Sunday 12th November 2023 - 19:00pm Thailand / 12:00pm GMT - BPL Div 2
With the news filtering through that TOA Dovechem's opposition had forfeited the match, handing them the title, there was a somewhat sombre mood around the ground before kick-off. Futera United's young team banished any disappointment with an outstanding performance, securing a resounding 13-1 victory over SPA Srongpol FC, including hat-tricks for Bew and Bank.
Futera, spurred on by a sense of injustice at having the title taken from them without a ball being kicked, flew out of the traps, immediately putting SPA under pressure, with both Katang and Aek going close in the opening minutes. Futera didn't have to wait long to take the lead; in the sixth minute, a delightful through ball from Phu found Mai, who drove home to open the scoring. A minute later, a fine sweeping move saw Pang released on the right flank, and his cross was bundled into the net by Golf to double Futera's lead. With Futera in total control, skipper M fired home directly from a free kick to make the score 3-0 with sixteen minutes played. A temporary lapse in concentration by Futera's defence allowed the towering SPA striker to shoot home past Film, making the score 3-1. Futera continued to push forward, dominating the ball and going close on several occasions before the referee blew the whistle on the first half, with the away side in control at 3-1.
The second half kicked off with Futera making multiple changes, with the entire squad looking to be involved in the last fixture of the season. Inside the first two minutes, Beem scored his first goal for the senior side, sweeping home a neat cutback into the bottom corner to make the score 4-1. Bank, having been dropped to the bench after the NFT holders' vote, had a point to prove, and he swivelled in the box in the 51st minute. His venomous drive left the SPA keeper bewildered as it flew into the roof of the net. Futera was relentless in their pursuit of more goals; Bew added number six with a deflected strike before Bank made it 7-1, turning his defender and firing home.
SPA were now totally demoralised, sitting deep and allowing their young opponents to play some exquisite one-touch football that was a joy to watch. Bew strode forward and unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards that left the keeper helpless, making the score 8-1. Tan, who was looking extremely lively, hit the crossbar before finding the net in the 73rd minute with a sublime curling effort. One minute later, a delightful move saw Beem exchange passes on the edge of the box before ghosting past the last defender to calmly finish, making the score 10-1. Another fantastic run from Bew, who, after a shaky start, seems to have settled nicely at Futera, saw him nutmeg the covering defender. As the keeper rushed out, he produced a delicate chip that cannoned off the post, allowing Tan to smash home for his second of the game. Futera now had four players with two goals eyeing hat tricks. Bank looked to have scored his third, but his neat finish was disallowed for offside.
Bew capped off a stunning individual performance, completing his hat trick with a delightful left-footed curling strike that flew into the top right corner of the net. In the closing minutes, Bank completed the rout when a mix-up by the SPA defenders allowed the pacy winger to rob the centre back and fire home for his third, making the final score an incredible 13-1 to Futera United.
A game that had started with bitter disappointment ended with Futera producing a thrilling performance as their young stars were far too good for a dejected SPA Srongpol side. All credit to TOA Dovechem, who were worthy champions, but we look forward to doing battle with them next season, and our youthful side certainly does not have to fear them. Finishing second and gaining promotion is another successful season for Futera United, and this incredible journey continues to go from strength to strength. Many positives from this season; Bew has been sensational all season, and the progress of the PSW graduates Mark and Beem shows that this is a club with a wealth of talent. Plenty to look forward to on the horizon, with hopefully a place in the TSP league.