I Want It Trat Away: Trat FC vs. Port FC Preview

 

Trat’s promotion to T1 last year sparked hope of an away day in the eastern province, perhaps most famous for the tourist paradise of its Koh Chang archipelago. That hope started to fade as the schedule was released and showed that the game would be one of the much dreaded midweek fixtures and, considering our lengthy winless run that finally ended on Sunday, it’s hard to see too many of the Port faithful dealing with the logistics of the roughly five hour one-way drive under those circumstances. Oh well, maybe next year…

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Toby Time Wins: Port FC 1-0 Sukhothai FC

The pioneering 20th century social anthropologist E.E. Evans-Pritchard conducted most of his early research on the Azande, an indigenous African tribe living primarily in what is modern-day Democratic Republic of Congo. His fieldwork formed the basis of his classic text Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic Among the Azande. Published in 1937, the book champions the relativist theory of psychological attribution. Are you still following me? Well here’s a good example from the book; 8 Azande people die when a termite infested door frame causes a house to collapse. Evans-Pritchard clearly sees evidence of termites in several areas but the Azande dismiss this notion and conclude that it was caused by witchcraft and start conducting elaborate ceremonies and rituals to regain the favour of the spirits and deities they worshipped. So who is right? Rational thought would automatically conclude that the termites caused it, but what if some higher power could control or effect them to carry out this whole episode that we know nothing about? Evans-Pritchard concluded that both were right; if your personal belief system convinces you it is true then it is true.

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Bats in the PAT: Port FC vs. Sukhothai FC Preview

 

Port’s woeful run of form continued last Saturday with PTT Rayong snatching a victory against a team who looked flat, unconfident and lacked ideas. Jadet’s final throw of the dice as Port coach was a midfield diamond system which, despite a fortuitous win against Muangthong, didn’t click at all in the two games in which it was tried.

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Just Plain Rayong: PTT Rayong 1-0 Port FC

 

“Pressure makes diamonds” opined one of our travelling party as we discussed Port’s current situation on the way to the Meccano-esque PTT Stadium. The rest of the suitably lubricated gentleman and additional beer monitor carefully considered this statement until I offered a well thought out counter-argument; “pressure can also make you piss yourself.” Wise words indeed but sadly I was proved right as Port continued their alarming dip in form that has seen them go from top of pile to mid-table mediocrity and possibly something much much worse.

It all started so well with a midweek cup victory against The Scum which many had hoped would propel the team back to some decent form and retake the initiative in the league. None of our rivals had pulled away from the chasing pack and Port could take heart that it wasn’t just us fucking about. Also it was set up as a cracking away day; a bit of beach action followed by an early evening kick off at a decent stadium, so this had expanded from your normal football trip to 2 minivans, an additional car and several others on the Thai coach.

 

 

The highlight of the day was Bang Saray beach; a beautiful spot at a good arm’s length from Pattaya that isn’t too overcrowded and a great place to spend a few hours doing sweet FA. We split into 2 groups; those who wanted to eat in chairs (and sand-phobic) and those who prefer to be a little more horizontal while they dine. Moving between the 2 groups, it was a charming afternoon and really we should have stayed all day there if we had known what “entertainment” was in store for us. On a side note, my afternoon was rudely interrupted by a rogue mussel that made me evacuate the contents of my stomach and get a standing ovation from our group upon leaving the roadside toilet; a touching moment I will never forget.

 

 

The first half was a tepid affair only punctuated by 2 things; Bodin’s (10) behind the halfway line shot that keeper Peerapong (30) tipped onto the crossbar and someone spotting a reasonably attractive woman in the home stand which prompt a group of us to wave furiously at in a desperate effort to get her attention. Oh, Rayong’s Big Scary Bastard Victor (5) missed a tap in from a set piece. The lack of quality from both sides was clearly evident and many of us voted with our feet to nip off for very early beers.

 

“Hello, you!”

