Tuesday 18th October 2022 - 16:00pm Thailand / 10:00am BST / 09:00am GMT - Friendly
With Futera United’s huge Chang FA Cup tie against Sisaket United looming, the coaching staff felt a run out against quality opposition was imperative and also another chance to see a number of trialists perform. The opposition would be professional T3 side Chamchuri United and the venue was the impressive Chulalongkorn Stadium.
Futera’s starting eleven included three trialists, 17 year-old Pond in goal, Poom at left back and Nopo leading the line up front. From the start Futera were on the front foot, with Nopo going close from a delightful through ball from Jew, before a fierce strike from the fit again Few was parried away by the Chamchuri keeper. Gradually Chamchuri grew into the game and they began to dominate possession and show what a good side they were. They took the lead in the 17th minute when from a corner the Chamchuri centre forward, totally unmarked, headed home. Futera could have fallen further behind but Chamchuri failed to capitalize on some good positions and having weathered the storm the away side finished the first third strongly.
The second third saw Chamchuri field a completely different eleven, but it was Futera who looked the sharper and went close when Don fired over from six yards, with the goal at his mercy, after good work down the right flank from Dew. Bank’s pace was causing Chamchuri’s defence problems and after he won possession on the half way line he raced away leaving the right back in his wake and his shot cannoned in off the post for a deserved equalizer. Minutes later another excellent move saw the Chamchuri keeper make an excellent save from Bank’s acrobatic volley. Both sides pushed forward creating chances they were unable to convert and the second third finished with the scores level at 1-1.
The game became stretched in the final third with opportunities spurned at both ends. Futera were playing some nice football, with the trialist Ian (Bew) looking composed and M at the back having a great game. In the final minute,with the game seemingly petering out to a draw, a swift break by the home team saw the ball played in from the left flank, and with Futera’s static defence appealing for offside, the Chamchuri centre forward shot past Film’s despairing dive to make the final score 2-1 to the T3 side.
Although it is always disappointing to lose, we should take huge positives from this game. Once again we have shown we have the ability to compete at T3 level and with one or two more astute signings we could be a force to contend with. With regards to the trialists, Pond has all the attributes needed for a keeper and he is definitely one for the future. Poom at left back had a poor game, seems to lack mobility and was caught out of position on a number occasions. Nopu looked lively and was a constant threat to the Chamchuri defence. Ian (Bew) showed what a class player he is, playing in a holding midfield role he was disciplined breaking up play and his distribution was excellent, I feel he would be a great addition to our squad. A beneficial run out for the team and we now look forward to our Chang FA Cup game with Sisaket United on the 2 November 2022.