAlIGB31I7hEVmIdQvMIVbjZYYQ7pY73WBaSnQ8SkJUq2PwIvco-RAqgphjLrXq343-hxl50QKriqcF-yiLkHl2UyP_hB3VEWlYUoV2I6cEOMX5KKYDNdYjPEohVUKmctFAMw/s320/IMG_0743.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kesarat made a couple of poor efforts to clear, which
saw the ball land at the feet of sub Nattawut Suksum who screwed wide. With a
minute left, a deep corner found the head of Samuel home headed down throw a
crowd to grab a last gasp equaliser.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">No, I was not amused. Still, it’s only a game as the
saying goes. We hung around to say thanks to the players who had put in a
shift. 1-1 was the right score in the end, but Port should have won it, if the
right tactics had been employed. In my opinion anyway.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On the final whistle Mam had phoned the same guy who
had taken them in his sidecar to the game, and he arranged for a friend to pick
us up from outside the main gate. I telephoned Taew who was waiting by out
hotel when we returned ready to go for food and drinks.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiGESZolX8UE4JxU4TTiRMRiC-siSsWHruSRZCQOTSnWAwMGhFOp2s6_Kmz84FGMp9WWeCz91YVlHoJcG_mPi1mkVSIw1pUoa74sYjwhv-x9vDeBXwYGhaNqoV3odUXXcvxQ-nH3Vv8LPZgZHosEcGgGpPusQO4tN50Gzc4Au8TiRZcenTEOjl7XWpw/s3898/IMG_0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2924" data-original-width="3898" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiGESZolX8UE4JxU4TTiRMRiC-siSsWHruSRZCQOTSnWAwMGhFOp2s6_Kmz84FGMp9WWeCz91YVlHoJcG_mPi1mkVSIw1pUoa74sYjwhv-x9vDeBXwYGhaNqoV3odUXXcvxQ-nH3Vv8LPZgZHosEcGgGpPusQO4tN50Gzc4Au8TiRZcenTEOjl7XWpw/s320/IMG_0744.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Several fans had used the Blue Monkey bar adjacent to
where we stayed before the match and were gradually returning. The pair of us
headed to the night market set up in front of the Muang Prachuap Khiri Khan
District Office.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was ready for some food, having tried just a couple
if sticks of tasty small meatballs in sauce at the stadium, since lunchtime. My
trusted partner chose the food, which was tasty and cheap, before we returned
to the bar for a couple of drinks and a chat.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In no time at all, the chill and a long day decreed
that we were ready to crash out. However, that meant that we were up at 7am the
following morning to be greeted with the dramatic view up the coast as we
enjoyed coffee and pastries in our room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNQbD_m_EVNAj2lKqmvj0IYH4ZPvjMF7AINsnA4u_rVQh3SI-6plj8kgInFLsyCZxDFZaYFjQWGNvoebgqHL58HoJd6JjbcsfaA6pXe-nRPFDLtGhluCm-Pfg5O-4vRAbTNYUk7zNuJkzq6V3kX9TX9RIt4YI_Ksm2WH5myn1AaBtHfX6R1cm8U-4zA/s4032/IMG_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNQbD_m_EVNAj2lKqmvj0IYH4ZPvjMF7AINsnA4u_rVQh3SI-6plj8kgInFLsyCZxDFZaYFjQWGNvoebgqHL58HoJd6JjbcsfaA6pXe-nRPFDLtGhluCm-Pfg5O-4vRAbTNYUk7zNuJkzq6V3kX9TX9RIt4YI_Ksm2WH5myn1AaBtHfX6R1cm8U-4zA/s320/IMG_0756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Taew certainly isn’t one to hand around, perfectly
suiting my nature, so we were soon heading north ready for a stop at Sakhon
Nakhon where we bought a ton of seafood to take home to enjoy on Sunday
evening.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The market is partly built right alongside the railway
tracks around Maha Chai station. It is a smaller version of the experience I
thoroughly enjoyed a few miles away at Mae Klong in Samut Songkhram on my visit
some years previously.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu_H9P_fvMB5S2VDLVldF0bZC46NowslFHlwXiUa29MhSRX_-zH2K-MsoKJzMz6htoPn2AijBCUzkWK6bc-gRGqFUmVMLSGAOTM3iimW_A_ieBSVWJhmWetod47c4fCtI_mtbyfyYV--GLnY_4CMJZyOX0JH2awUfa9fEtxRj6xej6jVFCoj39jO4jw/s4032/IMG_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu_H9P_fvMB5S2VDLVldF0bZC46NowslFHlwXiUa29MhSRX_-zH2K-MsoKJzMz6htoPn2AijBCUzkWK6bc-gRGqFUmVMLSGAOTM3iimW_A_ieBSVWJhmWetod47c4fCtI_mtbyfyYV--GLnY_4CMJZyOX0JH2awUfa9fEtxRj6xej6jVFCoj39jO4jw/s320/IMG_0747.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The excitement was far from over, as we headed to
Fashion Island, not too far from base after we somehow managed the quickest
route. I was on top form, despite doubts from my pilot. We met my lady’s son
who was advising me on a new phone.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Back at home I then spent what seemed like an eternity transferring data before he
arrived to share the lovely food and then carry out a full transfer in just over
half an hour. Well, he does work in IT, and I'd got my wires crossed not
realising he was on his way.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MSnRSqPhPTc" width="320" youtube-src-id="MSnRSqPhPTc"></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">A home made video of the weekend</span></div><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, overall, a great weekend. A fair result, even
if a late dropping of a couple of points wasn’t ideal. Beautiful places and
company, new friends, excellent hotel stunning food and a few drinks, and a 57
year old got to play with a new phone. Perfect!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-30899983795365934382023-01-22T03:24:00.020+00:002024-02-11T00:40:22.571+00:00Rasisalai United (Thailand)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6j6715lpPq8iz4nGTGP88RvhDqsUBEivZEvB-DMMRuOJxiUUAY2YloVgZGXOufwcIEXO6MDSPgpe7Gx18Zv56iS4NpzLKk78l2b9dMwMBtwdPMRIPNFimdownefjRDx9KYWyzveeBOhIFvDVH1MqerevzOGbrstIRFCNjQxobICZLrWi9lCzkFMV6w/s545/298333795_2247454222083365_6267073388515521134_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="494" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6j6715lpPq8iz4nGTGP88RvhDqsUBEivZEvB-DMMRuOJxiUUAY2YloVgZGXOufwcIEXO6MDSPgpe7Gx18Zv56iS4NpzLKk78l2b9dMwMBtwdPMRIPNFimdownefjRDx9KYWyzveeBOhIFvDVH1MqerevzOGbrstIRFCNjQxobICZLrWi9lCzkFMV6w/w146-h162/298333795_2247454222083365_6267073388515521134_n.jpg" width="146" /></span></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rasisalai United FC is a professional football club
that represents a district in the northern part of Sisaket province, which is
located towards the eastern edge of Thailand. The club was formed in 2019.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In their inaugural season in the Thailand Amateur
League Northeastern Zone, ‘The Monkey King’ lost all three of their matches,
before the competition took an enforced sabbatical for a couple of years owing
to the Covid-19 pandemic.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwz0llta-FDQTVbl1hSNrX2yGGWp2XopzhdbtE0CzU-qINn_YoRSbwSyiBwuqAMMkiM7Cqnrwhk1BHIGbfxdGtbIMC89CKMmT053L1ESIT1RluiBWOzWVSKXZY8cRGsS8nzQnbazaB3RFiFXbr0NmE9M1i8DvOOgXEfspxemPMbBBqbCkGT3RWtipX3D0/s5184/IMG_1789.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2812" data-original-width="5184" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwz0llta-FDQTVbl1hSNrX2yGGWp2XopzhdbtE0CzU-qINn_YoRSbwSyiBwuqAMMkiM7Cqnrwhk1BHIGbfxdGtbIMC89CKMmT053L1ESIT1RluiBWOzWVSKXZY8cRGsS8nzQnbazaB3RFiFXbr0NmE9M1i8DvOOgXEfspxemPMbBBqbCkGT3RWtipX3D0/w351-h191/IMG_1789.JPG" width="351" /></a> </div></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Upon resumption in 2022 Rasisalai stormed to the top
of Northeast Southern Group F to progress to the knockout stages, where they
dispatched Jfam United and Amnatcharoen City, with both games taking place at Ubon
Ratchathani Rajabhat University Stadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Roi-Et PB United and Roi-Et 2018 were then both seen
off. The run continued as Konkrillas United and Warship United were defeated,
before Muang Trang United were overcome 4-1 over two legs to claim the
championship and seal promotion to the national competition in style as Polite
Mueang Chan banged in the goals.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtdN1U12_wwlmmymOYRwWm6QSqkmpmF8Q31XsoGsh4Xked_IT9bnIXPqbUZNZy6jnIbIby_gduEcc21kxHLZfuwGgs-WaMKcyq8BGVBddL_2NEjlH3UMHHUpN--hYHwZvb58XrCZKb1LM8A-FYrV2-UR0wJxTk5m2BixUk1l1eKruWx_Vb80Aq0OfKA/s12704/IMG_0291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="12704" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtdN1U12_wwlmmymOYRwWm6QSqkmpmF8Q31XsoGsh4Xked_IT9bnIXPqbUZNZy6jnIbIby_gduEcc21kxHLZfuwGgs-WaMKcyq8BGVBddL_2NEjlH3UMHHUpN--hYHwZvb58XrCZKb1LM8A-FYrV2-UR0wJxTk5m2BixUk1l1eKruWx_Vb80Aq0OfKA/w390-h111/IMG_0291.JPG" width="390" /></a> </span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Promotion meant finding a suitable venue, and a deal
was struck with SAT Sisaket and the Sisaket Provincial Sports Association to
use their venue in the city, which is sometimes known as Central Island Stadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The side consolidated their new status under head
coach Tossapon Kanplook who was succeeded by Preeda Chankra before the
mid-season break in front of encouraging home attendances. Chankra was replaced by Chonlathit Janthakham before returning to the position in November 2023.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: red;">My visits</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span>Rasisalai United 2 Yasothon 2 (Sunday 15</span><sup>th</sup><span>
January 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 411)</span></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0JKTrd87BbP4l4tDGSInSoBKhjFC8FrsFq7w6ifHEsVvV5GC9nxrPfy48cvqLXsXi-fwG_h3D5yBvg3wkxiB7qcF7xdgLGdfl0NZLzV_jafDx5h25LsU7FnELSvKyA80nhxjid58_UgSMpHrFJxl32TggfwZImISF4QSspD3Br_wj3hELA0OONNHmQ/s2048/IMG_0279.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0JKTrd87BbP4l4tDGSInSoBKhjFC8FrsFq7w6ifHEsVvV5GC9nxrPfy48cvqLXsXi-fwG_h3D5yBvg3wkxiB7qcF7xdgLGdfl0NZLzV_jafDx5h25LsU7FnELSvKyA80nhxjid58_UgSMpHrFJxl32TggfwZImISF4QSspD3Br_wj3hELA0OONNHmQ/s320/IMG_0279.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What a day! One of those you don’t want to end aside
from your body telling you it’s time for bed. I had already had a beautiful
walk as the sun came up over the village of Suan Kluai in the Sisaket
countryside, as I listened to an archived edition of TalkSport’s, My Sporting
Life featuring an old Hull City favourite of mine, Steve McClaren.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After a traditional Isan style breakfast my beautiful
partner Taew kindly drove me to Kanthararom, the nearest town of any size. She
wanted food to cook from the market and we had sussed out the day before that no local transport existed.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNetUdg3XfqK4S-PjB1JMk_sG3IaLgcQCTHN_pcN2TVRriYFqS3DyTnFfgAvWsCcs25o9fMscbcsY-jR4s-hy1nbLEyjGA5yJI1jQHLyZBlERJs3zhD0LROZa1e7Ah7mLTWdrsA2CljYWAszwEp3hDhzIac0MetCHEGFZTpPyfdNlTopy5snwj5TVxDg/s2122/IMG_0290.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="2122" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNetUdg3XfqK4S-PjB1JMk_sG3IaLgcQCTHN_pcN2TVRriYFqS3DyTnFfgAvWsCcs25o9fMscbcsY-jR4s-hy1nbLEyjGA5yJI1jQHLyZBlERJs3zhD0LROZa1e7Ah7mLTWdrsA2CljYWAszwEp3hDhzIac0MetCHEGFZTpPyfdNlTopy5snwj5TVxDg/w268-h169/IMG_0290.JPG" width="268" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She left me to my own devices as I had a walk around
and had a nice chat with a young monk at the temple. We bumped into each other
at the market before I headed off towards the bus terminus.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a bit of a surprise that the lady who oversaw
the desk and toilets had to telephone a driver to tell him that he had a pickup. I had no idea what vehicle to expect or what time it was due. I never have
quite phrased that question correctly in Google translate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVmMa6zGsPonS4dp7JZX6ivjFF82_jZ1vtDJY0Ae1_zCU-WN9r6yebztRyfUppliUC1rmJ3s0JMmRdHl6ExivUlxkbMoh7ESZ9gHPEJ7w7xHYqfpcJ45xcmUYyszp1QloMUY1jVLEsYB_xAKdzJ3RgK7yd6ktJvXvpYZ3D49flM7EuY3jO9bhjgJaeQ/s4032/IMG_0282.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVmMa6zGsPonS4dp7JZX6ivjFF82_jZ1vtDJY0Ae1_zCU-WN9r6yebztRyfUppliUC1rmJ3s0JMmRdHl6ExivUlxkbMoh7ESZ9gHPEJ7w7xHYqfpcJ45xcmUYyszp1QloMUY1jVLEsYB_xAKdzJ3RgK7yd6ktJvXvpYZ3D49flM7EuY3jO9bhjgJaeQ/s320/IMG_0282.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It wasn’t long past midday when the minibus arrived,
which I presume had set out from Ubon Ratchathani. It cost me 53 Baht for the
18 km journey, depositing me at Sisaket Bus Terminus. Feeling adventurous I
thought I would ask about transport back to my village.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There were plenty of blank looks and shakes of the
head. The lady on the information desk hadn’t even heard of it. That would be a
no then! Unperturbed I set off for a walk, visiting the ageing Sun Haeng Plaza shopping
mall for some provisions for home.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWOxUMzUrTF34l9EOB-3u9ADYdhsUGDTpfTzs0QFbHiDRWJ3xKRV76zl1Dy82Kwvle_psXARqAwetSi0EtwV3pEV_-9KO2WOGhSPWKa_PJe61f-Vy3nNNr_cghU_nvDS6N5pWk3PRbYLhJZ2ZZU81DGwA-IjwvE9YCkrBXhm2Y11tXtG2dq4NX1JM3g/s4032/IMG_0284.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWOxUMzUrTF34l9EOB-3u9ADYdhsUGDTpfTzs0QFbHiDRWJ3xKRV76zl1Dy82Kwvle_psXARqAwetSi0EtwV3pEV_-9KO2WOGhSPWKa_PJe61f-Vy3nNNr_cghU_nvDS6N5pWk3PRbYLhJZ2ZZU81DGwA-IjwvE9YCkrBXhm2Y11tXtG2dq4NX1JM3g/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Another temple in a state of being refurbished was
visited, and I went past Leo’s, previously a craft beer establishment which was
closed, apparently to move to a new premises in the near future. However, I had
been given a tip off about somewhere else and it didn’t let me down.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Hong Kong Garden fitted the bill perfectly. Nice hosts
in Peter and Amy, and a superb 12-inch pepperoni pizza for 190 Baht, with a
large Leo only 75 Baht. Before long it was time to go, which was a shame as I
could have sat there for some time, especially if Peter had played some of the
albums, whose covers adorned the wall.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrTREppnI8Vdujp7kkvY60RIth35v8ihsyL1ZhJwjUJ7cZCUjTuIc4uBFvrHhj5va97igKq2_eyNN6Uv-vj_cCwicqf-_2pOoLo_FgpJWMFbiosfAgjnqN2LiuP38JkcnItX_ASU8YPLbosiGlJGxB2MIl8Ig7JWR0mUPolIR7nmYyppOMbdhHBNoxA/s3241/IMG_0286.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2431" data-original-width="3241" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrTREppnI8Vdujp7kkvY60RIth35v8ihsyL1ZhJwjUJ7cZCUjTuIc4uBFvrHhj5va97igKq2_eyNN6Uv-vj_cCwicqf-_2pOoLo_FgpJWMFbiosfAgjnqN2LiuP38JkcnItX_ASU8YPLbosiGlJGxB2MIl8Ig7JWR0mUPolIR7nmYyppOMbdhHBNoxA/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The walk to the game via Google maps ended in one dead
end among the houses of the new village by the bar. Eventually, with the help
of friendly locals I was at the bottom of the road when a large gap lead
through to the large area surrounding the stadium.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It certainly looked an impressive venue from the
outside, that we’d passed previously in the car when we were out in the car. The ticket
in was 60 Baht, with friendly youngsters staffing the gates. Inside the main
