THURSDAY 7th JULY 2022 - 17:00pm Thailand / 10:00am GMT - THE TEST
Professional T3 side Bangkok FC, runners up in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, were Futera United’s second opposition in ‘The Test’ and would prove to be a real step up in class. Due to heavy rains in the Bangkok area the game would take place on a 4g pitch at the Aimphan Stadium.
A youthful looking, but not overawed, Futera took to the pitch against their illustrious opponents and from the start you could see what a good side Bangkok were, technically excellent coupled with strength and pace. It was Futera, however who created the first opening when good work down the left flank saw the ball drop to Phu who volleyed over. Bangkok stepped up a gear and moved the ball around purposefully and in the 16th minute an excellent team move allowed them to unlock the Futera defence to open the scoring.
Futera stung by going behind roared back, with the tireless Stefan constantly harrying the Bangkok defence and his hard work paid off in the 24th minute when he won the ball from the centre-back who upended him for a penalty to Futera. Mr Reliable, John coolly dispatched the penalty to equalize for Futera. Minutes later Futera took the lead when the outstanding Phu drifted past two defenders and fired in a fierce drive into the bottom corner leaving the Bangkok keeper helpless. Just before half time a delightful through ball from Save saw Gael power through the Bangkok defence and chip the advancing keeper but the ball sailed inches over. The half time whistle blew with Futera’s youngsters full of confidence leading 2-1.
The opening stages of the second half saw both teams enjoying spells of possession with both team’s defences managing to nullify the attacking threat. Futera extended their lead further in the 55th minute when Phu cleverly drew a foul from the Bangkok centre-back to win a penalty which John, coolness personified, smashed home to make the score 3-1. Bangkok responded well and started to dominate and created two good chances but heroic efforts from John and Film ensured Futera kept their advantage.
The dynamic Save won the ball in the Bangkok half in the 67th minute and played a neat ball inside the full-back for the on running trialist Gao, whose low rasping shot cannoned off the post into the path of Bank, who sent Futera’s fans into dreamland by firing the ball high into the net to make the score an unimaginable 4-1.
Futera made several substitutions, which allowed Bangkok to start to take control again and fine football down the left flank saw them score with a low angled drive to make the score 4-2. With 5 minutes remaining Owen was caught out for pace and clumsily brought the Bangkok striker down for a penalty, which was duly smashed against the post to keep Futera’s lead intact. With the clock ticking down Bangkok were caught out by a swift counter attack which saw Mai, returning from a lengthy injury, drag his shot wide of the post. Futera comfortably saw out the remaining minutes for a deserved 4-2 victory.
An incredible performance from Futera against a professional side shows the leaps we have taken since February. John and Tewit were outstanding at the heart of the defence and young Save worked his socks off. The journey this team and community are on is amazing and just keeps getting better and better.