1st May - 13:00hrs Thai / 06:00hrs GMT - TA LEAGUE
In less than 24 hours since their 11-0 destruction of Sing Ubon FC, Futera United were back at the Kasembundit University Stadium to face Wang Noi City FC to see who would progress to the next round of the TA competition. Wang Noi had defeated Ubon 2-1 on the previous Friday so had the advantage of a full day's recovery over their Futera counterparts.
Overnight rain had only seemed to heighten the humidity and both teams strode out in steamy conditions to commence battle. A youthful Wang Noi showed no nerves or fear and started brightly knocking the ball about with confidence and purpose. Gradually Futera’s quality took control and in the 13th minute a swift counter attack saw Bank’s pace outwit the Wang Noi defence, only for him to be crudely taken out head high. The fastidious referee, who seemed hell-bent on ruining the game as a spectacle, only showed a yellow card when it was a clear and obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Futera didn’t let this disappointment affect their growing dominance and in the 24th minute Save, who gets better and better with each game, played a delightful through ball for Bank whose pace took him past the static Wang Noi defence to calmly slide the ball past the keeper, 1-0 Futera. With Tewit a commanding presence at the heart of the defence alongside Poom, Wang Noi made little headway while Futera continued to make chances. Skipper Jew would extend Futera’s lead, in the 35th minute, picking himself up after a foul and smashing in the resulting free kick from an astonishing 40 yards with the Wang Noi keeper well beaten. The first half finished with Futera holding a deserved 2-0 lead.
The second half saw the introduction of John, who had been out with COVID, and his experience saw Futera take control of the contest and play some beautiful football. In the 52nd minute some intricate play between Jew and Don allowed Save to cut inside a drill a low drive into the side netting. With Futera showing no signs of tiredness, they continued to boss the game, limiting Wang Noi to half chances, whilst looking dangerous in attack.
In the 80th minute Phu, on as a sub for Boss, glided past two Wang Noi defenders before being taken out, penalty Futera. Upstepped ‘Mr Reliable’ John and despite the Wang Noi keeper’s mind games he drilled the ball into the back of the net to make the score 3-0. To be fair to Wang Noi they never let their heads drop and continued to try and play their passing game and press forward, this left space behind their back four and after good work from Ter, Phu beat his marker to smash an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. In the 87th minute the tireless Don, who had played every minute of both games, played an exquisite through ball to allow Phu to dance round the Wang Noi keeper to make the final score 5-0 to Futera United.
An amazing weekend with some outstanding football played. Two games in two days in Bangkok’s extreme heat is very tough, every player deserves huge credit for putting in such great performances. We are now looking like a very good team and I honestly don’t think any team would fancy meeting us in the next round. Our young lads, Katang, Save and Phu are full of confidence and are getting better with each game. Jew and Don pulled the strings in midfield and looked a class apart and the pace of Bank is frightening. I can’t wait for the next round, do we dare to dream big. Come on United!!!!
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