stand was very grand with decent clean toilets.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrjmfgZvb98f6DkaCj6niF-DjgP2ghe_n8fIYRg5ibc8UcZiqwBltbctSzUHZiL_aWa0OyFlnRSmvvdgoPjbRJA9pKtxEH2p4L0QVMinVuC8f_thdgmSAZTLu6zLCY-sbRKkE68r5yDMqIimQjIo5nQFaQVHDqipmPomyfN2QlOlt3Iyq_J4XIMAo5w/s4032/IMG_0295.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrjmfgZvb98f6DkaCj6niF-DjgP2ghe_n8fIYRg5ibc8UcZiqwBltbctSzUHZiL_aWa0OyFlnRSmvvdgoPjbRJA9pKtxEH2p4L0QVMinVuC8f_thdgmSAZTLu6zLCY-sbRKkE68r5yDMqIimQjIo5nQFaQVHDqipmPomyfN2QlOlt3Iyq_J4XIMAo5w/s320/IMG_0295.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The view from the back of the seats also semi negated
the running track around the pitch. There were also some home fans of the far
side braving the scorching sun. I had missed the first couple of minutes but
soon settled with a coke to enjoy a decent game.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>In the early exchanges, the home forward partnership of
Supab </span><a name="_Hlk125267406">Muengchan</a><span> and Hamzeh Sari looked lively. A
free kick from a Yasothon player was easily dealt with by home custodian Banhan
Thubthong.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_WGr2fz7JQozefJVI8OBPMy7_IL6zOKL4oqeJoKyedtPXGFkdVIMQp7y7eRPYakz8dKaSivGFbxaqjljeZV7CRhzBl0SkUlEbui8hfDRCD2EAP0-hh41sRQUCtVYYc5qyZzVXAsEQkDn-cRv4-FqAmL4PRpdiUqOjuB3DTA1Sgins2F5XI9vtFXWPQ/s4032/IMG_0287.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_WGr2fz7JQozefJVI8OBPMy7_IL6zOKL4oqeJoKyedtPXGFkdVIMQp7y7eRPYakz8dKaSivGFbxaqjljeZV7CRhzBl0SkUlEbui8hfDRCD2EAP0-hh41sRQUCtVYYc5qyZzVXAsEQkDn-cRv4-FqAmL4PRpdiUqOjuB3DTA1Sgins2F5XI9vtFXWPQ/s320/IMG_0287.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rasisalai was the better side as the ref called for a
break for drinks at the midway point of the half. Nattapon Yongsakool went on a
mazy run for the home team, but he couldn’t get his shot away, but second later
his side took the lead.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A fine cut back from Jaruphong Wongphithak was put
away by Somyot Pongsuwan with three minutes of the first period left on the
clock. The goal was greeted by a brief instrumental version of Seven Nation
Army. I’m sure White Stripes would have been chuffed.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_nbUbCoJyTAHk9t0QDTeUpMvtM4zyC3q7rCCmDmPaiUvB-c9RROHreZ7JfM2Vkw3yCErdu2vD_rAxKgXqFOsxGZVNQEgf_o3BawbZnTgHjUR2IUg0zJCaJyZG3GeUBYErSlOtb85daRtqfS4N9EGMuVAVGQDyz0vQk-ZoY4_PsVbXU9vTH6iDfrdhw/s3928/IMG_0301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2651" data-original-width="3928" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_nbUbCoJyTAHk9t0QDTeUpMvtM4zyC3q7rCCmDmPaiUvB-c9RROHreZ7JfM2Vkw3yCErdu2vD_rAxKgXqFOsxGZVNQEgf_o3BawbZnTgHjUR2IUg0zJCaJyZG3GeUBYErSlOtb85daRtqfS4N9EGMuVAVGQDyz0vQk-ZoY4_PsVbXU9vTH6iDfrdhw/s320/IMG_0301.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The lead was nearly doubled when Sari narrowly headed
over a cross put in from Aphisit Nusonsala. At the interval I walked round the
stadium perimeter to grab some photos. I was greeted by friendly fans on the
far side, some of whom were enjoying beers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yasothon hadn’t just come for the ride and played very
well after the break. They equalised when a curling shot from Panawat Jantasila
might have taken a slight nick on the way through, but I thought that home goalie
Thubthong should have at least got a hand on it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy0gbZ7zLEXnfgvbWQLN_m7spuqhaSqYoUg7p9BMyNQJ6bsx2QTMycPkeeHAfm3HQpIdvMp4J5ewTPbCZK5ytBuQv_NYaDfvZ7-Wz8lC5KpBxBs7ce-njhcA550kRnCMDb5937JCrhwG8K6rRX6mOX4RkdZaOgUXDjNCO9d4_6bp6IdmhinHCA5kHsg/s3542/IMG_0288.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2657" data-original-width="3542" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy0gbZ7zLEXnfgvbWQLN_m7spuqhaSqYoUg7p9BMyNQJ6bsx2QTMycPkeeHAfm3HQpIdvMp4J5ewTPbCZK5ytBuQv_NYaDfvZ7-Wz8lC5KpBxBs7ce-njhcA550kRnCMDb5937JCrhwG8K6rRX6mOX4RkdZaOgUXDjNCO9d4_6bp6IdmhinHCA5kHsg/s320/IMG_0288.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rasisalai retook the lead, in a game that flowed from
end to end, when a fine pass allowed Muengchan to beat the offside trap and
finish coolly past Ronnachart Phuchum. It looked to me like that goal would be
decisive, but the visitors weren’t having any of it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They levelled once again, eleven minutes from time,
when a free kick from Jantasila flew in straight above the hands of Thubthong.
It was a good strike, but the hosts keeper showed all the reflexes of Peter
Shilton in the 1990 penalty shootout against West Germany.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPN6ltobtC9565Y4MrQjTfOLCSJJ2Tt1RdeemGnqmqP3FimfBV-Y5a9m49W-bv43fX-Y4gm35pZvcG_iMGcMTNPkAQ2FpPP0qmoceoHWKu6J6UsPGsrqJcISI0IMgU8iEKqd5a8_xriDUlIk6mtlmxtQEVnLc_3bWA4KmzcLF6jm0B1nTn7vAikw1Fw/s4032/IMG_0307.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPN6ltobtC9565Y4MrQjTfOLCSJJ2Tt1RdeemGnqmqP3FimfBV-Y5a9m49W-bv43fX-Y4gm35pZvcG_iMGcMTNPkAQ2FpPP0qmoceoHWKu6J6UsPGsrqJcISI0IMgU8iEKqd5a8_xriDUlIk6mtlmxtQEVnLc_3bWA4KmzcLF6jm0B1nTn7vAikw1Fw/s320/IMG_0307.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By now I had other concerns, as Grab taxis were not
responding to my request for a cab. I was desperate not to ask Taew as I needed
to retain some independence for future occasions. I had considered walking to
the bus terminal where I had seen taxis earlier in the day.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">However, I used a solution that has worked for nigh on
forty years, as I returned to the bar for a beer. I had remembered Amy asking
if I wanted a taxi before I had left, so I decided to take her up on her offer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqISeBDmS8hrfxeahbH4w3fQ9BMI65DKnS4tttH3qcQLSAFUVMCgL6X6l6KYR6q6GW_Tu8z7IueoRZO19v5juZlka7znWbJoG2-wvoGghrSwujR-qronMDfarFSd8QZ7nE4Vqd5XAKMs-6WD48VmQkHuc0mZKtw-LMh5iXJDa4FMZN-WwhktwzUIPyw/s4032/IMG_0306.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqISeBDmS8hrfxeahbH4w3fQ9BMI65DKnS4tttH3qcQLSAFUVMCgL6X6l6KYR6q6GW_Tu8z7IueoRZO19v5juZlka7znWbJoG2-wvoGghrSwujR-qronMDfarFSd8QZ7nE4Vqd5XAKMs-6WD48VmQkHuc0mZKtw-LMh5iXJDa4FMZN-WwhktwzUIPyw/s320/IMG_0306.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She was unsure of exactly where I wanted to go, and my
Thai isn’t the best to be able to describe such things. I put her on the phone
to my good lady who explained all, and before long a car had arrived for me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Toy turned out to be a terrific man driving me home.
He spoke a bit of English and knew the quickest route offering a comfortable
ride, rather than back alleys and bumpy lanes. It was well worth the tip I gave
him, as we exchanged numbers for future occasions.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeyyDDxabkMpCJEHG9Rzax32oVoKyZIMqeX9yBNMgtNi0q-OekPbrBEwrb48Hgd2hPCHvBXE0jeCFupmaoDILnzv8RSk2mgI1shckzDAZRP-jdwqjS9O39k9zPpmbuk4tRlgaodywOrT6oPMH4CC7eCkXv226v8CTA0yukLFuamPNdMTU1aVK2tAXkw/s2340/IMG_0309.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2340" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeyyDDxabkMpCJEHG9Rzax32oVoKyZIMqeX9yBNMgtNi0q-OekPbrBEwrb48Hgd2hPCHvBXE0jeCFupmaoDILnzv8RSk2mgI1shckzDAZRP-jdwqjS9O39k9zPpmbuk4tRlgaodywOrT6oPMH4CC7eCkXv226v8CTA0yukLFuamPNdMTU1aVK2tAXkw/w355-h183/IMG_0309.JPG" width="355" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My return was near the end of a mini party, featuring female members of Taew’s family who were delighted to see me, especially the
more imbibed of the fraternity. Food and beers were waiting, before we went to
a local gathering where villagers prayed for happiness. Amen to that!</span></p><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">What a wonderful day out.
I couldn’t have fitted much more in, and I had enjoyed a proper </span><span style="font-family: arial;">adventure mixing both Thai and western, with a decent
football match to boot!</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rasisalai United 1 Udon United 2 (Saturday 9th September 2023) </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">League Cup 2nd Qualifying Round (att:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> 250)</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xVzOLGJHPQGkVr4EbM5NSBnhfJdNq7jkc-rgE6qBILDfoxtFZ3Q5LD3LgOVmrFAoc_bYIsJBGYOWwQbxr8Bwy9T0ruYnj5tXAphWgEK4ibLmwGyxj_r02CKI_rIBPNalWWkzkRHmRq8WByY8pUUIU8G8yNVSbvTADFZzSw-wnHV2JMUuryuMXGnEmLFF/s1080/IMG_3031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xVzOLGJHPQGkVr4EbM5NSBnhfJdNq7jkc-rgE6qBILDfoxtFZ3Q5LD3LgOVmrFAoc_bYIsJBGYOWwQbxr8Bwy9T0ruYnj5tXAphWgEK4ibLmwGyxj_r02CKI_rIBPNalWWkzkRHmRq8WByY8pUUIU8G8yNVSbvTADFZzSw-wnHV2JMUuryuMXGnEmLFF/w225-h225/IMG_3031.JPG" width="225" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Udon United progressed to the next round with a 2-1
win in a tetchy encounter against hosts Rasisalai in an encounter that could be
called the Sales show, but what won’t live long in the memory at the SAT
Provincial Stadium</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Joao Paulo Sales De Sousa, to give the Brazilian his
full name, was at the thick of most things important. At least that was so once
compatriot Abner saw a shot ricochet in the direction of Niwat Nonkao who
headed home to put the team who had travelled by bus getting on for six hours
ahead in the regional cup tie.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVG-7fJNbC-L5V7lBC_1aIo_jItu59mG2l0BLNTol36VQF9OkpBJc_zwKX3Lqtj255I95Sh8CTzBPnBhVFYMsSDNxCCzbk6iPGUmv8MCGpnabUt1OBbucfhPrvskbFFCA_tGgeXCC2bLtv5FdqKZ4SjhlGRjAJf_xRrO7PRt345L3VHQYir_jY1mMcIjcQ/s3499/IMG_E3883.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2276" data-original-width="3499" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVG-7fJNbC-L5V7lBC_1aIo_jItu59mG2l0BLNTol36VQF9OkpBJc_zwKX3Lqtj255I95Sh8CTzBPnBhVFYMsSDNxCCzbk6iPGUmv8MCGpnabUt1OBbucfhPrvskbFFCA_tGgeXCC2bLtv5FdqKZ4SjhlGRjAJf_xRrO7PRt345L3VHQYir_jY1mMcIjcQ/w306-h199/IMG_E3883.JPG" width="306" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Within a minute the hosts levelled up when Wichit
Kongsinkaew scored an early goal of the season contender with a half volley
from the angle of the penalty area that flew into the far top corner. By now
our man Sales was having an enormous influence, putting himself about and being
a general nuisance to opponents and officials alike.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">His complaining, aided by the other two Samba stars in
the Udon line up was of impressive levels. Incessant would certainly be one
description. He eventually got himself a yellow card for a ridiculous late
lunge, and then avoided a second one which only the imagination of the referee
could allow for.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSLyMGtwhv6VvORBZcamuhfbCUjP__XunK8JUlueJqSl81ZLpVNx-0YoS36LsPV2AFetXhdOpAEe8AqwogGCSvP4094307NgroncGeeAH9BHIwXkV4QDAkOEUpYQGetCTifkUpDvCE94fcJTrHMK7Z6fLazeeDK3QkghURNsYeKjnUbE-EzaeN72LAlxo/s4032/IMG_3053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSLyMGtwhv6VvORBZcamuhfbCUjP__XunK8JUlueJqSl81ZLpVNx-0YoS36LsPV2AFetXhdOpAEe8AqwogGCSvP4094307NgroncGeeAH9BHIwXkV4QDAkOEUpYQGetCTifkUpDvCE94fcJTrHMK7Z6fLazeeDK3QkghURNsYeKjnUbE-EzaeN72LAlxo/s320/IMG_3053.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">However, while he rolled around, his teammates were
going spare pointing at opponent Jakkapan Phaopan who was also prostrate on the
turf. Palakon Hasuk tried to unravel the mess after a minute or so and then
showed a straight red to the Rasisalai defender, causing the clubs woman owner
to go rushing out of the stand to see what was going on.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Quite how I’m not sure, but the referee was convinced
to speak to the fourth official who could well have been rewinding his Facebook
page to look at the live feed, before the red was overturned to a yellow to cue
more moaning from the away team.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hagcmN1f3C30101VKhsuXJqkco1Cojh8HJsR9oa8WF0ZJCPQOsC6rm2LENYCitwpH1zQv4HcTu6W9BJ1DjT22f_jxgl2qVQ5Nwq4Sggj9nsz4Y180ibKCw4nFkqCtB47cnnwMgOWhXAx7URiL2QV2E8SM-5hSVweRUn1cQErbuZKEZRBKNuhunrjRc_R/s4032/IMG_3044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hagcmN1f3C30101VKhsuXJqkco1Cojh8HJsR9oa8WF0ZJCPQOsC6rm2LENYCitwpH1zQv4HcTu6W9BJ1DjT22f_jxgl2qVQ5Nwq4Sggj9nsz4Y180ibKCw4nFkqCtB47cnnwMgOWhXAx7URiL2QV2E8SM-5hSVweRUn1cQErbuZKEZRBKNuhunrjRc_R/s320/IMG_3044.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Udon were turned down what looked like a good shout
for a penalty, leading to more complaints, before a Sales was header was
superbly saved by Banhan Thubthong. After the break, the hosts looked good but
quickly ran out of ideas. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The winner came ten-minutes from time when a low away side cross was missed before
falling to Sales to tap into an empty net with ten minutes remaining and that
was that despite a late flurry to try and force the game into extra time at the other end.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklK3_cC_Q_QEirnuYNIOTS7n0cSDXUShXWDpbhSguWAjelPwzfG2_hjhF8_PnXwUKB3A7ZYAMAX4oxSyS4N6rUDilSYaZ-iMdT_nxbjtqjBkhs-FmZZ_RgYDzsMK6supZFa8aOsUjDxRzJtrOIJY93PbTfQ2fL6KWgATB6LoovqsOTyEb5iDxRl_MoN_f/s2920/IMG_3049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2373" data-original-width="2920" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklK3_cC_Q_QEirnuYNIOTS7n0cSDXUShXWDpbhSguWAjelPwzfG2_hjhF8_PnXwUKB3A7ZYAMAX4oxSyS4N6rUDilSYaZ-iMdT_nxbjtqjBkhs-FmZZ_RgYDzsMK6supZFa8aOsUjDxRzJtrOIJY93PbTfQ2fL6KWgATB6LoovqsOTyEb5iDxRl_MoN_f/s320/IMG_3049.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">As ever, just part of the day back up in the countryside. Shopping in Kanthararom was followed by me catching a minibus
into Sisaket. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">A look around the ageing mall, an expensive pint in
Craft & Cold and a cheap head shave was followed by lunch at Hong Kong
Garden. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The sausage, chips, and gravy and some Laos
Dark beer set me up for the fifteen-minute walk to which included taking my socks and trainers off to wade through a puddle/lake
in the car park after heavy rain over the previous few days.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcykEvZp-KqoVgCC74Euo0t_R3hyvP3R8IlZJdv_sVxWq12GCKwx8AHVYKHfcf_dO4ra7rlRUsBh5__g-FZRaXoiFPGAlT1FClqHsmEhV1wCtjCHYS7zoQNas05mYFEV9h3ZBeogoAnmeqswxV5uOKBpLwFDe72Rn9CKxHa6R43GCs9XavMOCrzp2hS6El/s4032/IMG_3051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcykEvZp-KqoVgCC74Euo0t_R3hyvP3R8IlZJdv_sVxWq12GCKwx8AHVYKHfcf_dO4ra7rlRUsBh5__g-FZRaXoiFPGAlT1FClqHsmEhV1wCtjCHYS7zoQNas05mYFEV9h3ZBeogoAnmeqswxV5uOKBpLwFDe72Rn9CKxHa6R43GCs9XavMOCrzp2hS6El/s320/IMG_3051.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At full time Taew ordered my taxi who waited
outside an empty Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, home of Sisaket United. He
eventually came for me forty minutes later, but worse things happened at
sea. Not least concerning events back home where we had four cattle, one a
recent addition.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A mother birth gave birth to a ewe a couple of weeks
ago but stumbled in the barn the previous night and couldn't get up again
having severely damaged a leg. The vet had arrived and administered a sedative
to the mum, supported on her belly with bales of straw with the aid of a
harness. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There's one thing for sure. She wasn't faking injury like some of