 

The second half was not much better; the game’s only moment of quality was the goal. Dennis Murillo (92) was given time and space due to Martin Steuble (15) being out of position and he sent a delicious curling shot into the far top corner over Worawut (36). Jadet, sensing the knives sharpening, sent on Pakorn (7) for the totally ineffective Sumanya (11) and Josimar (30) for the woeful Blackburn (99) and things got a little better. Pakorn’s shot forced a smart save and seconds later the ball was fizzed across the box by no Port player could turn it in. Then Josimar missed our best opportunity, running smartly onto a free kick which he placed the wrong side of the post.

And that was that, Port fell to yet another defeat with a performance of zero merit in a game that was frankly painful to watch. Jadet’s diamond formation offers nothing; Siwakorn (16) is uncomfortable playing to the right, Bodin doesn’t have license to roam in order to effect play and Sumanya, effectively the same player as Suarez, has been playing bollocks for far too long and doesn’t justify a starting place. Players we normally depend on like Dolah (4) and Suarez (5) aren’t performing to their usual standards and the new players seem pretty “meh”. Steuble had been solid but was at fault for the goal, Tanaboon (71) seemed very nervous at centre back and “El Toro” Blackburn put in a 1/10 performance and that’s me being very generous. We might as well have played with an actual bull up front. Credit to Dolah for talking to the fans at the service station after the match and also Watchara (1) who said a very brief hello to me and the missus. We must also call out Go (8) who swerved us when he saw a large group of us in Burger King; not cool and I hope you were gutted you didn’t get your whopper.

By the end of the weekend it was confirmed that Jadet has been relieved of his coaching duties and shunted upstairs, just like the ill-fated Zico experiment, and in comes Choketawee Promrut as coach while Spencer Prior becomes team manager. Again it looks like Madame wants to experiment and keep Jadet around as an insurance policy in case it all goes south, but something, anything needed to be done to stop the rot. New people bring fresh ideas to the table and hopefully there won’t be too much meddling in the background (stop laughing at the back), although 3 senior roles means there are already a lot of cooks ready to spoil the Port broth and Madame and her lackeys are standing right behind them armed with extra ladles.

 

Man of the Match: No One

 

Nope, none of them deserve it. I’m not even going to give it to the fans because all we did was bitch and moan then bugger off to drink outside. The opposition were just as bad and Murillo isn’t getting it for the goal because he was an absolute shithouse with a top knot. It was that bad an afternoon.

 

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Sir Det Gets Choked: All Change at Port

 

Following last night’s desperately poor defeat at PTT Rayong, it seems Port’s patience with long-serving coach Jadet Meelarp is at an end, with the Spherical Supremo (c Tom Earls) stepping down to be replaced by current Thai U23 coach Choketawee Promrut. Exact roles are as yet unclear but it seems Choketawee will come in as coach, with former Thai women’s coach Spencer Prior continuing as technical director and Jadet resuming the director of football role he briefly held during the 2017 Zico Experiment. The phrase ‘too many cooks’ springs to mind but let’s face it, things could hardly get any more chaotic at Port than they are already.

Jadet has had his critics in the last couple of years, but his achievements at Port have been impressive indeed. He took over in June 2016 from Japanese coach Warda, who was relieved of his duties when Port’s T2 promotion bit started to wobble. Jadet steadied the ship and, despite another late wobble, just about guided Port back to T1 along with the bonus of a League Cup semi-final in which they were unlucky to lose out to Muangthong.

in 2017, with many tipping Port to go back down, he guided an exciting attacking team to 9th in T1, faring even better in 2018 when he led an expensively-assembled side to 3rd in T1 – the club’s highest ever finish.

There have always been doubts over his tactical nous, his inability to get the best out of attacking talents such as Thiago, Kaludjerovic and Boskovic, and his insistence on playing 4-5-1 whoever the opposition; however Port insiders suggest team selection and recruitment weren’t Jadet’s responsibility and players invariably speak highly of him as an individual, if not a tactician. On my one encounter with him – at Chiang Rai Airport earlier this year – he was friendliness personified, greeting me with a wai and thanking me for making the trip to support the team. It’s a shame he’s ended up being the one to carry the can for Port’s current slump – and let’s face it, if Port won a trophy we know he wouldn’t be the one taking the credit – but at the same time, it’s clear things need a shakeup at Port and if replacing Jadet can get things back on rack, then fair enough.

