A Glimpse into the Lower Echelons

Thai League 2 Weekly Roundup with Phil Williams

The Week the Logic Died

Welcome to the T2 update, where the form book is largely used as kindling and "certainties" go to die under the humid floodlights of provincial Thailand. It was a weekend defined by "new coach syndrome" in the capital, veteran strikers rolling back the years in the title race, and the realization that for some, the trapdoor isn't just open—it’s inviting them in with a 'nice' cold Beer Chang. Here is how the chaos unfolded. (Simon Causton)

Songkhla FC 3 - 0 Bangkok FC

Relegation is looking a certainty now for bottom club Bangkok FC after The Firebulls were well beaten down in Songkhla. Top scorer Herlison Caion grabbed a brace for the home side to take his tally to 12 for the season, bookending a 38th-minute goal from Mosquito. A strong end to the season for Songkhla—unbeaten in their last five.

Khon Kaen United 2 - 1 Chiang Mai United

A fourth successive defeat for Chiang Mai United, but they look to have enough points on the board to be safe for another season in T2. A Kittichai Jaidee own goal handed the visitors a slim lead at the half-time break, but Khon Kaen came back in the second half with an 18th goal of the season for Artit Boodjinda and an 80th-minute winner from Felipe Amorim.

Rasisalai United 2 - 2 Phrae United

Phrae stayed interested in the play-offs with a battling draw against the soon-to-be crowned T2 champions. Alberto Gouvea fired the Monkey Kings in front in the first minute, but goals from Nilson and Warut Boonsuk put Phrae in the driving seat. Veteran striker Gilberto Macena equalised on 79 minutes, and both sides had to be satisfied with a point apiece.

Pattaya United 3 - 0 Kasetsart FC

Pattaya look relatively safe after strolling to victory against Kasetsart in this 'relegation six-pointer' at the Nongphrue Stadium. The 3-0 victory included a brace for defender and captain Taned Benyapad—his first goals of the season.

Nakhonsi United 1 - 1 Chantaburi

Krissana's equaliser in the 96th minute salvaged a valuable point for Nakhonsi, after Nattawaut Suksum had given Chantaburi a 17th-minute lead. The Southern Dragons still in deep trouble though in the bottom three.

Trat FC 2 - 0 Mahasarakham

Mahasarakham are clinging on to that 6th place play-off spot after a 2-0 defeat at the in-form Trat FC. A 9th-minute goal from Thepitak and an injury-time strike from Chrislan Henrique saw the white elephants home. Trat now comfortably safe for another season in T2.

Nakhon Pathom 3 - 1 Nongbua Pichaya

Probably the shock of the weekend as Nakhon Pathom ended a run of five successive defeats to beat Nongbua Pichaya, who drop to 5th. Nakhon Pathom are still relying on others to slip up, but the victory has given them hope.

Pattani FC 3 - 2 Chainat Hornbill

Pattani's fourth successive win means they have now qualified for the T2 play-offs. With Sisaket losing, the Queen Cannons have a real chance of finishing second and gaining automatic promotion.

Police Tero 2 - 1 Sisaket United

Police Tero registered their first win since the 1st of February. Kittipong Wongma gave the visitors an early lead, but Police Tero hit back with a goal from Sampan Kesi and an own goal from Pattaraphon. Sisaket suddenly look unconvincing in second.

Phil Williams is co-host of the Chiang Mai is Blue Podcast.

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