This was a performance riddled with anxiety, a cagey affair with both teams seemingly paralysed by the weight of expectation. Free-flowing football was not at a premium.
PAFC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the right-back pushing into midfield when in possession to bolster the numbers in the centre of the park. While this tactic provided some numerical advantage, it often left the Lobsters exposed on the counter-attack, a vulnerability that Yala City’s ‘Killer Chickens’ occasionally threatened to exploit.
Both sides had opportunities to break the deadlock in the opening half-hour, with the better chances arguably falling to the Lobsters. However, both forwards, David and ‘Bank’ Sarod, were guilty of spurning presentable opportunities.
The second half saw the home side emerge with renewed purpose, forcing keeper ‘Bee’ into a string of impressive saves. Yet, the pervasive nervousness continued to stifle both teams, with possession squandered carelessly in midfield time and time again. Ultimately, a stalemate was the inevitable outcome, a result neither side will be overly disappointed with.
Two significant incidents will cause concern for the Lobsters. Firstly, top scorer Bank was forced off with an injury in the 59th minute. The severity of the injury and the ability of Swede David to fill the void will be crucial to the club’s survival hopes in the remaining five games of the season. The reliance on Bank and David for goals is a worrying statistic, with no other member of the starting eleven having found the net this season.
Secondly, Captain Kla received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card. A controversial figure, Kla has been accused of fomenting dissent within the squad under previous coach Tum. However, he remains a key player, and his absence will be keenly felt, particularly given the lack of adequate replacements within the squad.
The next five games
The Lobsters’ remaining five fixtures are now absolutely critical. While this point does elevate them in the table, the challenge ahead remains daunting. Sandwiched between games against the league’s top two, Songkhla and Yala FC, are three matches against Krabi, Ranong, and PSU. These three games are now pivotal. A win against any of them would significantly boost the Lobsters’ chances of securing their T3 status for next season.
For now, the clean sheet and the point gained represent a positive first step for Coach M. He will be hoping to build on this foundation in the coming weeks, guiding the Lobsters through this precarious period and ultimately securing their survival.
Next up for PAFC is a home match against Songkhla FC next Sunday (Mar 2), kick-off 3:30pm.
Simon Causton is the host of ‘A Thai Football Podcast’ and writer of the ’Football Siam’ blog which covers all things Thai football.