As for Choketawee, he had a stellar playing career, turning out for the likes of Customs and PTT in Thailand, along with other SE Asian clubs including HAGL (Vietnam), Johor (Malaysia) and Tampines (Singapore). He was also capped 74 times for Thailand and wore the captain’s armband. He’s been coaching since 2013 and whilst he has very little club experience, he’s been involved with the national team throughout this time, the peak being winning the 2015 SEA Games title with the U23s. He was also assistant to most recent national team coach Milovan Rajevac.

So we say thanks and farewell to Jadet, and welcome Choketawee and wish him all the luck in the world in his new role – he will certainly need it.

 

 

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At Home with a Chiang: Port Draw Beetles in FA Cup QF

 

The draw for the quarter finals of the Chang FA Cup was made earlier this afternoon, and whilst Port were fortunate both to avoid Buriram and Bangkok Utd, and get a home draw, they nevertheless face the tricky task of overcoming cup specialists (and 2018 winners) Chiang Rai Utd. The Beetles are experts at grinding out cup wins and have also taken 4 points from their two league games with Port this season, so if Port are to make the semis they need to be at their very best.

It’s good news for ostracised skipper David Rochela though, as assuming he decides to stay at the club it means he’ll get to play at least one more game at the PAT in a Port shirt.

The game takes place on Wednesday 7 August at 19:00.

 

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Port Hoping to Clean Up The Oil Slick: PTT Rayong vs Port FC Match Preview

Port take on PTT Rayong’s Oil Millionaires away this weekend, great to be by the seaside, a great stadium with no running track. This might not be the fun day out at the beach everyone is hoping for. Sometimes you can enjoy a beer sitting out in the sun, sometimes you get hit by a random flying parasol it knocks you out and you end up at A and E. So what’s in store for Port?

Rising Oil Prices

Port managed a draw against what I thought was a decent PTT side at PAT. However their dire early results suggested it was 2 points dropped at home as PTT got off to a woeful start to the season subsiding down to the relegation zone. I had marked this team to go down having another typical yo-yo season. Their marquee signing Jay Emmanuel Thomas showed some skills at PAT but moved about as quickly as a marquee. The JET has moved on after 1 goal from 12 games.

Recently there’s been a surprising rise, PTT have beaten Korat and Samut Prakarn away from home in a run of 4 wins out of their last 5 matches. This is not the time to be playing Rayong. They were not in the FA Cup on Wednesday and they currently sit in 6th place, only 6 points behind Port, after gaining 6 points in their last two games and their mid-season deal with Satan seems to be paying off.

A Tale of Two Victors

At the heart of Rayong’s defence they have Victor Igbenfo(32) from Nigeria via Indonesia and Victor Cardoza from Brazil via Hell, the same man we all loved to hate at Chaing Rai. S.F.D.’s might be more of a worry this weekend, Scary Foreign Defenders may well give Rolando Blackburn a nasty welcome on his first seaside outing in Thailand. PTT also have Saharat(10) a decent attacking midfielder who’s as stick thin as Siwakorn but also has Siwakorn’s work rate what’s more he’s scored 2 in the last 4 matches and made Samut Prakarn’s defenders look decidedly average in the 3-0 implosion at Bang Plee. Dennis Murillo(92) has just returned to Rayong in the transfer window, after he helped PTT to get promotion in 2018 he was booted out for a bigger name at the start of 2019. The return of Dennis has helped Rayong cement their recent discovery of decent form. Rayong are likely to set up with Dennis and Apiwat(9) up front. The Rayong number 9 had a very average start to the seaon, but has scored 3 goals in Rayong’s latest run of wins including a beauty against Prajuap.  Manager Teerasak Poo-on has managed to shit on 4 out of the last 5 teams he’s faced, he will not be too worried about this current Port team.