the footballers I encounter.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Rasisalai United 4 Surin Khongcheemool 1 (Saturday 16th September 2023) </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Thai League 3 Northeast (</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">att: c350)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuPztuar4erjiUahkHB2XCZIvrQLNDscfjZZnEfnQagI_5m53fE2scb1xONGd3nFLPS3kNnDWFV8f7_myFtCxRQDWY6rKuXvYXKFqfwZ3Z5KzdXbejgr4gmoqMQfdDdx-vXYqbTh7fOTBHshun7KXlI9XVK-F9xnEiDjoeokicunjRg3oawfdUxsxPCG0/s5184/IMG_1786.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuPztuar4erjiUahkHB2XCZIvrQLNDscfjZZnEfnQagI_5m53fE2scb1xONGd3nFLPS3kNnDWFV8f7_myFtCxRQDWY6rKuXvYXKFqfwZ3Z5KzdXbejgr4gmoqMQfdDdx-vXYqbTh7fOTBHshun7KXlI9XVK-F9xnEiDjoeokicunjRg3oawfdUxsxPCG0/s320/IMG_1786.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN">Sometimes the first result of a season can be a slightly
misleading form guide. Players might not have gelled, or the coach doesn’t have</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> his ideas
across fully. The previous week Surin KCM were dumped out of the League Cup 8-2
at Khon Kaen Mordingdang. One the evidence of this showing, it was no freak scoreline.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How Rasisalai didn’t bag eight themselves, was only
down to some awful finishing, some of it comical, like the missed penalty at
0-0 that came back off both posts, and the free header into an open net at the
back post that was somehow blocked by a teammate. To be fair to the visitors
they plugged away right until the last kick of the game.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuw9kw4XdZp4Mcjgf3CBPLdwQ0PYNiVfcVe9yu1Icx7QVJZy52krC5nHVQea0LsstPgmGJTw3qxAFojVybHnfPVZZ-xt8yljyV5xFm7JUwgqKqj3xxY73S9J8ixWG8G9_T4bg2h6iyII-qhrWefyRAuzgAv6zbnVcohKFiXl5UYBolnFTUa-qtHrfGlhH/s5184/IMG_1798.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuw9kw4XdZp4Mcjgf3CBPLdwQ0PYNiVfcVe9yu1Icx7QVJZy52krC5nHVQea0LsstPgmGJTw3qxAFojVybHnfPVZZ-xt8yljyV5xFm7JUwgqKqj3xxY73S9J8ixWG8G9_T4bg2h6iyII-qhrWefyRAuzgAv6zbnVcohKFiXl5UYBolnFTUa-qtHrfGlhH/s320/IMG_1798.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">You would have thought full back Surawat Tarnparsert
has scored a winner in a cup final such was his joy in finding the net, after
colleagues Phongsuri Etmsakdi hit the post, and then Amonthep Kamchadphai saw
his shot come back off the bar, but by now the game had been well and truly put
to bed.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Natchanon Yongsakool atoned for his earlier penalty
miss from scoring from the spot after twenty-seven minutes. Soon after the
interval Aphisit Nusonsala crossed from wide on the left and saw the ball sail
over the head of keeper Kittiphop Panjan and into the net. The home player
acclaimed the adulation of the crowd who surely didn’t think that it was an
intended shot.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFh5hhqyE1fG9FnlYLl8KEhrq2DLDd0jAh1t-He7OZd779HOVx6MVTV0FYSa5B_iQo_IDnEZHLIijkfuaszGUOlkojtHm-s16_Cux7jesbmDEdU5QYlPCbF-OPz_HOpoHBHFg4F70rFtAmV8eoQtIGHU8EyLZdoLeC27NnNljG_OjbFwBH5qL2n6vlpIK/s4667/IMG_1799.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2969" data-original-width="4667" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFh5hhqyE1fG9FnlYLl8KEhrq2DLDd0jAh1t-He7OZd779HOVx6MVTV0FYSa5B_iQo_IDnEZHLIijkfuaszGUOlkojtHm-s16_Cux7jesbmDEdU5QYlPCbF-OPz_HOpoHBHFg4F70rFtAmV8eoQtIGHU8EyLZdoLeC27NnNljG_OjbFwBH5qL2n6vlpIK/s320/IMG_1799.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Two goals with five minutes from Wichit Kongsinkaew
must have had Surin hearts sinking, with around twenty-minutes remaining, but
they somehow managed to put together a threadbare offside trap that the home
side couldn’t work out and they decided to have some fun. </span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">In fairness they
tried to play the right way throughout. It’s just that they weren’t
particularly good at it. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Neither side with an overseas player, which always
gladdens my heart as a pragmatist, as it’s surely unsustainable paying out the
wages, plus it’s great to see local players getting a go in professional
football. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V3OFrqGoQE669EDhV6I7UEIB7wtcNnH6RvtEbJUQrr8UKHnk-EbHO4fmqmtyfZigrBAwZnLPTce30W0vdr8giBAG8pZIjO4DrqLJdKMraWebbf2yVP_K9VY1yj6tE3EeB61Qlwn4FKGb7wsXABB3uOyr5ISeHorWVJNUTInJHGVRoH7324ywYkAheIm8/s5184/IMG_1796.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V3OFrqGoQE669EDhV6I7UEIB7wtcNnH6RvtEbJUQrr8UKHnk-EbHO4fmqmtyfZigrBAwZnLPTce30W0vdr8giBAG8pZIjO4DrqLJdKMraWebbf2yVP_K9VY1yj6tE3EeB61Qlwn4FKGb7wsXABB3uOyr5ISeHorWVJNUTInJHGVRoH7324ywYkAheIm8/s320/IMG_1796.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A special mention to referee Tharanon Naowapan. There had been some
huge rainfalls over the past few weeks in Sisaket province and the pitch was
difficult. He used his common sense and kept dishing out cards to a minimum,
also allowing for a lack of malicious intent from the away side, with their poor
challenges on occasions.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A lovely day out as ever. Dropped off in Kanthararom by my wife, Train ride to Sisaket fand then got a cab to Hong Kong Garden
for lunch. Homemade meat pie, chips, and gravy washed down by a cider and a
couple of bottles of Laos Dark and a chat forming the perfect Saturday with
football.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/95stkLIhFJI" width="320" youtube-src-id="95stkLIhFJI"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My video recorded for <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0iC4xGaPyzzPU91UfIAn80" target="_blank">A Thai Football Podcast</a></span><br /><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My earlier driver collected me after the game from SAT
Sisaket Stadium and took me home. He knew the route as he lived in the nearby
countryside. And he put the metre on, which revealed the previous week’s pilot
enjoyed a couple of beers out of me. Food, beers, and some live Thai League and
EPL action before bed. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rasisalai United 1 Khon Kaen Mordingdang 1 (Sunday 5th November 2023) </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 172)</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9u6D_MVnSAfQjRnWsATmcgMLTtn1HsGcTNb_3TQRjghAGTrwWN93EG6SbQgY3s3SL2XXIjbG7-ugmScZ3qgCHT5dGoJZYp0JviXC8aEstJmAQs8WKsCWYaA0KxST8_QvoEhiKPbiQLStuMWFde5Cq6XTr5agHT30rDE1OhEfjX_0MyTh0P1DIorxTk-x/s1920/IMG_3879.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9u6D_MVnSAfQjRnWsATmcgMLTtn1HsGcTNb_3TQRjghAGTrwWN93EG6SbQgY3s3SL2XXIjbG7-ugmScZ3qgCHT5dGoJZYp0JviXC8aEstJmAQs8WKsCWYaA0KxST8_QvoEhiKPbiQLStuMWFde5Cq6XTr5agHT30rDE1OhEfjX_0MyTh0P1DIorxTk-x/w263-h263/IMG_3879.JPG" width="263" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The lady owner of the hosts rang the changes during the week before the match as Preeda
Chankra who led league debutants Rasisalai to third place the previous term returned to
the dugout.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">United tend to play lovely football at times, without
delivering an end product, and can be guilty of missing a lot of chances. And
so, it proved once again, as they played with vigour without putting the ball
in the net in the first half. They were made to pay as Tanapol Srithong put KKM
1-0 up five minutes before the break.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdsrrRuFNx071mffKRqNaD3vEytGDcqIP3SpBvj85NirEl05JhLx0df5FtqXO-KbIZefrTvIe2h3WHLw5DE_fuW_cj2vK7Eem6SoJrZbrR-QcBKdLSReWBs612cJvdFSAiIu8-ETKHMg1bEjprcUym_cLGGftbockuMXLOcNTtcr1aeMrIDnnlXYOu4Ki/s3939/IMG_3884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2273" data-original-width="3939" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdsrrRuFNx071mffKRqNaD3vEytGDcqIP3SpBvj85NirEl05JhLx0df5FtqXO-KbIZefrTvIe2h3WHLw5DE_fuW_cj2vK7Eem6SoJrZbrR-QcBKdLSReWBs612cJvdFSAiIu8-ETKHMg1bEjprcUym_cLGGftbockuMXLOcNTtcr1aeMrIDnnlXYOu4Ki/s320/IMG_3884.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The second half was of a similar pattern, and equal. A fantastic move
led to an equaliser from Natchanon Yongsakool seven minutes after the restart.
The midfielder always seemed to be in the thick of the action and gave his all whenever I watched.
Chukwuma at the back a steady presence as ever.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the gloom in stoppage time of the 3.30pm kickoff, the visitors nearly
snatched a last gasp winner, but for a superb point-blank stop from home goalie
Banhan Thubthong. Why they hadn’t switched the lights on was beyond me and my
mate.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uegAhNZAdUnNlrs-l0uKYc3n-_3grwrzh6lYMzCBvZg92s8lzbYhBa9aXrmnv7W8MO5KKVagO6etlx-WI78e_-kRm5BnQOLJHbwaMD7iXIkFxIt5oZE0rHYAkXws1Scg4BjLfR9p8PfVi-r35ZaApXSM2S7Dwkp-tUO2rpLl8KO19cNVUtNhWC8T83-R/s7881/IMG_3882.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="7881" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uegAhNZAdUnNlrs-l0uKYc3n-_3grwrzh6lYMzCBvZg92s8lzbYhBa9aXrmnv7W8MO5KKVagO6etlx-WI78e_-kRm5BnQOLJHbwaMD7iXIkFxIt5oZE0rHYAkXws1Scg4BjLfR9p8PfVi-r35ZaApXSM2S7Dwkp-tUO2rpLl8KO19cNVUtNhWC8T83-R/w396-h157/IMG_3882.JPG" width="396" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A lovely few hours in town as ever in the good company of my new companion John Thornback with a fine baguette
and plentiful refreshments at Hong Kong Garden, a few minutes by car from Sisaket
Provincial Stadium. A special shout out to my Grab driver who has become my
regular pilot.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our car was having repairs, so I needed a taxi both ways. Grab
doesn’t connect with drivers in the deepest countryside, but he gave my Taew, my wife, his number and tells her to ring in advance whenever I need a
ride. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He drove down to us, and then I made the connection on the app. The fella
is full of laughter. They call him Euan which is translated to “fatty”, and he
has one leg, which we discovered when opening his boot to put the shopping in
at Makro a few days earlier. I make sure he gets a good tip.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rasisalai United 5 Nakhon Ratchasima United 3 (Saturday 11th November 2023) </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Thai League 3 Northeast </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">(att: 175)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvjxIDva9rlfK1Q73ZQEY3iKkw4bX1yKxKD70EViVtoS_FM_0TcnW03HchQcaekKdOgv_erM2ARA47R-vUCCR0O2U4OlO_FtRlMdXDz8crO0rI7GrlbU_kaw2_sWRWXPDNrrBmDhDsP9A-1HyczIK5MvD6vOymSlHMArp_4vRhcXO9ntCvMInuZX-TcpQ/s1286/IMG_3926.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1286" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvjxIDva9rlfK1Q73ZQEY3iKkw4bX1yKxKD70EViVtoS_FM_0TcnW03HchQcaekKdOgv_erM2ARA47R-vUCCR0O2U4OlO_FtRlMdXDz8crO0rI7GrlbU_kaw2_sWRWXPDNrrBmDhDsP9A-1HyczIK5MvD6vOymSlHMArp_4vRhcXO9ntCvMInuZX-TcpQ/w224-h224/IMG_3926.JPG" width="224" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A highly entertaining encounter as the improving hosts
faced a better than expected challenge against the side second from bottom in
the thirteen team division. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">A brace from the consistently impressive Natchanon
from midfield along with a penalty from Tangrit put Rasisalai in command as
expected with fifty-one minutes on the clock. The away side had been horrible
to watch at Sisaket a few weeks earlier, with niggly tactics and an immobile
goalie who was on the bench for this encounter.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3rR8TsivIj_0LeteBLMBws_WfW_4y0FVUSJkvvNnVoWlbfCohnOV4c2k9-gvzVMBFP2j2Kq_rgel-AJ6dnmzMO-x8RvTIf_y0RU3eAZPXb586JwmwaYs9YpKLJwkSC0z0NEr1KIzaw3ECmEB38GBRCJTiVaznNHuWfzT9L2oR-oqT2GzUvk9Q2gPe0Bn/s3669/IMG_3927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2752" data-original-width="3669" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3rR8TsivIj_0LeteBLMBws_WfW_4y0FVUSJkvvNnVoWlbfCohnOV4c2k9-gvzVMBFP2j2Kq_rgel-AJ6dnmzMO-x8RvTIf_y0RU3eAZPXb586JwmwaYs9YpKLJwkSC0z0NEr1KIzaw3ECmEB38GBRCJTiVaznNHuWfzT9L2oR-oqT2GzUvk9Q2gPe0Bn/s320/IMG_3927.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">They had a different attitude this time out with Thanwa
giving them a lifeline just before the hour mark. Tanagrit added another
penalty before Nadtakorn reduced the arrears once again. By now the game was
stretched and my mate and I both thought anything could have happened if
Ratchasima scored next.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, it wasn’t to be. Supab made it 5-3 before
Nadtachorn scored his second in additional time, meaning his side still only
had one point after nine games. The hapless bottom of the table side Surin
Khongcheemool still had to register a point.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When I got home my good lady registered a point. That
I was drunk and had been stupid walking several miles in flop flops and now had
blistered feet. Guilty as charged. I was in one of those moods where I wanted a
good drink. Pre-match as ever in the excellent Hong Kong Garden for home made
pie, chips, and gravy along with a range of beers and a cider. I continued at
the stadium and post-match found myself without an available Grab driver.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gY4dYTLgj-q2kkOv52ueWjr6IH0LVxCCNZWuSe37PBHcYkZyuddnRdaySTXpbAP5OXfErfn_v29UKJAOXQ3EI9hURIWvveYRbTw_PoU1jCxcUJ6mVN-8jQB-uuDPoQUHtdj3vC5X_Vnrbs56XH1fxgbTB5bu4e7AMxB0tjHrdvad5esf2ScnXHlraiww/s3822/IMG_3929.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3822" data-original-width="2867" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gY4dYTLgj-q2kkOv52ueWjr6IH0LVxCCNZWuSe37PBHcYkZyuddnRdaySTXpbAP5OXfErfn_v29UKJAOXQ3EI9hURIWvveYRbTw_PoU1jCxcUJ6mVN-8jQB-uuDPoQUHtdj3vC5X_Vnrbs56XH1fxgbTB5bu4e7AMxB0tjHrdvad5esf2ScnXHlraiww/s320/IMG_3929.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’d been given a recommendation of a restaurant bar
that later turned into the place to be a few weeks earlier. I thought it a good
idea to take the fifteen-minute walk, have a beer and see if I had more look
getting a taxi. After one agreed and then turned me down saying the fare Grab
was telling him to charge wasn’t expensive enough a kind member of staff spoke
to my better half on the phone so she explained where we lived and so that they
could call me a taxi.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The following day I was feeling sheepish, with sore feet making
walking a few yards painful, and a hangover from hell. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rasisalai United 0 Sisaket United 1 - at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium (Satuday 16th December 2023) </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Thai League 3 Northeast </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">(att: 536)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8LouSoB04EacynlDa500Y0sZnTDXFp7wAF1pNMREx13hKEnHvKBiGSaIFIJNSZS4zXqyQqv_XipryClmZXGfwDuY6GIa-CBlQI_KSXIOGPiwoC8WJPZaLL0_4YXqhm3900CTwFCBofUGGuSI1WLUpuuAxxODxg7qcf4aKVOw9n-XAviJuyH6Gmx9o5sW/s1500/IMG_4613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8LouSoB04EacynlDa500Y0sZnTDXFp7wAF1pNMREx13hKEnHvKBiGSaIFIJNSZS4zXqyQqv_XipryClmZXGfwDuY6GIa-CBlQI_KSXIOGPiwoC8WJPZaLL0_4YXqhm3900CTwFCBofUGGuSI1WLUpuuAxxODxg7qcf4aKVOw9n-XAviJuyH6Gmx9o5sW/w196-h196/IMG_4613.JPG" width="196" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">A hard
