3rd April 2022 - 16:00hrs Thai / 10:00hrs GMT
Another historical milestone in Futera United’s incredible journey began as the team and its entourage hit the road and descended upon an army base in downtown Bangkok, to compete in our first ever away fixture. Our hosts for this auspicious occasion were Assanee FC, who like ourselves had drawn their opening fixture. Futera took to the pitch in their pink away strip, against an incredible Bangkok city skyline backdrop.
Due to a number of injuries and absentees there were numerous changes to our starting line up. Fofana (22) came in at centre back while Kang (12) deputized at left back and Boss (26) started up front. From the first whistle Futera were on the front foot and created their first opening after just 4 minutes. Phu (28) managed to escape his marker and fire a fierce left foot shot just wide. This set the tone with Gael (67) and Boss (23) tormenting the Assanee defence with their electrifying pace. Futera continued to dominate their more experienced opponents but due to some excellent goalkeeping from the Assanee no 1 and some wayward finishing from ourselves the score remained goalless at half time. As the whistle blew for half time I had a feeling that maybe it wouldn’t be our day as we had been much the better side but were still level.
My fears were allayed within 15 minutes of the restart. Futera started brightly, forcing a number of corners and half chances. In the 60th minute Mai (13) pulled the ball back to John (14) on the edge of the box who smashed an unstoppable half volley into the roof of the net to give Futera the lead they deserved. The relief on the touchline was palpable, but better was to come as from the kick off sloppy play by Assanee allowed Futera to win the ball back and Phu (28) glided into the box to fire home a fierce drive into the top corner. Now Futera were full of confidence and a fine move involving Kang (12) and Mai (13) allowed our skipper Jew (10) to cross for Phu (28) to slot in his second of the game to make the score 3-0 to Futera.
Assanee were now looking shell shocked and somewhat demoralised as Futera really clicked into gear and played some scintillating football. A fourth goal duly came in the 68th minute when Assanee allowed Diw to steal the ball on the edge of the box and cooly slot home for number 4. An amazing 8 minutes had seen us score 4 goals and all but finish the game as a contest. In the 85th minute Gao (21) was played through and he chipped the advancing keeper to make it 5-0 to Futera United. In the final minute the over zealous ref, who had been rather whistle happy throughout the game, awarded a penalty for an innocuous challenge in the box. The Assanee striker made no mistake from the spot to make the final score Assanee FC 1 - 5 Futera United.
Futera United secured their first win in emphatic style and I’m sure a lot of teams will be aware of us now. A superb all round team performance not only from the players but also the guys streaming the game. These are the unsung heroes who give up their Sunday afternoons to ensure the NFT holders get to view these exciting games. An amazing first away game and I can’t wait to take this momentum into next week’s game. The journey keeps getting better! Come on United!!