2 of Cups

Port must be in a better frame of mind after two Muangthong players gifted us a victory in the cup. I normally have a go at Jadet for not changing formations, unfortunately when you don’t change things for 3 years any sort of change comes as a shock to your players.

After looking reasonable at the beginning of the season in this formation Sumanya (11) managed a new level of incompetence. Siwakorn (16) played poorly, looking uncomfortable in his new position. After having everyone in the middle at one point then two players standing next to each other on the wing, I was ready to throw in the towel and say comeback 4-5-1 all is forgiven. If you change formations every now and again then players can work with it, but the team on Wednesday looked out of sorts, the attacking midfield diamond did no one any favours. Back to the drawing board big man, after a hug from Milan.

Struble(15) had a good match working hard throughout the night. The formation proved this team needs to wingers to create standard stock opportunities no fancy diamonds needed here. Nittipong (34) and Strueble fill in well giving other options on the wings in a 4-5-1 but they shouldn’t be played as out and out wingbacks it’s asking them to do too much. Next thing you know we’ll be asking Pakorn to come back and defend. Speaking of Pakorn(7) he proved absolutely nothing new coming on and delivering the killer ball into the box for Teerasil to knee in. We know he can cross, he’s just a lazy player. He reminded everyone of the fact that he’s lazy but we still need him for set pieces and crosses like that. Come back Pakorn, but nothing is forgiven.

Likely Seaside Set Up

Rattanai (17)

Nittipong(34) Todsapol (6) Dolah(4)Streuble(15)

Go(8)

Pakorn(7) Suarez(5) Siwakorn(16) Bodin(10)

Blackburn(99)

As Port and many Importz head down to the seaside this Saturday I just hope the oilmen’s wells will run dry and Port will be celebrating Blackburning up the beach front.

Honest Prediction

PTT Rayong 1-1 Port

PTT Rayong vs Port FC 5.45 p.m. Saturday 20th July. The match is live on True Sports 2 , HD 2 and True 4U. If you can’t make it to Rayong, please support our sponsors The Sportsman who will be showing the game on a big screen.

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Muangthanks: Muangthong United 0-2 Port FC

Port move in to the last 8 of the FA Cup after overcoming rivals Muangthong 0-2, but really it was Port’s opposition who we have to give credit to for the victory, with a couple of suicidal defensive acts swinging a pretty poor game which neither side particularly deserved to win. It’s not every day us Port fans extend heartfelt and genuine thanks to a club with whom we have had so many problems in recent years, but let me, on behalf of all Port fans, do so now: Thankyou, Muangthong.

In the spirit of friendship in which Muangthong so generously handed victory to us last night, I will endeavor throughout my report to treat our red-clad brethren with as much respect as they showed us last night. That’ll make for an interesting change of pace.

 

 

Port lined up in a curious formation which, despite minimal changes in perssonel, represented a significant tactical departure for embattled coach Jadet. Usually a big believer in width, which is emphasized in his favoured 4-2-3-1 system, Jadet this time played a narrow 4-4-2, with the midfield four set up in a diamond formation. Worawut (36), the third goalkeeper Port have used in four games, was a surprise inclusion between the sticks, with the rather more familiar sight, although we won’t be able to say that for much longer, of Rochela (22) and Dolah (4) in front of him. Nitipong (34) and impressive new arrival Martin Steuble (15) manned the full back positions, with a remit to attack even more freely than usual necessitated by Jadet’s narrow set-up. At the base of the midfield diamond was Go (8), while Bodin (10) played to his left and Siwakorn (16) to his right. Sumanya (11) played in his favourite role just behind the forwards, who on this occasion were the familiar Suarez (5) and unknown quantity Rolando Blackburn (99).