fought victory for the league leaders in the local derby. The only goal from
Argentinian star man Panigazzi five minutes after the break with Danilo the
Brazilian forward putting in a much improved shift as Sisaket maintained their position at the top of the
table.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The first
half showed signs of imitating the first encounter between the sides which
ended 0-0. Sisaket keeper Adisak Lambelsah turned over a long range effort in
the only real offering on goal from either side. Referee Chlaermpon Thongsri
did his best to liven things up with some bizarre decisions, mainly against Rasisalai.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpSDPia1NhymqFXQ59k1JleCzrYhASuYxlP7tWfKCtcMVUxka7dfDmYJKDHEJfthljNBYmsfvgF8gy9LEeJT6r7yLsHwNx2H8GVTmQ46yWsrdDRnNDb8bK3Q_ST42f5RGSTVsxnOftb2zstaryeioTWWjNEYSc51E-Cdva_YUIcKxU_JWGt_EVmvXfkl0/s3708/IMG_E4624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2193" data-original-width="3708" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpSDPia1NhymqFXQ59k1JleCzrYhASuYxlP7tWfKCtcMVUxka7dfDmYJKDHEJfthljNBYmsfvgF8gy9LEeJT6r7yLsHwNx2H8GVTmQ46yWsrdDRnNDb8bK3Q_ST42f5RGSTVsxnOftb2zstaryeioTWWjNEYSc51E-Cdva_YUIcKxU_JWGt_EVmvXfkl0/s320/IMG_E4624.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">The boss of
the club, a lady not known for holding back her emotions, offered some forceful
feedback hanging over the railings of the stand as the officials headed down
the tunnel at the interval. Whatever Sisaket coach Narongthanaphorn told his troops at half time seemed to have a desired
effect as they came out with more attacking intent.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Danilo, who
can be lacklustre at times, showed some real quality featuring in much link up
play using his strength and vision as well as a yard of pace most thought had
long left him. Panigazzi as ever, despite carrying an injury, the driving force
in midfield. His brave header from a floated cross the difference between the
teams. Sisaket had another couple of guilt edged chances that went to waste,
and they were nearly made to pay.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia07VWTq-NpfdOiklGVvXMMQ2Z8l50wkScxuUZkr3I5yw4FGStd68NteuICJOTXTN54DqaGuU4_LwxlMuXIfLowJu0937yAZ8kcZcyRJ6jIYrPUdDwfu55eEZPuhltk4eWYOiYxIY9ezsvTJmZwFHvzgMTbIHvbGetz5ybBeHDKPBgmWaa2EOd2GM5dSnk/s3901/IMG_4621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3901" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia07VWTq-NpfdOiklGVvXMMQ2Z8l50wkScxuUZkr3I5yw4FGStd68NteuICJOTXTN54DqaGuU4_LwxlMuXIfLowJu0937yAZ8kcZcyRJ6jIYrPUdDwfu55eEZPuhltk4eWYOiYxIY9ezsvTJmZwFHvzgMTbIHvbGetz5ybBeHDKPBgmWaa2EOd2GM5dSnk/s320/IMG_4621.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Finally,
Rasisalai coach Preeda Chankra brought on the energetic Natchanon Yongsakool
from off the bench. In the earlier fixture he missed a late penalty and was then
dismissed for a second yellow card, but he is always in the thick of the
action. His and the introduction of defender Gideon Chuckwuma made a big
difference as the pace and intent intensified.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">A couple of
crosses flashed across the box, until in the second of five additional minutes,
a shot smashed back off the underside of the Sisaket bar and danger was somehow
averted from the rebound before a very enjoyable second half came to an end.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9gLzyIbgHLeYLmDDE7k8Yp0fVaQiOBPBxF6IsV3SActck-073Q57HwjhTKd1TMRZlQG0N547c4kV2kByI4H-JPDmhCpoZYGoWWRQDddKpUS58xOLeCGsVOKsOsUeZqjl0YCO49tsKFA1GG2gvosJxJ8omsW9EWlGhUuF0l_Pey5Zj9PdwZTjxgiQ7m7l/s3795/IMG_4620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="3795" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9gLzyIbgHLeYLmDDE7k8Yp0fVaQiOBPBxF6IsV3SActck-073Q57HwjhTKd1TMRZlQG0N547c4kV2kByI4H-JPDmhCpoZYGoWWRQDddKpUS58xOLeCGsVOKsOsUeZqjl0YCO49tsKFA1GG2gvosJxJ8omsW9EWlGhUuF0l_Pey5Zj9PdwZTjxgiQ7m7l/s320/IMG_4620.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">This was
local derby with a difference. Rasisalai’s usual stadium a mile or so away was out
of commission for a marching band competition so they forfeited their home
advantage and hired the government owned Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, the usual
home of their opponents.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">This meant
that Sisaket fans were predominantly in the away supporter’s section of their
own stadium. Rasisalai ut out a message of Facebook saying anyone in Sisaket
colours could not use their usual home sections. One German fella, a regular hadn’t
read the info, came in his usual orange shirt but was seen after half time with
another shirt covering it over. Daft really as a few of us go to watch both
sides.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdVj0e8fSDOU3tGzmwRqjKtA5XQ43RCGd8flH-5Eein40d5LbJsvpxaPlUgpsdbVpawzk_flerzqVwtvhIouahIqnVIOn02GRU-LhKb-lGAXTPVGlxbv-x5sH8gt00XWy2ba3GhKM5FKwRIEQtqsPO72QiACI_ZitzaKvNAQ1fCEjMBkufLHo89qsXGpZ/s4032/IMG_4627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdVj0e8fSDOU3tGzmwRqjKtA5XQ43RCGd8flH-5Eein40d5LbJsvpxaPlUgpsdbVpawzk_flerzqVwtvhIouahIqnVIOn02GRU-LhKb-lGAXTPVGlxbv-x5sH8gt00XWy2ba3GhKM5FKwRIEQtqsPO72QiACI_ZitzaKvNAQ1fCEjMBkufLHo89qsXGpZ/s320/IMG_4627.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">I’d been a
good lad all week, abstaining from booze and eating smaller portions to try and
shed some timber and clear the head. Train from Kanthararom and a walk at the other end, including a stop for the first time at
Barco, a café bar which had a good fridge with a wide selection of bottles from
near and far. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Probably my one and only visit. The small bottle of Cha La Wan
IPA from Full Moon Brewery in Phuket was good, but the price matched that of an
English city. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The challenge
of trying to find out bus information to Khon Kaen for a future trip at the bus
station where no English is spoken was a success, or at least I think so. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">I
continued past bewildered Thai's seeing someone walking in the heat, to Hong
Kong Garden, my usual pre-match haunt for a late lunch and a couple of better
priced bottles before heading to the game with my mate John. A good few hours out and home at a sensible hour.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rasisalai
United 4 Muang Loei United 0 (Wednesday 7th February 2024) Thai League Northeast (att: 69)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkogid5IfUqbHx-5Gzm9rgACkv_pgevTslsar-VwLR6MBpwp6Qvf17GqVJzWLcOSrxNo2lRAIcaioftaYBCc6JZv3SsdQ1OBPvkD5R7z9HuyeN7zMlD4VKxqShs848SFSY1v5Px6A2pr6vUcQgd6Tqvc-ww2Av29G4pLvjcdc8C_BPHAXQxXm7-5rgHsTn/s960/425751065_10163670176314676_2871141222732576359_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkogid5IfUqbHx-5Gzm9rgACkv_pgevTslsar-VwLR6MBpwp6Qvf17GqVJzWLcOSrxNo2lRAIcaioftaYBCc6JZv3SsdQ1OBPvkD5R7z9HuyeN7zMlD4VKxqShs848SFSY1v5Px6A2pr6vUcQgd6Tqvc-ww2Av29G4pLvjcdc8C_BPHAXQxXm7-5rgHsTn/w253-h253/425751065_10163670176314676_2871141222732576359_n.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The fixture planners, if there is such a thing, at the Thai League decided not to have any football in Sisaket for two consecutive weekends could be compensated by putting both T3 clubs at home on the same midweek afternoon.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">John messaged me and said it make sense to meet at Hong Kong Garden and head to the first half at the first game before then heading on to the later full match. I was up for that so I went by train and met a lovely old Italian fella on the way who told be had lived in Kanthararom for fifty-five years.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">A shocking
attendance at the match, but little wonder really. Even the customary food and drink
vendors didn’t bother turning up. The official crowd figure was certainly exaggerated.
However, those who did bother saw a tremendous entertaining encounter. Well
until halftime as that’s when we, along with another couple of carloads headed
to the second match.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQxWDsceZp8ZIZu_T0FDin6K9r05aB6BNU2EDWs1QFdFsWnp5mkFv1F3fzrZWOCjD2z7b-0WHsIQaIOlHjrN5V5PaLw5l9sgLl3CCDQYWDI8l3i1BTnHveYaI5Z-gja_6LIsXoStTJY7m-W9pibll3-spc1k4iAdRiIDyKda5rjrCm5zaTCNg6Q3ADra1/s2043/424579860_10163670429374676_1863317773564001956_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="2043" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQxWDsceZp8ZIZu_T0FDin6K9r05aB6BNU2EDWs1QFdFsWnp5mkFv1F3fzrZWOCjD2z7b-0WHsIQaIOlHjrN5V5PaLw5l9sgLl3CCDQYWDI8l3i1BTnHveYaI5Z-gja_6LIsXoStTJY7m-W9pibll3-spc1k4iAdRiIDyKda5rjrCm5zaTCNg6Q3ADra1/w353-h226/424579860_10163670429374676_1863317773564001956_n.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Loei had
been good at Sisaket eleven days previously and certainly had the same
attacking flair. Apidet once again stood out with his skilful footwork and
footballing brain, while the front two of Omogba Esoh and Kamonchai Somsuk
looked dangerous carving out chances.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It wasn’t
their day in front of goal in this game between two sides with only pride to
play for, as Rasisalai made hay taking advantage of some awful defending with
Supab Muengchan grabbing a hattrick in the first thirty minutes. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The first so
bad it was brilliant to watch, as he was put clean through but made an awful
first touch. Keeper Thanarat Neao-Olo could have come and collected but stay on
his line, and then let the shot which was straight at him through his grasp.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When it’s
your day, it’s time to capitalise. The scorer finished off a fine move for the
second and then once again was given the freedom of Isan to bag his third. The
score could easily have been 5-3 when we called it a day just before the break.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></div>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-47516103530236327912022-12-31T08:04:00.005+00:002023-09-14T01:49:22.001+01:00Linping FC (Thailand)<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSprxNO01VGWxhY2EEOQbhxGTn2qJSDROw1qRS7I4_Y8DERouHZqFF6GVpwlbn1joZ2kMXXwyYmSOMxJrcuLP1SmCvF-RUmd68wJSQqFe2VM_HrL40Rlnbv7LsSJ3CSyNRsoLDJNnovNJqp8ufv0x0Gy7Jre8lOgsnsJO65ppgf4Dq6OBYfLtKO0df6A/s128/Asset-1-128x102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="102" data-original-width="128" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSprxNO01VGWxhY2EEOQbhxGTn2qJSDROw1qRS7I4_Y8DERouHZqFF6GVpwlbn1joZ2kMXXwyYmSOMxJrcuLP1SmCvF-RUmd68wJSQqFe2VM_HrL40Rlnbv7LsSJ3CSyNRsoLDJNnovNJqp8ufv0x0Gy7Jre8lOgsnsJO65ppgf4Dq6OBYfLtKO0df6A/w177-h141/Asset-1-128x102.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Linping FC is an amateur football club from the
Thai capital of Bangkok that was originally formed as Krung Thep FC in 2014,
prior to changing title to </span>AC Tuttocuoio, the same as an Italian club in San Miniato, located in Pisa
province before changing to their current name in 2023 in what is likely to be a sponsorship deal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The team has established itself in Division 1 of the
Bangkok Premier League for several seasons, playing some home games on the
training pitch of Port FC’s PAT Stadium prior to making Airport Stadium off Thanon
Hathai Rat their home venue.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMUZVnmKB4MqA9EMQyhdpd7-SKqPJRsiZm0hA9NKXjzhdI3kBiref2D1CMP57K5Tbmn4XSDPAAFgSbmkOEZsaZriJLA5cWhky411i9LraAZmpSkTWpnDl9-5CyuieqhWz7O02sCGcLlMpt8nAxRaZB7K3d68_AZy-_F54YeG0xmhY2L_PjIFlxbzweA/s4719/IMG_7199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2531" data-original-width="4719" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMUZVnmKB4MqA9EMQyhdpd7-SKqPJRsiZm0hA9NKXjzhdI3kBiref2D1CMP57K5Tbmn4XSDPAAFgSbmkOEZsaZriJLA5cWhky411i9LraAZmpSkTWpnDl9-5CyuieqhWz7O02sCGcLlMpt8nAxRaZB7K3d68_AZy-_F54YeG0xmhY2L_PjIFlxbzweA/w361-h194/IMG_7199.JPG" width="361" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The team ended the 2021-22 campaign in eighth place in
the table before being given a place in Division 1 for the 2023-24 season after the league realigned its calendar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Linping FC will play in Division 1 of the Bangkok Premier League in the 2023-24 season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">My visits</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AC Tuttocuoio 0 Harmornious United 4 (Sunday 6th
February 2022) Bangkok Premier League Division 1 (Att: c30)</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb6q-zWaC_ObCXIipDeFufQRsVNYw1jIWLs2XjKqSRUgGd51KsUQ_tB7WlPl4b1SFiAMXPffILN8VjE0zPdKm6E1RpJjRNGbjvaHDYB3yLE7mvKwshi18vliyRx38PxPRtaYRYpx4WM-ednq0nEZjhB9Fnr6d6z0fqPD5pULFTKPBUVbYH8DLjySd_w/s143/7794.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="109" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb6q-zWaC_ObCXIipDeFufQRsVNYw1jIWLs2XjKqSRUgGd51KsUQ_tB7WlPl4b1SFiAMXPffILN8VjE0zPdKm6E1RpJjRNGbjvaHDYB3yLE7mvKwshi18vliyRx38PxPRtaYRYpx4WM-ednq0nEZjhB9Fnr6d6z0fqPD5pULFTKPBUVbYH8DLjySd_w/w136-h178/7794.png" width="136" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I took another dip into the fifth flight after Oddy,
the Harmonious co-ordinator messaged and invited me along after seeing my
photos from his sides game on Facebook the following week when I had seen his
side defeat Phoenix FC 2-1.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Airport Stadium is not near either Bangkok of the airports,
which is a bit confusing. I took the local 197 bus and then headed on a four
mile walk along Thanon Hathai Rat which took me to the excellent venue which
offered plentiful cover, seats, and catering facilities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimQWHBaJI_CO-8WF9hYGSbxxW5bFZ8B3D7gv2zzgcfejRLKKt4l76xYsVdkDC1pb2J9aLhxMBl022ZAHZFz3AdIRhIGIUWh6cAn7Hjuyihy3guCJG8NaaJS8_ERQP6yhZNHRoO7Vxq60rFquUxRS6xR49t5w_CaqNeK1B2v3xg6bJQ3aaY4DT0tT8OQ/s3280/IMG_7194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2966" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimQWHBaJI_CO-8WF9hYGSbxxW5bFZ8B3D7gv2zzgcfejRLKKt4l76xYsVdkDC1pb2J9aLhxMBl022ZAHZFz3AdIRhIGIUWh6cAn7Hjuyihy3guCJG8NaaJS8_ERQP6yhZNHRoO7Vxq60rFquUxRS6xR49t5w_CaqNeK1B2v3xg6bJQ3aaY4DT0tT8OQ/s320/IMG_7194.JPG" width="289" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Like many local league venues, the pitch was
surrounded by high netting and admission was free. This one had an additional
feature of an open rooftop viewing area offering a fine view of proceedings.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A game from the same division between Ramkhamhaeng
University and KNC Safety Glass was taking place, across the far side on the
second pitch. which also had netting and a small raised covered stand.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlYVQfABkBzYYRsucc-uYqeiC3mTstmtcFiSJK20zQXzV75UruHDzNd8Ck3CRe8Fnw-cznu2l6frNrHkdCKIl7hG_K9txXdoAy-ruYNGCON7mGCk3j5oJh34mi_MiCNJ7o6JUkAe7jg53rE6gxI6-Qbs3sODMAjOQlyrnTCABrBKfiImlTBNaI3cgNw/s960/IMG_1356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="960" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlYVQfABkBzYYRsucc-uYqeiC3mTstmtcFiSJK20zQXzV75UruHDzNd8Ck3CRe8Fnw-cznu2l6frNrHkdCKIl7hG_K9txXdoAy-ruYNGCON7mGCk3j5oJh34mi_MiCNJ7o6JUkAe7jg53rE6gxI6-Qbs3sODMAjOQlyrnTCABrBKfiImlTBNaI3cgNw/w368-h171/IMG_1356.JPG" width="368" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Harmornious took the lead when a lovely through ball
