From the first whistle, both sides displayed a clear intent to attack. Chiang Rai, roared on by their home support, probed and pressed the Uthai Thani defence. However, the visitors stood firm, their backline demonstrating a commendable efficiency in the tackle, winning an impressive 80% of their challenges.
Uthai Thani, for their part, were comfortable in possession, enjoying 51.4% of the ball, their midfielders diligently seeking to unlock the Chiang Rai rearguard with a blend of intricate passing and direct balls.
Despite the open nature of the contest, clear-cut chances were at a premium in the first half. Both teams, though industrious and creative in their build-up play, lacked a clinical edge in the final third. The statistics tell a stark tale: Chiang Rai mustered 13 shots with a meagre 15.4% on target, while Uthai Thani failed to hit the target with any of their nine efforts.
The second period mirrored the first, with both sides striving for the decisive breakthrough. The deadlock was finally broken just after the hour mark, when Lee’s strike, though arguably savable, found its way past the Uthai Thani goalkeeper. The goal galvanised the visitors, who responded with increased urgency. However, the Chiang Rai defence, well-marshalled and disciplined, held firm. Despite a late flurry of substitutions and a frantic push for an equaliser, Uthai Thani were unable to breach the resolute home defence.
The final whistle brought relief for Chiang Rai, who, despite being out-possessed and perhaps even outplayed for periods, emerged victorious. The match statistics offer a revealing insight into the game’s narrative. Uthai Thani’s superior possession and tackling efficiency ultimately proved futile, as they were unable to translate their dominance into goals.
Other Games:
Nong Bua Pitchaya 1-1 Nakhon Ratchasima
This evenly contested match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both sides creating numerous opportunities. Nongbua Pitchaya took the lead in the 18th minute when Judivan chested the ball down and volleyed home a cross-field pass from the right.
The Swat Cats levelled in the 41st minute courtesy of a spectacular Dennis Murillo strike from a corner. Nongbua had a goal disallowed by VAR in the first half, and both teams could have snatched a winner in what was a well-balanced encounter. Possession was almost equally shared (46%:54%), while the shot count favoured Nongbua slightly (14 shots, 6 on target to 10 shots, 3 on target).
Sukhothai 0-0 Nakhon Pathom
This was not a quiet stalemate, with both sides squandering chances to win. The visitors were reduced to 10 men after Theerapat’s straight red card in the 36th minute, a turning point in the match. Nakhon Pathom were fortunate to escape with a point, having been thoroughly outplayed. Sukhothai dominated possession (60%) and rained in 23 shots on goal. However, this spirited performance seems unlikely to be enough to save the Tigers of Nakhon Pathom from relegation.
Simon Causton is the host of ‘A Thai Football Podcast’ and writer of the ’Tee-Sen" (ที่เส้น) - At the line’ blog which covers all things Thai football.