The early going was scrappy, with both teams working hard but ultimately failing to create many clear-cut chances. Most moves broke down in the middle of the park, with Sumanya in particular for Port being very wasteful and possession. It was crowded in there, with Siwakorn unsurprisingly showing a proclivity to play more centrally than your average right sided midfielder. Focusing on Port’s shortcomings is only half the story, though. Muangthong, in the spirit of brotherhood in which I’m sure it was intended, were almost entirely unthreatening. Adisak (11), a player who we often malign for… well, everything, was suitably helpful to Port’s cause, and Derley (87) was the epitome of the striker who you want on the opposing team.

Heberty (7) was the only man who looked capable of making Port’s life difficult, but after creating a shooting chance for himself with a fantastic run on 24 minutes his deflected shot was tipped wide by the excellent Worawut (36). The resulting corner, taken by Heberty himself, was also flicked towards the far post dangerously by Oh Ban-suk (4) but thankfully his effort drifted just wide. Heberty took aim himself 10 minutes later with his viciously struck long range freekick well dealt with once again by Worawut.

The best two chances of the half fell to both sides in the last 5 minutes. First, Siwakorn fed Nitipong, whose looping cross found Rolando with plenty of space and time to direct his header, but he was some way out with a poor effort not coming close to troubling Dang Van Lam (1) in the Muangthong goal. Then a cross from Muangthong’s right was half blocked by Rochela, but fell to that man Heberty once again, who really should have done better with his side-footed effort, which went straight to Worawut, who nevertheless held it well.

The second half started quietly, with the quality remaining as poor as ever. Suarez put another wonderful chance on a plate for Rolando on 67 minutes, but the Panamanian was once again off target with a pretty weak attempt. Steuble, covering a lot of ground down Port’s left, tried his luck with his weaker foot a few minutes later but fired well over.

Muangthong were first to call on substitutes, with Brazilian Bruno Gallo (88) and Teerasil (10) tasked with turning to tide. Gallo came close with a well-struck volley which missed by the finest of margins, but it was Teerasil, in combination with another substitute, who would really shake things up. Jadet called on Pakorn (7), notably absent from the starting XI after his run-in with Port fans last week, and with his very first touch the Midfield Monk showed why we tolerate his deplorable attitude. Port win a freekick on the right flank. You know the rest. Or maybe not. Pakorn’s cross was bang on the money, and although the Port attackers failed to get the vital touch, Teerasil was on hand to put Port in to the lead. The Muangthong captain, who has had a very poor season since returning from the J League, wasn’t even concentrating on the ball; he was busy appealing to the linesman. The linesman, his arm probably knackered after giving almost very forward pass offside in the first half, for once stood still as the ball bounced off a confused Teerasil’s thigh, sending Port fans, crowded around TVs all over Khlongtoei, in to wild celebrations. Thanks guys, we couldn’t have done it without you! It was also a fantastic redemption story for Pakorn, who once again reminded his many critics what he brings to the team. Love him or loathe him, this is what he does.

Just a one goal win wouldn’t do, though. Chappuis, inspired by his captain, gave Rolando the chance to make the game safe and make his debut a dream start. Credit must go to the new man for having the awareness to run on to Chappuis’ beautifully weighted through ball, which at once set the Port man free on goal and took a despairing Dang Van Lam out of the game. Precision. Rolando tried his best to make a meal out of the finish, scuffing his shot a little and allowing Dang to get his fingertips on it, but nevertheless the ball found the back of the net and Port had the two goal cushion they needed to put the result beyond doubt. The defence, which has struggled horribly in the last few weeks, were even able to hold on to an encouraging clean sheet.

The result could be massive for Port’s season. Many a time has a cup win inspired improved league form, and with a tricky trip to Rayong coming up this Saturday, the boost in confidence could be the catalyst for a long overdue return to form. Jadet also has some breathing room, quieting some of the calls for his replacement for the time being.

At the end of the day, a tough game has been successfully negotiated and Port are through to the last 8. Almost all of the remaining teams hail from the top half of T1, though. The only team one could really say are an easy draw are Thai Honda, so expect Port to face a tougher test than what Muangthong offered in the quarter finals.

 

The Sandpit’s Man of the Match

 

 

A shared award this time, I think. Both Teerasil and Chappuis provided moments of magic that put Port over the line, and are equally deserving of our gratitude.