sent their number 10 Komin Samartpattanakit through on goal, as he finished off
the post. He was simply too strong for the home defenders, as he smashed home
to double the lead.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The same forward was excellent in setting up an
opportunity for a teammate who blasted over the bar. Just prior to half time a
wonderful passing movement was finished by Samartpattanakit to complete a first
half hattrick.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsYvaLbl5oXD5hWyX6ZOqeSw3j1x-8uFl_vKUZVyw1MJa_DmMlniOi9N5NvWRLq0U1lxV8t1xiyUwwhZBSdpxDkEhWe8ysFVYwFsmMit65yArALX3k3xpz2p58JvMuzuvFW568IN6H4r6DPws7Rjprr7tfNri_i0xJYH-9nMt8UvRvEulYFAHvpLFVQ/s5184/IMG_7252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsYvaLbl5oXD5hWyX6ZOqeSw3j1x-8uFl_vKUZVyw1MJa_DmMlniOi9N5NvWRLq0U1lxV8t1xiyUwwhZBSdpxDkEhWe8ysFVYwFsmMit65yArALX3k3xpz2p58JvMuzuvFW568IN6H4r6DPws7Rjprr7tfNri_i0xJYH-9nMt8UvRvEulYFAHvpLFVQ/s320/IMG_7252.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A fourth goal from Fundi Tresor in the second half
sealed the deal after being provided by Apiwat Nadee as the encounter was more
of a contest. Tuttocuoio responded when their Nigerian skipper Sheriff Adetoyinbo
had a shot blocked and had another half chance.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In the closing stages Fitri Hayeloh shot across the
face of goal for Harmornious and then went straight through before squaring to
Nadee whose effort was blocked on the line. The full-time score was about
right.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4rJx3HxY6c-78x5UTlUKFy3FxqiIyizCxf_bPAIM06bs_nKgIEJdyqaV2LsopK2IramFROM1ruXjeWgga3jkiL8Uk7JSsCRnxhCNdE8L-rPtosALX_3dhwDcfxtm4m6TV6Q-54cWMVC3bZvLa27NbzO97VbNAu-OAiLS0FwZApuzuROhCEgUnHbG7g/s842/272506544_1000939420771699_9154469188218818898_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="842" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4rJx3HxY6c-78x5UTlUKFy3FxqiIyizCxf_bPAIM06bs_nKgIEJdyqaV2LsopK2IramFROM1ruXjeWgga3jkiL8Uk7JSsCRnxhCNdE8L-rPtosALX_3dhwDcfxtm4m6TV6Q-54cWMVC3bZvLa27NbzO97VbNAu-OAiLS0FwZApuzuROhCEgUnHbG7g/w341-h219/272506544_1000939420771699_9154469188218818898_n.jpg" width="341" /></a> </span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It had been a good afternoon, as I received a warm
welcome, as it had been from everyone that I'd been lucky to acquaint with since
my relocation. It was lovely to meet a Facebook friend in the flesh with
several players sending me friends requests after the game.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was even honoured to be asked to join the United
party for the post match team photo. A taxi home after the game allowed me to grab
food and watch the Liverpool game on TV. Another ground tick and added to my
list.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">AC </span><a name="_Hlk123390201">Tuttocuoio</a><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> 3 Prize of
Wood 2 (Sunday 22nd May 2022) Bangkok Premier League Division 1 (att: c10)</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymjEwGegXK2sRjVYF7x5e1Wz4VIfASwrg_PRuU8tz6m4B5xH-FYV2WKX6CbCfOPjEZc4VZgcXfMaVe0ywUpda4XzZcMI4YNo6zZGuxh8OluJT-QjZ5RFZQyPs7jOiFjnUQnTGORcOs64yO1Ciys9bzoMkBjzq3C7M9NVtlFQGnMLWk4LvlD1rr9VhLw/s2048/IMG_4329.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymjEwGegXK2sRjVYF7x5e1Wz4VIfASwrg_PRuU8tz6m4B5xH-FYV2WKX6CbCfOPjEZc4VZgcXfMaVe0ywUpda4XzZcMI4YNo6zZGuxh8OluJT-QjZ5RFZQyPs7jOiFjnUQnTGORcOs64yO1Ciys9bzoMkBjzq3C7M9NVtlFQGnMLWk4LvlD1rr9VhLw/s320/IMG_4329.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My pal Steve decided to head along to this 4pm
encounter as we commandeered a taxi, with him being most impressed with the
venue and its local cuisine and coffee shop, both offering excellent value.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">There was certainly no passion missing out on the
pitch as we took advantage of the upstairs vantage point. Prize of Wood could
have gone top with a win in this game and their game in hand, but they came
unstuck against resolute hosts.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fjpv0VtId1yJrnr_ULt6y6U7Z3hFkg91jPOwz3DiAQJ41ziZc_2x-nmJ2Q8j86Jkc7T6YwAs693qVFSGYgyrJgCBhVhEhJ3dhHFO3UBrpwD8QtNzvhEgMIErVgubekgRjSE-IZWvVXf9EqGbJTz1h2czUvt858wb-ZvnAX_OBYONSEq4TSC8pECVSw/s3541/IMG_9617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2705" data-original-width="3541" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fjpv0VtId1yJrnr_ULt6y6U7Z3hFkg91jPOwz3DiAQJ41ziZc_2x-nmJ2Q8j86Jkc7T6YwAs693qVFSGYgyrJgCBhVhEhJ3dhHFO3UBrpwD8QtNzvhEgMIErVgubekgRjSE-IZWvVXf9EqGbJTz1h2czUvt858wb-ZvnAX_OBYONSEq4TSC8pECVSw/s320/IMG_9617.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Tuttocuoio goals came from defender Victor Erhahon
and Mohammadamin Jafarzadeh who bagged a brace. Wood’s efforts were scored by
forward Peerapol Chinnarat and defender Phuriwat Nateerat.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The venue was rapidly becoming a favourite of mine,
always offering a nice welcome, decent games, and excellent facilities. Other visits can be read about <a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20APBY%20Airport%20Stadium%20%28Bangkok%29" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a>. In this
match we thought that things could boil over, but the referee did well to
control matters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9Rl8RRnex1iDuRQzCJG8hubnZ-KxO8nYYxevd2xaqVNqhIAon7dhfpYMbBWjEInvhrR6b4pexzbZcivVW8scIRFX41iBTQqfH9xbuc4SSlV3sq_RP3WMMcuEeNx0207B9cyPvhgH28aZ5MYoiB_Oh05GfxpJrtxqeD7w_2OjELQO5pcgw5a21y7wJQ/s5184/IMG_9612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9Rl8RRnex1iDuRQzCJG8hubnZ-KxO8nYYxevd2xaqVNqhIAon7dhfpYMbBWjEInvhrR6b4pexzbZcivVW8scIRFX41iBTQqfH9xbuc4SSlV3sq_RP3WMMcuEeNx0207B9cyPvhgH28aZ5MYoiB_Oh05GfxpJrtxqeD7w_2OjELQO5pcgw5a21y7wJQ/s320/IMG_9612.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We headed back to Minburi where I had a couple of
beers in my favourite local bar before heading home to watch the last round of
Premier League games.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Linping FC 6 BP Friends United 2 (Sunday 23<sup>rd</sup>
July 2023) Bangkok Premier League Division 1 (att: 6)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Joy unbounded as I eventually found a game that took
place, after being waterlogged off a few weeks ago before a family visit
curtailed any chances, and then left feeling rather deflated the previous day
after turning up at a Thonburi League advertised fixture to find nobody else
there.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFVopb99IuvhyHzNv8qvPrZWU2_nDb8XB4a5LpUA8cnHW147ZC0S6lFtaIvD2gClJi4LqmUX-6mZa5ERZvjyjZhaB5P2fJzlKgB2GI5KVnWA05E5Sj4QRj-Isgs22-PtUVu9zJnhE56FkrSYx5q_IPF7mtFjFOyKH1P20v139TiLsB1HL9BIm6PmbqsMm/s4032/IMG_2277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFVopb99IuvhyHzNv8qvPrZWU2_nDb8XB4a5LpUA8cnHW147ZC0S6lFtaIvD2gClJi4LqmUX-6mZa5ERZvjyjZhaB5P2fJzlKgB2GI5KVnWA05E5Sj4QRj-Isgs22-PtUVu9zJnhE56FkrSYx5q_IPF7mtFjFOyKH1P20v139TiLsB1HL9BIm6PmbqsMm/s320/IMG_2277.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At least the home club had the courtesy to reply to my
message and tell me that the pitch wasn’t ready. They didn’t bother getting
back to my suggestion that they might let people know in future to avoid
annoyance. No big deal and one of the things you must accept living in
Thailand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This time I took no chances and took a taxi from home
90 minutes before kickoff to confirm that it was on, knowing there were a
couple of options elsewhere. Already games were being played at the excellent
two pitch venue that is available for hire, but with confirmation from a player,
I went for a walk and had a very cheap beer and bought chicken at Muruay
Market, fifteen minutes away.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT2snjlDGENbLnlm9aunDDp_KxDxwIoAqA_DRI0VQkzhojHzP5cXrqNLjmN__D33jlAsUM9BqGVxthBYX-OhHeO2FZLh0-gW-Lx1-OZkkYsaGTPVcuCxH3Xy025xo_-vf5pVqhT_liJu3wQ6_aM4CRQDBSEetI3TsIUKS0MCwyzvoVOxXp38_hT3aAmQm/s4001/IMG_2280.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1769" data-original-width="4001" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT2snjlDGENbLnlm9aunDDp_KxDxwIoAqA_DRI0VQkzhojHzP5cXrqNLjmN__D33jlAsUM9BqGVxthBYX-OhHeO2FZLh0-gW-Lx1-OZkkYsaGTPVcuCxH3Xy025xo_-vf5pVqhT_liJu3wQ6_aM4CRQDBSEetI3TsIUKS0MCwyzvoVOxXp38_hT3aAmQm/w376-h166/IMG_2280.JPG" width="376" /></a> </span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On return it was apparent that the game wouldn’t be
starting at 5pm, but more surprising was that it would be played on the pitch
on the far side away from the covered facilities, bar and viewing balcony.
Fortunately, it still had a small raised covered stand on the halfway line.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The weather threatened, with thunder and lightning
close by. Fortunately, heavy rain stayed away. It’s that time of year in
Bangkok with storms often landing around teatime, which can see some ferocious
downpours.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OHs6uOdJ1_heZdYM5hX54HIQfKKcChvHhRRDQyg7xoK7aYETlCn0teprvKVpuHONqWVcn--SBycPmch7zgO5iNTnWzES6A9K8OGIYiqIRj4erNMK7yUze4lbU0aZM3CzLxPtc4PSleWaNEmlI0ebxO190CAh229tVQPk3L6PJt02dP6wuDUbZnbSA8nF/s3930/IMG_2281.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2432" data-original-width="3930" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OHs6uOdJ1_heZdYM5hX54HIQfKKcChvHhRRDQyg7xoK7aYETlCn0teprvKVpuHONqWVcn--SBycPmch7zgO5iNTnWzES6A9K8OGIYiqIRj4erNMK7yUze4lbU0aZM3CzLxPtc4PSleWaNEmlI0ebxO190CAh229tVQPk3L6PJt02dP6wuDUbZnbSA8nF/s320/IMG_2281.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The conditions meant that parts of the pitch churned up
soon into the game, which saw a battle of the bottom two in the top division of
this league, which I guess is Step 6 nationally if there was a Thai league
pyramid. The two divisions below really are parks football with the odd
exception.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The ironically named visitors were stranded at the bottom of the pile,
which didn’t displease me in the slightest.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWI5__VKpZcQmDrqyFxpGknb7c8211J6EEGEsDt-NitShalMktDSD4NqtVMKxi83mMy0cCIIUf-NXhCkPoKYVd8vkkNQ6gQSQnOpa7zAyok3v2Ri7psaQ98ujuzBTw0fg-pBpUH_QCreaqERG36gNkFElk4-aHL-uPvgpDXIBVcEwiECXKuzGdh_DAb1T/s4032/IMG_2271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWI5__VKpZcQmDrqyFxpGknb7c8211J6EEGEsDt-NitShalMktDSD4NqtVMKxi83mMy0cCIIUf-NXhCkPoKYVd8vkkNQ6gQSQnOpa7zAyok3v2Ri7psaQ98ujuzBTw0fg-pBpUH_QCreaqERG36gNkFElk4-aHL-uPvgpDXIBVcEwiECXKuzGdh_DAb1T/s320/IMG_2271.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have become mates with Jamie Clarke, the former Mansfield,
Grimsby, York, Montrose, and Arbroath defender. He coached a team called FC
Bangsaotong last season who were neck and neck with friends chasing a promotion
spot. FCB defeated them 4-1 and all seemed well when we adjourned to the bar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">That was until the Friends side informed Jamie that
they were reporting his side to the league because the skipper had a pair of
shorts with a number not corresponding to his shirt. Friends were awarded the
match, FCB missed out on the title, though I note they gave their foes a proper
thumping on the pitch earlier this season.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw3JO42CL6kXIgWzWPLYwI72562BfXkFG__VR19VUv0p_a6ruG4GgRbxl9AFEYlnT9cw40GOHVqkGQOL_Wblo6WlCVthgR4w_nA7fPhA5m-85YiMo-tdPiKWTwHUj68JqcktPAbXh-LBrs8FIixTgYlTEIzEjj86CiZPjN-QKkWVtoUOJZf3KVKZyC2zS/s4032/IMG_2276.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw3JO42CL6kXIgWzWPLYwI72562BfXkFG__VR19VUv0p_a6ruG4GgRbxl9AFEYlnT9cw40GOHVqkGQOL_Wblo6WlCVthgR4w_nA7fPhA5m-85YiMo-tdPiKWTwHUj68JqcktPAbXh-LBrs8FIixTgYlTEIzEjj86CiZPjN-QKkWVtoUOJZf3KVKZyC2zS/s320/IMG_2276.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In this game Friends at least lived up to their name
with their abysmal defending, going 3-0 down in no time with Linping having
another chalked off for offside. The visitors probably did have the best player
on display. Warachthadol Supaksinbunphan was miles ahead in pace, thought, and
skill.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">He grabbed one back before the break when I bought
another cheap beer from the bar, which was like a scene from a dodgy club back
in the 70’s which went quiet when this stranger entered. Soon silence was
replaced by smiles, and all was back to normal, and I certainly didn’t fancy
being dealt into their card game.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EEcNq6yhGueKZ411Sob3b9UU_VQp2qaPIOnkmA4GoYI7BSI5imhklHR66FcZ6sk4htDAeTs2Qnq-VfCXC6UPdrGhE0BeFcPLt-zZ4Zqanl8QFc-wiFkpzK4TMxhTKevpLkyJNi_txJ53s7VlrZfb4Of20ukSglqMxetuBeUll8vNgmR7Gd9_bmXUFYjd/s3889/IMG_2274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2055" data-original-width="3889" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EEcNq6yhGueKZ411Sob3b9UU_VQp2qaPIOnkmA4GoYI7BSI5imhklHR66FcZ6sk4htDAeTs2Qnq-VfCXC6UPdrGhE0BeFcPLt-zZ4Zqanl8QFc-wiFkpzK4TMxhTKevpLkyJNi_txJ53s7VlrZfb4Of20ukSglqMxetuBeUll8vNgmR7Gd9_bmXUFYjd/w339-h179/IMG_2274.JPG" width="339" /></a> </span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sheriff Adetoyinbo, the Nigerian playing for the hosts
who’d earlier given me the thumbs up about the match, was the star for those in
green. His all-action display saw him unluckily see two efforts come back off
the foot of the post in quick siuccession.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In the small cover I was next to a young American
fella and his Thai girlfriend who studied in South London. I wasn’t sure which
of the two who I felt most sorry for. Then there was a little Thai lad who
loved me chatting to him in my basic but improving Thai and we exchanged high
fives when the fifth goal went in. A shame the little sod was wearing a Germany
shirt.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi9UU_nB7-MUWFwTKCIR90v1GGe1_SYUBcfYNoZxneCd5bMCBziRECnO0KwYASzuPLyuYX9UkM9kVVCwVYtFntrc0DSOZfIPKzr3EhpCErrbimTmI1JSfIT41ngkRiO7BdOlz6QNINvjqrRzzdQ5dQarNJnjagNkZo6X9pxvZ9VFnQoCpLhTFXETx_RNE/s3469/IMG_2272.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2669" data-original-width="3469" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi9UU_nB7-MUWFwTKCIR90v1GGe1_SYUBcfYNoZxneCd5bMCBziRECnO0KwYASzuPLyuYX9UkM9kVVCwVYtFntrc0DSOZfIPKzr3EhpCErrbimTmI1JSfIT41ngkRiO7BdOlz6QNINvjqrRzzdQ5dQarNJnjagNkZo6X9pxvZ9VFnQoCpLhTFXETx_RNE/s320/IMG_2272.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The standard wasn’t the best, the pitch like something
from the 70’s, the rain came down in the muggy heat, but I couldn’t have been
happier. Social interaction and lots of smiles with lots of others either
playing or officiating put me in a fantastic mood.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Late goals were exchanged as I made my way round
towards the exit. More teams were arriving for another match on the main pitch.
