11th May - 19:00hrs Thai / 12:00hrs GMT - BPL 4
After the euphoria of Futera’s incredible TA exploits, Bangkok’s leaden skies and persistent rain seemed hell-bent on dampening our spirits. The game against Bangkok AFC originally scheduled for the previous Sunday, once again looked in doubt, but due to the tireless efforts of Den, Breeze and Kate the game would finally go ahead, albeit at a different venue.
Futera United took to the unfamiliar 3G pitch, at Nonthaburi Wittayalai School, brimming with confidence on the back of a goal-fest TA weekend. A small tight pitch meant passing had to be accurate and the opening exchanges were littered with both teams giving the ball away cheaply. Neat work in the 8th minute from Jew allowed Mai to cross for Gael to smash the ball into the top left corner for his first goal of the season.
Futera had now found their feet on the 3G pitch and created several openings, Gael going close and an excellent curling free kick from Phu went inches wide. The second goal eventually came when good build up play on the left flank saw Nu slide in Phu who was brought down by the Bangkok AFC centre-back, for a penalty to Futera. Up stepped John to calmly convert his fourth penalty of the season to double Futera’s lead. Gael’s pace was a constant threat and after winning the ball back he exchanged passes with Ter to drill the ball into the bottom corner of the net for his second of the game. The hat-trick almost followed seconds later but Gael blazed over the bar with the goal at his mercy after good work on the right from Mai. The first half finished with Futera very much on top with the score 3-0.
The second-half would again see a dominant performance from Futera with Bangkok AFC pinned back in their own half for long periods. A short free kick from Poom was cut back to Bobo whose fierce drive grazed the left hand post with the keeper well beaten. Futera’s efforts were rewarded in the 72nd minute when Diw dispossessed the Bangkok AFC centre-back and a delightful reverse ball played in the impressive Gao to finish neatly to make the score 4-0. With the raucous Futera fans now in fine voice and the clock ticking down, a defence splitting pass from Pang saw the popular Boss run through to confidently net his first goal of the season to make the final score an impressive 5-0.
A fine all round team performance, where we utilised our full squad, showed the strength in depth we have. Ter and Poom controlled the midfield in the second half with tenacious tackling and neat passing while Gao looked very sharp and hungry. Bobo looked excellent in the striker’s role holding up the ball well and linking play. This team gets better and better and winning breeds confidence. We go into our next TA fixture fearing no one as this incredible journey for Futera United continues.