Seriously though, Worawut is probably the only Port player who can be entirely happy with his performance, dealing with everything Heberty had to throw at him admirably, although as always looking very punch-happy from corners and crosses. The defence were also solid, although most had the odd heart-in-mouth moment at some point.

 

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Redemption ‘Thong? Muangthong Utd vs Port FC Preview (FA Cup)

 

Port play bitter old rivals Muangthong this week, the big question on everyone’s mind was would away fans be allowed at “The theatre of relegation screams”. Now we know tickets to the away end will not be available for sale. This Tuesday afternoon it was announced Port will show the match on a big screen opposite Zone A. Anyone that was there will remember the fiasco that was Port’s last attempt to screen a game. Nice water park fun, but not having the feed then goggling for new dodgy online feeds to show the match was a complete joke. I’m assured it will be better this time, but we all know how tits up this can go. Wednesday is a Buddhist holiday in Thailand so officially there are no sales of alcohol allowed. Previous Buddhist holidays have been slightly observed at PAT Stadium with bottles of Leo hidden respectfully behind the Coke and Sprite but available if you should feel the need.

The Old Enemy

The new manager Gama has steadied Muangthong’s relegation plummet with wins at home to Trat, Prajuap Away, and a solid 3-2 win vs Bangkok United at SCG. However Friday night’s 1-1 draw in Chiang Mai was unconvincing with big questions still to be asked about whether they’ve really turned the corner. With only a 2 points between them and the drop zone they could easily be dragged back into the relegation mire.

Looking at their attack it is a shock they were ever down there in the first place. With Teerasil (10)and Heberty(7) they have the two of the most experienced strikers in T1, Teerasil may be well be past is best but Heberty is still a potent force and they are still the club’s two biggest threats, they have with 4 and 5 goals respectively. Hopefully some players might be rested for the Cup, but this is unlikely with Muangthong having played the Friday night match. I think with the half decent mid season signings Gama will be taking this game pretty seriously.

Mid season has seen centre forward Derley(87) brought in he has scored one in his three starts, but most Muangthong fans will still be thinking of the nightmare vision of him managing to steer a header past the half open goal from 5 yards away against Bangkok United. After Derley fell on his backside in the next decent attack it was the other new Brazilian import Bruno Gallo(88) that smashed home the first goal to start the fight back against Bangkok United. Gallo looks to be a good a strong central midfielder. Likely to do well in the Thai League. Port will be looking for Go to boss him around a bit in the centre of the park.

When one looks at Muangthong one cannot forget to mention Chappuis (23), he has a very nice haircut.

Muangthong have been up and down with their performances but they tend to have a better game against the bigger clubs. The form that saw them beat Bangkok United and hold Port through most of a tight 2-1 loss means at home they are still a worry. And Port’s recent form is so worrying that I’ve decided to exchange my “2019 League Champions” T-shirt, for my “2019 nice not to worry about relegation isn’t it” T-shirt.

 

Boskoing, going, gone

Although Boskovic(23) is out of the league squad he is still training at Port and is likely the most overpaid “holder of Jadet’s umbrella” in the league. Latest news suggests he’ll be on his way before the end of the transfer window and is unlikely to play. Rochela(22) has just recently got the bombshell that he’s out of the squad and it is possible but very unlikely he’ll be skipping on to the pitch for the team that just handed him a big shit sandwich saying thanks but no thanks in the second leg. Tanaboon(71) is likely to have played for Bangkok Glass in their first round FA Cup loss to Bangkok United so probably won’t be available.

Jedeath or Glory

After the League Cup exit and a run of poor form Port are holding out for the FA Cup to be our main shot at a trophy in 2019. So I’d expect a full squad or maybe only a couple of changes if players picked up a knock on Saturday.  Siwakorn(16) was asking to be subbed off towards the end of the match so there might well be a problem there. The matchstickman might well be slight but he always wants to play 100% for every minute of every game.