The venue is top class and ideal for a lazy afternoon and evening eating and
drinking while watching local standard football. I headed home with a couple of
meals from the end of the road for the wife and I and not even the washout in
Manchester could spoil my mood.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;">At Sitsaman Academy</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Linping 2 Prize of Wood 3 (Sunday 27</span><sup style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> August 2023) Bangkok Premier League Division 1 (att: c10)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The club moved a home fixture a couple of miles south. Read all about it <a href="http://worldgroundhoptwo.blogspot.com/search/label/Thailand%3A%20Sitsaman%20Academy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">here</span></a>.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><br /></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-21438810920556632462022-12-31T06:57:00.003+00:002022-12-31T06:57:55.803+00:00Harmornious United (Thailand)<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEpMe7kUxM7zFL1CDI0aW5ygZCD1GMj7jo1jLvtnjEc37t5e1GH2AdXpAhKVhTc4-iQ7BuaJxP2UNm_UTKysGpi8lZk8mIOUkSdFqpmaxNkoJds0CD05EyFNgxJq80j93Gf1omFpBCk-KWZj0fmKuOsTrwt8l4-ioJxnUoAO0e59Urh-nReQ984bfiA/s225/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEpMe7kUxM7zFL1CDI0aW5ygZCD1GMj7jo1jLvtnjEc37t5e1GH2AdXpAhKVhTc4-iQ7BuaJxP2UNm_UTKysGpi8lZk8mIOUkSdFqpmaxNkoJds0CD05EyFNgxJq80j93Gf1omFpBCk-KWZj0fmKuOsTrwt8l4-ioJxnUoAO0e59Urh-nReQ984bfiA/w159-h159/download.jpg" width="159" /></a><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Harmornious United FC is an amateur football club formed
in 2019 in the Thai capital of Bangkok. The club has a connection to the
Thailand 1st Signal Battalion, based in the Sathon district of the city.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHOKmlB8pO9bxbNul2FOtCOxJsDE-qPOJP36Muq1b4IJgelg66dfV86KV72P-Gf9iTV-_IwJqGS4DGT38UcKd8b8EHv7bk5UHTcQZLLEAPNOBcOU0lyPqsQZff0WgYRI_1HBDHHON8JdpziHPjtqgNr6xr31nYQQbyoXOFfKAvf4kZbhDzvEKrLamnw/s12636/IMG_1235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="12636" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHOKmlB8pO9bxbNul2FOtCOxJsDE-qPOJP36Muq1b4IJgelg66dfV86KV72P-Gf9iTV-_IwJqGS4DGT38UcKd8b8EHv7bk5UHTcQZLLEAPNOBcOU0lyPqsQZff0WgYRI_1HBDHHON8JdpziHPjtqgNr6xr31nYQQbyoXOFfKAvf4kZbhDzvEKrLamnw/w399-h115/IMG_1235.JPG" width="399" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">United joined the Bangkok Premier League being promoted
from Division 2 in 2019-20, and then going on to finish sixth in Division 1 in
the 2021-22 season as well as competing in the Thailand Amateur League, where
they ended third in the East Region Southern Zone Group D.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Harmornious United will play in the Bangkok Premier
League Division 1 in the 2022-23 season.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Harmornious United 2 Phoenix FC 1 (Sunday 30th January
2022) Bangkok Premier League Division 1 (att: c20)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6pgGo8orLfAC6win7nv089pcxDoD8-F0oEsAfJibxGYvhwl468uPppd0wabcAobiMHgV_dKl9nQXS_IVIZ3bEKLvzHQ0y4xhgYRD5BCYu8juUDJbtKDuP-Xd7JwP_GEbMX_uJrUlto-LWVtbjuy_yoVoOHnsuq1M_A6rt7Gx0a0-iIpOZG4XFcVTSg/s5096/IMG_6736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3822" data-original-width="5096" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6pgGo8orLfAC6win7nv089pcxDoD8-F0oEsAfJibxGYvhwl468uPppd0wabcAobiMHgV_dKl9nQXS_IVIZ3bEKLvzHQ0y4xhgYRD5BCYu8juUDJbtKDuP-Xd7JwP_GEbMX_uJrUlto-LWVtbjuy_yoVoOHnsuq1M_A6rt7Gx0a0-iIpOZG4XFcVTSg/s320/IMG_6736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It was time for me to visit a new stadium and dip my toes
into Bangkok Premier League amateur football, taking a songthaew and then
Airport Link train into the city followed by Skytrain to Chong Nonsi prior to
having a walk on a beautiful afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Calling into a Mini Big C supermarket on Nanglinchee Road
I knew that I was in the right place as a couple of away team players were also
buying provisions in their kit. I followed them over the road and into the
grounds of the HQ of the 1st Signal Battalion regiment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVEcDfZ_I_ppKRQ7b0fplKXcsgr8QzD8gGwlRzYxlKdAi4NHtK58BJ-fnT3M0oExhCg0JJo8gfpfjNJqGSGx7lCiG4KQJCUh1UeZT-NDOb57JkFVQvxnWq5v3dNJCvdqVh-Y3ndtWXAuB03vSIcktNTrVMOQHrS60O7OgNV4NgBDgWMPJzGB6OrgMCg/s2907/IMG_6733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="2907" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVEcDfZ_I_ppKRQ7b0fplKXcsgr8QzD8gGwlRzYxlKdAi4NHtK58BJ-fnT3M0oExhCg0JJo8gfpfjNJqGSGx7lCiG4KQJCUh1UeZT-NDOb57JkFVQvxnWq5v3dNJCvdqVh-Y3ndtWXAuB03vSIcktNTrVMOQHrS60O7OgNV4NgBDgWMPJzGB6OrgMCg/w359-h201/IMG_6733.JPG" width="359" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Assanee Stadium was a pleasant and tidy arena, though
“stadium” was stretching it a bit. There was a dilapidated bleacher stand which
I risked for the first half. The pleasant location a mile or so south of
Patpong offered the Bangkok skyline as a backdrop.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The hosts went ahead on six minutes when a clumsy
challenge by a Phoenix defender saw the referee point to the spot, from where
Phachanon Khamthong made no mistake despite the best efforts of keeper
Chanapong Sricharoenmongkol.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnfsiguK1cvd-nQMs-WoyLAiDUpHibg-JUOxWKBV3ONDz2pFC4RigufmxlF2O1oKnT6q1QzxURUOHv79Vpe609YwEyBasRHFcuaFki60o4p9wpOdaeceA-DK9rpepR4kmZbCNLHFmgq8mCr0UdBwf1DigkNSVfgs1r0LfSQ5PZdJwdKrWAzZeabb8-w/s5049/IMG_6742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3009" data-original-width="5049" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnfsiguK1cvd-nQMs-WoyLAiDUpHibg-JUOxWKBV3ONDz2pFC4RigufmxlF2O1oKnT6q1QzxURUOHv79Vpe609YwEyBasRHFcuaFki60o4p9wpOdaeceA-DK9rpepR4kmZbCNLHFmgq8mCr0UdBwf1DigkNSVfgs1r0LfSQ5PZdJwdKrWAzZeabb8-w/s320/IMG_6742.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Visiting skipper Thiraphong Suwanwaipatana looked a class
act up front, seeing a dinked effort cleared off the line on a hard and bumpy
pitch. The match was very open and end to end from an early stage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">An Harmornious player took a free kick which missed the
target by so far that the home players on the bench roared with laughter.
Phoenix should have equalised just before the break but a free header at the
back post was somehow put wide.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCoxZi6Fn0Ki8x7rCPbYWQdvCu-mEolY4PrrKfAdJnmR7_A0lHYIG6a1GJkQO773dXrBTBki8GqQU4h3PD_RQsxwBdGKXksy9Ci2Co0CDdQmLIxTwAHCqzELbaX_tgEsGZM-VFyujav7TgU1AJulT8lJw9sZs9R3b2Jh0ljVH9wxf8NUBnCSElLcRxA/s4598/IMG_6769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3206" data-original-width="4598" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCoxZi6Fn0Ki8x7rCPbYWQdvCu-mEolY4PrrKfAdJnmR7_A0lHYIG6a1GJkQO773dXrBTBki8GqQU4h3PD_RQsxwBdGKXksy9Ci2Co0CDdQmLIxTwAHCqzELbaX_tgEsGZM-VFyujav7TgU1AJulT8lJw9sZs9R3b2Jh0ljVH9wxf8NUBnCSElLcRxA/s320/IMG_6769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The game tightened after the restart with the away side
on top, going on to have a goal chalked off for offside from a set piece. They
continued to create pressure, mainly from winning free kicks but were
distinctly average around goal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Another effort, this time a long shot, went wide for
Phoexix before the hosts doubled their advantage with twenty minutes remaining
as I had taken up a position laying on the grass in the shade of an out
building.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75yyDwicENjzEPu4_pNi4JajxcHbi2XsoMyehkEVmtkUTIxrA7H3TofgB4AbKOqiixoS1nZ5uq1XOeJVE821zim_-uj_n5DT9JOvKvKKc8UfC9aHVnHOUoCRWYJhZHTebZMrQ63zWPJl5UnbB3EkIPHDWrr2AgAyxP-h5Sxr4uoaiuMH4_OJWDfVYrg/s3874/IMG_6796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2248" data-original-width="3874" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75yyDwicENjzEPu4_pNi4JajxcHbi2XsoMyehkEVmtkUTIxrA7H3TofgB4AbKOqiixoS1nZ5uq1XOeJVE821zim_-uj_n5DT9JOvKvKKc8UfC9aHVnHOUoCRWYJhZHTebZMrQ63zWPJl5UnbB3EkIPHDWrr2AgAyxP-h5Sxr4uoaiuMH4_OJWDfVYrg/w363-h211/IMG_6796.JPG" width="363" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Komin Phatthanakit was the scorer before his goalkeeper
Puritat Patpeng was pressed into action making three easy saves. Phatthanakit
turned well and shot powerfully wide as his side looked to wrap things up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Patpeng did well to tip an effort over the bar but then
flapped from the resulting corner, leading to the ball being reprocessed and
Suwanwaipatana heading home with five minutes left on the clock.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb4uSxVWK2NTm7Xyi9it9zdFd02vesZg48_NYCMqS_qRgNlSx0IdrzYnR1so0rDLSo-4uxyH8cg3ZAHLlYrMKDgIHDP2QUBe-soUuaUY48-aE-1EDpQ86EmYENOKSTJZpXJWWskvI0TnWSH8hWWJ-qzqheOdA1PPkKpzffVNgbFUmHgGUR94hVUPA0Q/s3683/IMG_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2687" data-original-width="3683" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb4uSxVWK2NTm7Xyi9it9zdFd02vesZg48_NYCMqS_qRgNlSx0IdrzYnR1so0rDLSo-4uxyH8cg3ZAHLlYrMKDgIHDP2QUBe-soUuaUY48-aE-1EDpQ86EmYENOKSTJZpXJWWskvI0TnWSH8hWWJ-qzqheOdA1PPkKpzffVNgbFUmHgGUR94hVUPA0Q/s320/IMG_6833.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Phoenix had a late appeal for a penalty turned down by
the excellent referee before he drew proceedings to an end. I’d enjoyed a
decent encounter, where admission was free. I stood to attention as flags were
lowered and the national anthem was played at 6pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Browallia New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TH;">I headed away and went to catch buses </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">all the way
home, the first of which, the 22 from across the road from the venue took me
all the way to Bangkapi as I was assisted by incredibly helpful locals. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhpeezjN-KD7GD1clRBATen5r14Au2weNU6BsjoA6IpbpfRYyIDfHvvdMyuz5C4SpHQor8jZ9SE2kOlNbpmH6qaWcLC_r_o9Ba-e48nQXpMlF7upoXaUlp1Tp-IHL0ops_YPnb5kxrx4YweboYtqLWeOWBDavs3XZu6dTN9Y6C0ReX-mJ8Eit_6gK-w/s4880/IMG_6801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3660" data-original-width="4880" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhpeezjN-KD7GD1clRBATen5r14Au2weNU6BsjoA6IpbpfRYyIDfHvvdMyuz5C4SpHQor8jZ9SE2kOlNbpmH6qaWcLC_r_o9Ba-e48nQXpMlF7upoXaUlp1Tp-IHL0ops_YPnb5kxrx4YweboYtqLWeOWBDavs3XZu6dTN9Y6C0ReX-mJ8Eit_6gK-w/s320/IMG_6801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I tried to explain to
the conductor, for those of you in the UK who remembers them, that I didn’t
realise it went as far as it did, and could I stay on if I paid extra. Such
lovely people, and I wasn’t charged any more. A nice end to a good day.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-6277510470930522032022-12-29T08:36:00.004+00:002022-12-29T08:36:53.782+00:00AFL Bangkok Casuals League (Thailand)<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-beNnhZ0_sQ88OOnq0fiZEtm9utCAJtpNQcr_IQzgxfRtcIjWHXv87IJUwCTdurtelzI4b1I0NAp7JEnz4JNg6ohv_JwMICV64T97eSsxQUfwfrDP7FQOhLF2aM_8WyWlHgdWD_EV90ZeCpO3P7ruescUIkQANChvZc2QmUhColrVIxAciFkmwffWQ/s596/272874567_5163024697041380_1041635521552679357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="596" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-beNnhZ0_sQ88OOnq0fiZEtm9utCAJtpNQcr_IQzgxfRtcIjWHXv87IJUwCTdurtelzI4b1I0NAp7JEnz4JNg6ohv_JwMICV64T97eSsxQUfwfrDP7FQOhLF2aM_8WyWlHgdWD_EV90ZeCpO3P7ruescUIkQANChvZc2QmUhColrVIxAciFkmwffWQ/w158-h153/272874567_5163024697041380_1041635521552679357_n.jpg" width="158" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Bangkok Casuals League is a football competition
staged in the Thai capital boasting a long history with clubs consisting of
amateur expat players from around the globe. Siam Celtic were crowned as league and cup winners in the 2021-22 season.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My matches</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">at Patana International School</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Japan All Stars 1 Siam Celtic 2 (Saturday 12th March
2022) AFL Bangkok Casuals League (att: c10)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviYesSYgz5UXhtgacrE6YOw9zk1imhxMUiJbHBYg1QxdLIJ1pZA3FlOhJ_z2emeB7eRMH3I50ZmUT7fMHi331PSsD2EkbUlIuqr9JcNOyx3fHPmyYRM0040RUbDY5fRww6dGWjVf49PkjZSXXJSTnGlh9dR07cSP68mGNCLqqppX6oXGnaV5H4Dfv-A/s12486/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="12486" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviYesSYgz5UXhtgacrE6YOw9zk1imhxMUiJbHBYg1QxdLIJ1pZA3FlOhJ_z2emeB7eRMH3I50ZmUT7fMHi331PSsD2EkbUlIuqr9JcNOyx3fHPmyYRM0040RUbDY5fRww6dGWjVf49PkjZSXXJSTnGlh9dR07cSP68mGNCLqqppX6oXGnaV5H4Dfv-A/w392-h114/IMG_1937.JPG" width="392" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I was struggling to find some live action, when Jamie
Clarke a locally based coach pointed me in the direction of the AFL Bangkok
Casuals League, an amateur competition played between 10 expat clubs. The
league admin on Facebook were most helpful in giving me details so I headed
towards Bang Na.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">All Saturday games were being played on the three
perfectly kept pitches at the Sports Complex of Patana School, which I reached
by bus, BTS Skytrain and then a 40 minutes stroll in searing heat. Proof of a
negative ATK test was required to gain access.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiNeQkyzIAOX1mGmRy3Li5IlY1uUVLLHPeJqDNI4o_-aG-O9VX1bfgGxu2VuYeiU43s9fOND8eR6ls1uiHi1Du2vM-qnBYQ03uhj25mQsoxIwT8IUjZVwa05pB4imcAqvftBWdrOtaOfRnvAkuvkjxqlUIwaBGlaAPE3vvm6ZljSWq2vymQEBSRkgIg/s5184/IMG_8486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2694" data-original-width="5184" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiNeQkyzIAOX1mGmRy3Li5IlY1uUVLLHPeJqDNI4o_-aG-O9VX1bfgGxu2VuYeiU43s9fOND8eR6ls1uiHi1Du2vM-qnBYQ03uhj25mQsoxIwT8IUjZVwa05pB4imcAqvftBWdrOtaOfRnvAkuvkjxqlUIwaBGlaAPE3vvm6ZljSWq2vymQEBSRkgIg/w376-h195/IMG_8486.JPG" width="376" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A rugby game had just finished on the multi lined
pitch in front of the changing block and stand between Southerners Vets and
Bangkok Bangers. I continued to the far pitch which thankfully had some shade
for my game.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I chose the Celtic game as it featured Leon Nelson, a
former Hillingdon Borough striker who I enjoyed watching. Another former
Northern League player and pal, Lee Hall, was playing at the back for them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTy8NtLl1PFOIyR4F2cdsbhjlI3pZ4tbu0ywXDQptNpOz07llQIG-z8g3XrV1MtD4Jc9yI-kEvUG84vqMSpX6RRjuziMwusQZO0hoYj_x4lxD2iaxtaXQCLyOID98SPGmVticHQt3NO8jdBLdTMAtnZMMJbeLn_AuDexn7U0KqD_j4U0wcIycgBydXQ/s2259/IMG_8508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="2259" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTy8NtLl1PFOIyR4F2cdsbhjlI3pZ4tbu0ywXDQptNpOz07llQIG-z8g3XrV1MtD4Jc9yI-kEvUG84vqMSpX6RRjuziMwusQZO0hoYj_x4lxD2iaxtaXQCLyOID98SPGmVticHQt3NO8jdBLdTMAtnZMMJbeLn_AuDexn7U0KqD_j4U0wcIycgBydXQ/w350-h195/IMG_8508.JPG" width="350" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was nice to be recognised and made welcome. It was
also good to see a decent standard of football. The Japanese took the lead
before the hoops equalised with a screamer of a free kick in the afternoon
heat.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The competitively played match was settled by Nelson in the
second half who lost his marker to let rip with a beauty that gave the keeper
no chance. Celtic then saw out the game in a most professional fashion as they
retained possession.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmKqYLa0OeQBujSy6TieASQiAOpt_MLEnaKb4x9deZzQLQMJWTqBqI2A_kV3XKPwUuFG62pc7dh8rsW0JIo5A8Gob_mqumzUBfHjOs2B3Db60tSAAdjV4sKM4XeOg-5vKLQghCBINhv3qqowWFybKTqgHWHKAYcm_hgl8rPCSSLCSdsaOjuZrbUHyXg/s5011/IMG_8474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2644" data-original-width="5011" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmKqYLa0OeQBujSy6TieASQiAOpt_MLEnaKb4x9deZzQLQMJWTqBqI2A_kV3XKPwUuFG62pc7dh8rsW0JIo5A8Gob_mqumzUBfHjOs2B3Db60tSAAdjV4sKM4XeOg-5vKLQghCBINhv3qqowWFybKTqgHWHKAYcm_hgl8rPCSSLCSdsaOjuZrbUHyXg/w354-h187/IMG_8474.JPG" width="354" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After the game I continued along the vibrant Lasalle
Road where it was sad to see people selling off their possessions to
survive. Covid really has hammered Thailand’s working class who relied on tourism
and its knock-on effects. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I caught a couple of buses home to enjoy and evening
in of football, Test cricket and 6 Nations rugby with the Scarborough Athletic
v Stafford Rangers commentary on in the background.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4nGAkNAY6mS7D95GoVbqjr3TrrJPe8c8GOhlci1fGHCcqN__lHGSNYzWeMCXios-n1JNvCAH9K3NP6wuFIx1xJlKTTkTJEh5qEV6FH_v248m4mltU2mcEuYmIofxBn_E4UuCfjdSpfshwzBeRWUCfBklYNCurz-dVJ0yBRLdrpQ8DnmSD4rM1pzf-g/s4537/IMG_8557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="4537" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4nGAkNAY6mS7D95GoVbqjr3TrrJPe8c8GOhlci1fGHCcqN__lHGSNYzWeMCXios-n1JNvCAH9K3NP6wuFIx1xJlKTTkTJEh5qEV6FH_v248m4mltU2mcEuYmIofxBn_E4UuCfjdSpfshwzBeRWUCfBklYNCurz-dVJ0yBRLdrpQ8DnmSD4rM1pzf-g/w337-h200/IMG_8557.JPG" width="337" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: red;">at Phetburi Field</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">German All Stars 8 Panthers FC 1 (Tuesday 15th March
2022) AFL Bangkok Casuals League (att: c15)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNochxz39gH4boj3UQZ-rpHrFoaPuq3kI5Ll5dgAXC_1TYSESBcXpgHn04DVeesLLpOdfK5mNrPioty4U-g6rz95JD1DnNt1iWTjXEOw4Ba9TeDVENC6fsfda-7EIxXkvCKTzskMGHM_7qs5tUUyaz7EqGc17fVmb4x67X1wgr4UG1S6ytT9210PHKQ/s3820/IMG_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2329" data-original-width="3820" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNochxz39gH4boj3UQZ-rpHrFoaPuq3kI5Ll5dgAXC_1TYSESBcXpgHn04DVeesLLpOdfK5mNrPioty4U-g6rz95JD1DnNt1iWTjXEOw4Ba9TeDVENC6fsfda-7EIxXkvCKTzskMGHM_7qs5tUUyaz7EqGc17fVmb4x67X1wgr4UG1S6ytT9210PHKQ/s320/IMG_1974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Another venture offered the bonus of rare Tuesday
night football. Wednesday very much the midweek night in Thailand. There was
certainly a lot worse ways to get to a game than the Saen Seap Khlong Ferry
most of the way following a bus ride and then walk.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The venue was a narrow small pitch at the Greeny Grass
Complex on an excellent hybrid surface at a well-appointed venue in the shadows
of the raised Airport Line close to Ramkhamhaeng station and a mile or so
south of Rajamangala National Stadium.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF4Pegp40g9Z52JUPtTeBcvaIHYXpSgIsachsayfcbvKE_9iQ42a_-vGqtFAkr5mPeCys3DVM5neM1yUhgsEFtltETdXCT7b2uxojein4DzP82TsnfWPIdDbJxXXu3YntbdzDkZ2TjjTaHB2_sLV0dQScl0PSJFZQfIWCkcxrCXBg15jEEq02OaQaYA/s3610/IMG_1993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1810" data-original-width="3610" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF4Pegp40g9Z52JUPtTeBcvaIHYXpSgIsachsayfcbvKE_9iQ42a_-vGqtFAkr5mPeCys3DVM5neM1yUhgsEFtltETdXCT7b2uxojein4DzP82TsnfWPIdDbJxXXu3YntbdzDkZ2TjjTaHB2_sLV0dQScl0PSJFZQfIWCkcxrCXBg15jEEq02OaQaYA/w349-h175/IMG_1993.JPG" width="349" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is a former golf driving range. It had a small deep
three step cover in one corner and another behind the other goal with the pitch
surrounded by high netting. With it being a multi-use facility, the sort of
place I’d have dreamed of growing up, the game kicked off at 8.15 after touch
rugby had finished.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The pitch was booked for 90 minute slots, meaning they
sensibly play 40 minutes each way to allow for stoppages and a shortened half
time. In the early stages, I expected a massive hammering.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XnOyDFFVJnsc0eyhNk26xu4tsIFWFAZVDPYdlssZfNzRO5l_8GxuLlz3tmWyDdulvovDz9YOPVGLV80EtFQ6Fz_0MsLumkME-Fjb0qyRuXFTkQo6X0lnjvm5yMC583eo6nP7O-Rd8XKJPv2wnlRGLFB6eiZEAuVK6Rq1QEgA8DPC1vaYkCngMDRe3w/s1414/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1414" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XnOyDFFVJnsc0eyhNk26xu4tsIFWFAZVDPYdlssZfNzRO5l_8GxuLlz3tmWyDdulvovDz9YOPVGLV80EtFQ6Fz_0MsLumkME-Fjb0qyRuXFTkQo6X0lnjvm5yMC583eo6nP7O-Rd8XKJPv2wnlRGLFB6eiZEAuVK6Rq1QEgA8DPC1vaYkCngMDRe3w/s320/IMG_1977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The German side had several rolling subs available
while Panthers had just one. As well as a lesser mobile side including a goalie
who was prone to flapping at anything. A couple of their bigger lads weren’t
shy of putting their foot in.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It was akin to a World Cup qualifier. All Stars
quickly went 3-0 up. The first tapped by 35 after a couple of minutes following
a goalkeeping error. Panthers then missed a one on one opportunity to equalise.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNZKuSUqZAn4pC8F7gYgc78KmTSRHSPd3C5zKQlpZgyS9wScOsTNAcQzkYMhQQ8u0JPvAObk2QBGtmCjDQ9hEdUpevI1AgAAEEG24DwAz3rMQZWrGjG8Wo7Jm-31x12_NeT2xNzsf4pLmMhaprJBikyNS83pOvccTWhV2OFE_Xs42cU07BBnZiwgnvA/s3920/IMG_1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2940" data-original-width="3920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNZKuSUqZAn4pC8F7gYgc78KmTSRHSPd3C5zKQlpZgyS9wScOsTNAcQzkYMhQQ8u0JPvAObk2QBGtmCjDQ9hEdUpevI1AgAAEEG24DwAz3rMQZWrGjG8Wo7Jm-31x12_NeT2xNzsf4pLmMhaprJBikyNS83pOvccTWhV2OFE_Xs42cU07BBnZiwgnvA/s320/IMG_1981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">GAS 40, sporting an afro haircut, was a skillful operator
who doubled the lead with a lob. The player wearing 9 for the Germans made it
3-0 with a shot across the keeper who should have done better.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Panthers tried to play football by the seat of their
pants and grabbed one back as the skipper in the 10 shirt put into an empty net
after intercepting a pass. It was too much for the German keeper, whose fault
the goal was. At the interval he had a proper strop and didn’t reappear.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6dlW8DLVkiW_eHxo39kd6WUPYfs0Rivvc_XBJR2W5ZFI09pUkKmc4p-iIODSomTgEHMOPBGDiuOdGovTaZAed6cVd02CdS04dn3XOuFzZMmMwjwcHItRD2zL46Ejn2R6XcQa3Awf6u3aRSwxnuwi2AxxbX_DN5fByzEUJi835nnKqtm-lgGybfxCMw/s3672/IMG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2026" data-original-width="3672" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6dlW8DLVkiW_eHxo39kd6WUPYfs0Rivvc_XBJR2W5ZFI09pUkKmc4p-iIODSomTgEHMOPBGDiuOdGovTaZAed6cVd02CdS04dn3XOuFzZMmMwjwcHItRD2zL46Ejn2R6XcQa3Awf6u3aRSwxnuwi2AxxbX_DN5fByzEUJi835nnKqtm-lgGybfxCMw/s320/IMG_1994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The coach also made me laugh launching into a tirade
at the ref for not playing long enough. Fitness and quality proved a massive
advantage in the second half as the Panthers players quickly fatigued. Goals
from 71, 40 and 7 made the score 6-1 with twenty-two minutes still on the
clock.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Numbers 9 and 36, with a back post diving header back
across goal that went in in off post rounded off the scoring. 8-1 was being generous to Panthers, with the small pitch no doubt coming to their aid.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlOsegvzRgpT_-k4RfTmJa49MYeEgEwL2GfCPgNRteBCqX9AtjfxOgco-4CIYLBzindO4mIMcRIpeof-E1JvbphSD7ePRqBG01RSIU_LX1zK3ruju3kWr_mBSIxVHEWEgtp7zXMzUzMHZejD1UulzIwebSMfCl6cjp4D6eybJIpYTNiVTsWeOCvCJaA/s4032/IMG_1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlOsegvzRgpT_-k4RfTmJa49MYeEgEwL2GfCPgNRteBCqX9AtjfxOgco-4CIYLBzindO4mIMcRIpeof-E1JvbphSD7ePRqBG01RSIU_LX1zK3ruju3kWr_mBSIxVHEWEgtp7zXMzUzMHZejD1UulzIwebSMfCl6cjp4D6eybJIpYTNiVTsWeOCvCJaA/s320/IMG_1995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With a better custodian it might have been a bit
tighter. Star German player for me was the young fella on the right sporting an
Afro by the name of Colin. A very accomplished ball player who kept possession
for his side. The sort I hated playing against.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I returned home by two buses to complete a cheap night out, what
with free admission. I spent some of the saving on a coke and ice cream
floater. How nice that was in early March at 11.30pm.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">at Playmaker FC</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Phoenix FC 4 Les Gaulois 2 (Wednesday 16th March 2022) AFL Bangkok Casuals League (att: c10)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X3JM7i6S7bsyWwNjpz3_nwZW_SbdtHuJnptbOaxMHvwqM4epc6czV9lZs6xZRnAGbO8eeCNNRnW-poPB_Ls2ld0NI4P93s6nY-Dpd7bxlLNiGAr42BAs6Fwuwh-1cTUNf2aeISsoIg6IItNMsd3rKkW5wUTNV9R3ovGEFNPxCKhT3OY4V9B4eILfQw/s3693/IMG_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2177" data-original-width="3693" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X3JM7i6S7bsyWwNjpz3_nwZW_SbdtHuJnptbOaxMHvwqM4epc6czV9lZs6xZRnAGbO8eeCNNRnW-poPB_Ls2ld0NI4P93s6nY-Dpd7bxlLNiGAr42BAs6Fwuwh-1cTUNf2aeISsoIg6IItNMsd3rKkW5wUTNV9R3ovGEFNPxCKhT3OY4V9B4eILfQw/w351-h207/IMG_1998.JPG" width="351" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The same competition offered another handy filler if
there was nothing else happening. And it was free admission! The administrator
of the Phoenix Facebook page was most helpful with directions and match details
before I set off.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Getting to the Playmaker ground was interesting, after a visit to the food court at Fashion Island. I thought I knew
the right bus that went close by, which also required a little walk, so
I was disappointed when the service I boarded hurtled past the turn off on
Nawamin Road.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiK3l43Pv8DvW_P11C0qe1TTLMALrI_EKXX6yj6AbReao9MRP8Z2BnMgADyicpqj6eIegNkwcq8ivrjpvuQ2q7FBiVsx-Mw2PCfpajba6LbYDc4I8Z8Lym4p6Cf6-tInjzj_CYq1rXV71rMSqFeU_x934voITLu3co2XgJfs_VuYSd2s8v5uHY6KYNJA/s5143/IMG_8603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2626" data-original-width="5143" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiK3l43Pv8DvW_P11C0qe1TTLMALrI_EKXX6yj6AbReao9MRP8Z2BnMgADyicpqj6eIegNkwcq8ivrjpvuQ2q7FBiVsx-Mw2PCfpajba6LbYDc4I8Z8Lym4p6Cf6-tInjzj_CYq1rXV71rMSqFeU_x934voITLu3co2XgJfs_VuYSd2s8v5uHY6KYNJA/w355-h181/IMG_8603.JPG" width="355" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Using the footbridge, I then got my walk earlier than anticipated
before jumping in a taxi for the remainder of the journey with time marching
on. The venue boasted three pitches, with a game in progress on one of them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My match was on Pitch 3, behind the changing rooms,
but with a small open scaffold stand and covered area in the corner which had
an outlet for refreshments. A very tidy little set up, like many I was coming
across in local football.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuan_7BuuaDeWQf1QFc-pUeZL_ZOwvxJ8U_ji8e-GN0dmNIDVfVW3KJMRLFFvyYfIA4IUPcQdO3yPAgqodiPBQBSZ_pcxKZx4NxpoEe4sRRYXpr0kBWBjppzQB0Om3NYTwhMYJM7QPyfte9F-RnsLWLAVgIKhmuls4RRe6dMU2GhX1ZzBSsUHkNdKYA/s4564/IMG_8604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4564" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuan_7BuuaDeWQf1QFc-pUeZL_ZOwvxJ8U_ji8e-GN0dmNIDVfVW3KJMRLFFvyYfIA4IUPcQdO3yPAgqodiPBQBSZ_pcxKZx4NxpoEe4sRRYXpr0kBWBjppzQB0Om3NYTwhMYJM7QPyfte9F-RnsLWLAVgIKhmuls4RRe6dMU2GhX1ZzBSsUHkNdKYA/w347-h192/IMG_8604.JPG" width="347" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After introducing myself to the Phoenix chaps, one of
whom was looking out for my arrival, I was treated to a most entertaining and enjoyable
game with plenty of Anglo Gallic spice thrown in for good measure.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Englishmen went ahead on eight minutes when not
for the first time, number 25 broke the French offside trap before continuing
to round the keeper and slot home. The large pitch was conducive to open
football which seemed to suit both sides.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZE2lfIcE7ZuExrNvHFJooPdrW6lkiERBW9-4s-mFjTVLWdUgw1xAhPY_f1XLtrxaJNjRpB4r5F9o9wCuxnfgybEivTsMwuJO7KCMlEjP70aPecmt6bda2M3APrbXh0ENS0cgSvb2kuaO9TOwTSE3UcV7cp3rn7cCtOURWQqBPmINGHMg2qZucbIN3Dw/s4563/IMG_8606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2773" data-original-width="4563" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZE2lfIcE7ZuExrNvHFJooPdrW6lkiERBW9-4s-mFjTVLWdUgw1xAhPY_f1XLtrxaJNjRpB4r5F9o9wCuxnfgybEivTsMwuJO7KCMlEjP70aPecmt6bda2M3APrbXh0ENS0cgSvb2kuaO9TOwTSE3UcV7cp3rn7cCtOURWQqBPmINGHMg2qZucbIN3Dw/w343-h208/IMG_8606.JPG" width="343" /></a> </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The lead was doubled after twenty-six minutes after the
player wearing 94 chased a ball and won it out wide. With the goalie out of position
the attacker scored in empty net from difficult angle. The deficit was halved
just before the half hour mark as 99 scored with a speculative lob.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Gaulois broke and missed good chance to restore parity.