Three at the back

The three port keepers have always been fairly similar for me but with Rattanai(17)getting the start in the last two matches I think Watchara(1) deserves to be back in between the sticks. Not sure why he’s been absent his form’s been fine, at least as good as other options with better distribution. Unless he has been sidelined by a minor injury we should see him return.

Steuble(15) impressed in his first full match at Port a little out of position at times but looked good going forward and did the basics well. The positional play should improve with a couple more starts. A decent left back, good cover for Kevin and a good asset as possible cover for Nittipong. Not his natural position over on the right but he has played there before.

Pakorn’s (7) arguing with the crowd last match should seem him dropped for Nurul(31). When the laziest man on the pitch complains because fans are telling him to chase a ball he could’ve got on, he should sit out. Apologise all you like but you’ve been doing this for four years. You’re only lucky fans haven’t got on your back more than this. Great free kicks, laziest player in the league.

Rolandomar

Up front I can see why you rest a player who’s just come off a 25 hour flight and just getting used to his first plate of som tam n’ sticky rice. But if he wasn’t ready why have him on the bench? If he was ready to play, then 10 minutes at the end of the match when we’re trying to break the deadlock was an ideal time to bring him on.

I’m sure we all want to see what Blackburn (99) can do. But is he ready for a full match? I think it’s a better idea to give him half a match to ease him into the oppressive humidity of Thai football. I’d start with Josimar(30) then sub on Blackburn in the second half. “Josi? You say no, no, no we want Rolando in there!” Well, Josimar had great game last time he was in the Legoland stadium it holds no fear for him, if anything a stadium that has banned Port fans might just be somewhere Josimar could relax a bit.

STOP PRESS Cup Tied Up

Whenever I press publish one of these articles something always pops up. I have forgotten Josimar played in the FA Cup for Police in the early rounds. Even back up option Chenrop is also Cup tied. So with Artit already gone to Chonburi Blackburn is the only forward we have. That being said Jadet could still choose Suarez. If Port ever needed a miracle now’s the time. Cometh the hour cometh the Panamanian man, Rolando Blackburn to the rescue!

I’ve also read Boskovic will be off in this transfer window but a couple of online stories suggest he might play one last game for Port. But there is a big question mark by that.

Watchara (1)

Nittipong(34) Dolah(4) Todsapol(6) Steuble(15)

Go(8)

Nurul(31) Suarez(5) Sumanya(11) Bodin(10)

Blackburn(99)

Finally I’m going to stop saying with cheery Sang Som fueled optimism, “well we’ve still got great players, I think we can still win by a couple of goals if everyone sharpens up a bit.” I’ve said this for the last four games in a row. For Wednesday, in the cold light of day I’ll say, I hope we do well but this form is not giving me or anyone else much confidence. Come whiskey o’clock on match day I’ll be saying, “but we still do have some great players…..

Prediction

Muangthong 6-7 Port, an away win for Port on penalties.

 

Muangthong vs Port  will be shown on True Sports 3 HD kick off 7.00 p.m. Wednesday 17th July

 

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The Same Old ‘Thong: Fans Banned from SCG on Wednesday

 

As predicted, Port have confirmed to The Sandpit that the away fan ban at Muangthong will remain in place for this Wednesday’s last 16 FA Cup clash. The usual copout, which if course much easier than putting measures in place to ensure away fans’ safety. With the recent cooling of rivalry after MTU fans came to the PAT to pay their respects to the Port fans lost in a road accident, it seemed that common sense would prevail and away fans be allowed back in, but sadly once again one of the biggest derbies in Thai football will be away fans only.

No word as yet whether Port will be showing the game on a ‘big’ screen, but with the match not apparently being shown on TV, this could prove difficult. Add in the Buddhist Lent alcohol ban, and the two sides’ current form, and it looks like being a pretty miserable Wednesday for Port fans…

UPDATE

There are now 3 tasty options for watching the game:

Live on TV (True HD3)

At our sponsors The Sportsman

At the PAT, where we hear a big screen will be erected for the occasion

 

 

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