It was 3-1 when Phoenix’s 27 scored with a superb solo goal. The second half
was a tight affair and most competitive. Gaulois had a goal chalked off and
were then denied by an excellent save.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4re70qPXe-3yaAqGop8niMf3NHnxOb-DfKgxQNAoFskG1FH9ToX95iZyfoKIN3NIj_UcvO16OqNVYEEBZh-N3ZOowfshZWhNGO9llcQ0L21aSVgbvIU17o-r1887BSWfdbBN1ISRwfTFF_5r8y92AbNXmnuN3l8pHNRjIZsMyyqIJXRSfS9xutuXAUA/s3756/IMG_8609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1783" data-original-width="3756" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4re70qPXe-3yaAqGop8niMf3NHnxOb-DfKgxQNAoFskG1FH9ToX95iZyfoKIN3NIj_UcvO16OqNVYEEBZh-N3ZOowfshZWhNGO9llcQ0L21aSVgbvIU17o-r1887BSWfdbBN1ISRwfTFF_5r8y92AbNXmnuN3l8pHNRjIZsMyyqIJXRSfS9xutuXAUA/w352-h167/IMG_8609.JPG" width="352" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The score became 3-2 six minutes after the restart
when a fine slide rule pass sent in the French number 9 to slot home. His side
were then prevented from levelling by a brave goalkeeping block before Phoenix
missed two good chances within sixty seconds.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The game was becoming increasingly stretched with chances
aplenty, prior to the man in the 10 shirt putting the result beyond doubt with
a fine effort for Phoenix. Both sets of players looked absolutely spent at full
time.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk9FnbOKXUXoLVGGnZTf4XP4Z53eYsrV9fEBxlN9r2ijVAxJErLoj2QHITkj1WN0Ek6hm6-HcirUjxSSNLTG6RC4Kf17ifA_T0otm-8_rqS2lp3YpUquMrIoQjvd8DJJWWAiftqtjjMPSrG7mEiTtnNvtJn1uLV9MO-_nn6dEuNTLlZrXcsDxSEBNgg/s5174/IMG_8644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3881" data-original-width="5174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk9FnbOKXUXoLVGGnZTf4XP4Z53eYsrV9fEBxlN9r2ijVAxJErLoj2QHITkj1WN0Ek6hm6-HcirUjxSSNLTG6RC4Kf17ifA_T0otm-8_rqS2lp3YpUquMrIoQjvd8DJJWWAiftqtjjMPSrG7mEiTtnNvtJn1uLV9MO-_nn6dEuNTLlZrXcsDxSEBNgg/s320/IMG_8644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’d thoroughly enjoyed the match, before I took part
in exercise of my own as I walked the mile or so up Ram Intra 14 to catch the
26 bus back to base.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858053257534349209.post-76169789577645336362022-12-28T02:48:00.002+00:002022-12-28T02:48:09.022+00:00Maejo United (Thailand)<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdNZUramEm9L7OG605fJZJVzXgl623nq3bqaywZeWX9P3qQF0qljPfI500v1wHNj4WKi5ZY6Y4GonCRIlcXYDQxYxRs-hbN7_K1mwLwYo8HVbPZzxKMci0aHI9iRN6ZLiXaN2UWaT8Zsm-4vMwz_2KNbgxuIrbMRag8MsPOTGk121rDbgy5V6p0cg0g/s355/Maejo_United_FC_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="280" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdNZUramEm9L7OG605fJZJVzXgl623nq3bqaywZeWX9P3qQF0qljPfI500v1wHNj4WKi5ZY6Y4GonCRIlcXYDQxYxRs-hbN7_K1mwLwYo8HVbPZzxKMci0aHI9iRN6ZLiXaN2UWaT8Zsm-4vMwz_2KNbgxuIrbMRag8MsPOTGk121rDbgy5V6p0cg0g/w150-h190/Maejo_United_FC_logo.png" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Maejo United FC is a professional football club that
represents Maejo University, in the Thai northern city of Chiang Mai that was
formed in 2016. The team was awarded a place in the then non-league Division 3
North, where they finished top of Group C before losing out in the play-off
rounds.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">That competition had been a forerunner to the Thailand
Amateur League, in which Maejo competed in 2017, and then 2018 when ‘The Cowboy’
finished top with Sarawut Wongchai leading the scoring, to win a place in Thai
League 4 Northern Region.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtYtHA9eWlhj0tBg7jp-V-a0Ipe917K7q9jV2gwc-A0h3iyg52W13U7ZR7TuIBATUO1-OG5514Y6VnPbjo4xVB7JYsfGFZpgKXLh-abplmOHwJeic0yTDlnr5-Gn5-hX3V5DhJ_3g3nAGr3tu_VZpK995vIujT1T3AM1I9ea9ioPFB-cRqCskpy8CCQ/s14692/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3788" data-original-width="14692" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtYtHA9eWlhj0tBg7jp-V-a0Ipe917K7q9jV2gwc-A0h3iyg52W13U7ZR7TuIBATUO1-OG5514Y6VnPbjo4xVB7JYsfGFZpgKXLh-abplmOHwJeic0yTDlnr5-Gn5-hX3V5DhJ_3g3nAGr3tu_VZpK995vIujT1T3AM1I9ea9ioPFB-cRqCskpy8CCQ/w374-h97/IMG_1765.JPG" width="374" /></a> </div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The goals of Kritsada Tapingyot helped United to third
place, prior to the national system being realigned to fit the European
calendar and lose a tier. Maejo ended 2020-21, disrupted by the coronavirus
pandemic, as runners-up under head coach Jaturong Tosuwan as Wichaya
Pornpresart top scored.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Defeat in the play-offs to Phitsanulok ended hopes of
promotion, with the 2021-22 campaign also seeing a near miss as the goals of Ronnachai
Pongputta helped his team to third place. Maejo moved from the tradional home
on the university campus to play at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna at
the start of the 2022-23 season.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqigDKPO45UI7uuJMrEq5uHyWtJ-V3iSMYXdiy7XG-3yiVwOXb3ca8t_2lTISASOHHV6CHj6ZFQP8JnB4pBFqECr-l3EyxYB4mBS_VKMWnhqgKgJXwJo5QtJmn_UfvbHNLB4c0Nn1_TiTpIwb7t_fVj0bRappXTMIstjv2AqFVJRlSK8EvRyuFFUZxQ/s5184/IMG_8011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqigDKPO45UI7uuJMrEq5uHyWtJ-V3iSMYXdiy7XG-3yiVwOXb3ca8t_2lTISASOHHV6CHj6ZFQP8JnB4pBFqECr-l3EyxYB4mBS_VKMWnhqgKgJXwJo5QtJmn_UfvbHNLB4c0Nn1_TiTpIwb7t_fVj0bRappXTMIstjv2AqFVJRlSK8EvRyuFFUZxQ/s320/IMG_8011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Maejo United will play in Thai League 3 Northern Region
in the 2022-23 season</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: red;">My visit</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Maejo United 0 Wat Bot City 0 (Saturday 26th February
2022) Thai League 3 Northern Region (att: 180)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiao9x1dzJTVf_S6tOPRqnbJO-KXIf09QabXJnNWeVJAx5K8wpEoJfIFa10_ZjULKafXoogAZNrGlRTdDrz-7s8R7DqcAwTRqX1aDTQjRVXZ_KbUMLgcXLhgnWz8scKA1SW8hCVv207dvTyDc7TGb_277rEsCR2nukGCedydcfCNHdjixBoaGK5g7jQ0w/s2284/IMG_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="2284" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiao9x1dzJTVf_S6tOPRqnbJO-KXIf09QabXJnNWeVJAx5K8wpEoJfIFa10_ZjULKafXoogAZNrGlRTdDrz-7s8R7DqcAwTRqX1aDTQjRVXZ_KbUMLgcXLhgnWz8scKA1SW8hCVv207dvTyDc7TGb_277rEsCR2nukGCedydcfCNHdjixBoaGK5g7jQ0w/w288-h125/IMG_1832.JPG" width="288" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This fixture fell perfectly for me as I found myself
in Chiang Mai for a long weekend where I was assisting in staging a junior
cricket event on the Sunday. I sorted a taxi through Bolt from the Gymkhana
Club ground after a couple of beers for an easy ride to the university.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I alighted soon into the campus being earlier than I
intended and was immediately impressed with the excellent facilities. It was
like all academic grounds I’d wandered through to football stadiums;
immaculately maintained and modern.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6cBbEMtB8INT8F7i4uhItHOMiYhw6I6mOufOWYu4w658SIwyrNcXoDsRGFXcBj_AHW_8mqvfJ8LFWX_gbldzRF-mWoA0pkecdP6MZYwCrBWqaHxZ0MrqECl-gbz0pgl0MdrRoYrtgdAETC8KY92JVvbskcFcUJrpF80eHx7YiwFyGrEB4ajkC2Zvgw/s3936/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2363" data-original-width="3936" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6cBbEMtB8INT8F7i4uhItHOMiYhw6I6mOufOWYu4w658SIwyrNcXoDsRGFXcBj_AHW_8mqvfJ8LFWX_gbldzRF-mWoA0pkecdP6MZYwCrBWqaHxZ0MrqECl-gbz0pgl0MdrRoYrtgdAETC8KY92JVvbskcFcUJrpF80eHx7YiwFyGrEB4ajkC2Zvgw/w342-h205/IMG_1767.JPG" width="342" /></a> </div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was a bit of a hike on a warm afternoon, but I
easily located the excellent venue, which had a covered stand, mirrored by an
open one opposite, which wasn’t required for today’s fixture. Open terracing
hugged the south curve of the track.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Admission was free, which was a nice bonus. The helpful
young staff tried to sell me a team shirt. I really did like the white version, but unfortunately, they had sold out in my size, as prices had dropped
to get rid of stock before the season’s end.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZG8u63kdAyNx0wu6UyK8HFCs1dIZO-FarNunAqFbhZbeaIMUenC65xI0rvzJmD1UiJTCdisGH1HgNAeEKj3C_Uqd40t4wt5lGKGeuKBNRUnYVT3OehdQiPW9uy7sBdEgSmL6nvGrkGqrivqr3J6It92MUQUPtyzV2Oqg2q5IZNYl9oFbLjzPBPcRug/s5184/IMG_7985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZG8u63kdAyNx0wu6UyK8HFCs1dIZO-FarNunAqFbhZbeaIMUenC65xI0rvzJmD1UiJTCdisGH1HgNAeEKj3C_Uqd40t4wt5lGKGeuKBNRUnYVT3OehdQiPW9uy7sBdEgSmL6nvGrkGqrivqr3J6It92MUQUPtyzV2Oqg2q5IZNYl9oFbLjzPBPcRug/s320/IMG_7985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, this turned out to be a really hard watch
after a great game the previous night between Lamphun Warriors and Chiangmai as
the hosts, desperately looked for a win, struggled against niggly and resolute
opponents.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A win could have propelled them into the play-off
Champions League rounds if rivals Phitsanulok failed to beat lowly Norther Tak
United in their corresponding home game kicking off at the same time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8IcKc90xvDh1Kgnb2jBR4ubx5yUStWOjCpvsTqHwLYRFa_LUyaIGjzdxH19_9uEELn6AILDPCK3En4Bhu9kZqhvf8YIH8qlwu3k2oz7Qyw8sDQ5ZacJQMVVXl9BP8-cbLw70TZWJ80inBR76AK1MtjYSiRsJIyjM_7mPmKyTLCTx3DsGlQ7uJ1rf6w/s4958/IMG_7958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3718" data-original-width="4958" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8IcKc90xvDh1Kgnb2jBR4ubx5yUStWOjCpvsTqHwLYRFa_LUyaIGjzdxH19_9uEELn6AILDPCK3En4Bhu9kZqhvf8YIH8qlwu3k2oz7Qyw8sDQ5ZacJQMVVXl9BP8-cbLw70TZWJ80inBR76AK1MtjYSiRsJIyjM_7mPmKyTLCTx3DsGlQ7uJ1rf6w/s320/IMG_7958.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Wat Bot City, also from Phitsanulok did their
neighbours a favour with a dogged display bordering at times on the dark arts,
eventually having their skipper Naris Klaysub sent off for two yellow cards
with over half an hour remaining. Despite this, his side held on relatively
easily.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Maejo simply lacked ideas, and when they did get half
a sniff of a chance, they saw it snubbed out on a hard pitch. They honestly
never looked like breaking the deadlock to the dismay of their aesthetic fan
base.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pMajI0dvCyPWClc0urIvx_eHoD3h7ZnO5dBbfkcoHKhYFNfLzGNqyAEJzbPMc8geJRUfV-Q-lxfUuR5RF2_2_ECPlXtCC8XvxwbqUqHqSXzMjrgNK5bhOlaJ9lPkSIuVsEGBbHZFe0P5kMYdaUFi1TL-FB5OuYicZNJjvxbd8dyV4KVpqpjdq8XMVw/s2990/IMG_8004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2990" data-original-width="2892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pMajI0dvCyPWClc0urIvx_eHoD3h7ZnO5dBbfkcoHKhYFNfLzGNqyAEJzbPMc8geJRUfV-Q-lxfUuR5RF2_2_ECPlXtCC8XvxwbqUqHqSXzMjrgNK5bhOlaJ9lPkSIuVsEGBbHZFe0P5kMYdaUFi1TL-FB5OuYicZNJjvxbd8dyV4KVpqpjdq8XMVw/s320/IMG_8004.JPG" width="310" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I could be sure, but the abuse given to an African in
the visitors ranks from adults behind the goal towards the end of the game had
me scratching my head as it appeared to upset the player with possible racist
undertones. It was not on, and it only made his teammates more stubborn.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I watched the last few minutes from the side of the
pitch as I waited for my Bolt taxi, which arrived bang on time and was driven
by a very pleasant lady delighted I was visiting her city and giving her trade.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuSc9SG4598oQ_Xop8tT6kQO2jvVTDycpWoCDXqkPRYBDjjnM5VdAa7ZRgf_yH8Ehrp_WogrfQGlcBoMaXv8TjHJsu4Q4IM0r2ZlTNOqRUnfm3rjsTBuK_NUvHK4uOflBe0KuAKtZy-aKLbVo81IVC6wP4nwnzjHqyrxBtc15iL3TmJjOquo255Cbmw/s2576/IMG_7986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1675" data-original-width="2576" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuSc9SG4598oQ_Xop8tT6kQO2jvVTDycpWoCDXqkPRYBDjjnM5VdAa7ZRgf_yH8Ehrp_WogrfQGlcBoMaXv8TjHJsu4Q4IM0r2ZlTNOqRUnfm3rjsTBuK_NUvHK4uOflBe0KuAKtZy-aKLbVo81IVC6wP4nwnzjHqyrxBtc15iL3TmJjOquo255Cbmw/s320/IMG_7986.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There was time for a shower and catnap at the down to
heel Top North Guest House before meeting with my friends for a pleasant
evening out in town.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rob Bernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16813894988189684762noreply@blogger.com0