Futera United 2-2 Lopburi City

Wednesday 11th Feb 2026, 16:00 – T3 (Bangkok Univ. Rangsit Stadium)

Futera United missed the opportunity to make it three wins in a row as they squandered a two-goal lead against a physical Lopburi City side, who fought back to claim a point amid questionable officiating and a poor defensive display from the home team.

Futera United welcomed back flying winger Heng as they kicked off full of confidence against Lopburi City. It was the away side who seized the initiative from the off, going close when Bas misjudged a long ball that allowed the Lopburi winger a shot at goal. Fortunately for Futera, it flew over the bar.

With the home side struggling to gain a foothold in the game, the visitors went close again from a corner when their towering centre-forward powered in a firm header that Film superbly kept out. Futera eventually began to grow into the contest, and a long throw from Cha caused panic inside the Lopburi box before the outstanding Beem was crudely scythed down in the area, only for the referee to wave play on.

Futera did take the lead in the 24th minute when a delightful pass from Champ released Heng down the left flank. The winger unselfishly cut the ball back for John Oweri, who calmly slotted home for his fifth goal of the campaign. Minutes later, the Nigerian forward turned provider, setting up Phu, whose angled drive from the edge of the box flew into the bottom corner to give Futera a commanding 2–0 lead.

With Futera now seemingly in full control, they began to pass the ball with confidence and push for a third. On the stroke of half-time, Lopburi’s bustling centre-forward burst into the box and was halted by a brilliant sliding tackle from Cha. To the utter disbelief of the Futera players, the referee pointed to the spot, and the Lopburi right winger stepped up to convert with ease.

The half-time whistle blew with the score at 2–1, as the disgruntled Futera players continued to contest the penalty decision.

The second half began with both sides looking to dominate possession. Futera’s pace and front three remained a constant threat, with Beem going close after unleashing a thunderous drive from 25 yards that the Lopburi goalkeeper saved well. The visitors were fortunate to keep all ten men on the pitch, as a number of crude challenges went unpunished by a referee who appeared out of his depth.

Lopburi equalised with ten minutes remaining when Beale was caught in possession on the edge of the box, allowing their centre-forward to fire home from the edge of the area and make it 2–2. The visitors then had several chances to snatch all three points, first striking the inside of the post with a powerful effort from distance, and then, in the closing moments, the returning Ninja powered in a header straight at Film.

The referee eventually blew the final whistle at 2–2, with both sides feeling they could, and perhaps should, have claimed victory.

I think it is a measure of the improvement at the club that a 2–2 draw now feels like a loss. We were not really at it today, and our defence, which has been impeccable in recent weeks, seemed to be bullied by Lopburi’s foreign front three. I also feel we are still alarmingly short in midfield. If Champ and Khun are both absent, we look extremely lightweight, with a number of players clearly not at the required level.

On a positive note, I thought Beem was excellent today and is really maturing into an outstanding player. John Oweri once again showed what a clinical finisher he is, and Dew looked lively when he came on.

I must also mention the officials. I know it can sound like sour grapes, but the standard of refereeing in this league is woeful. Lopburi’s penalty just before half-time was clearly incorrect, as Cha won the ball, something the TV replays showed. Later, the Lopburi centre-forward, already on a yellow card, went in with a nasty challenge, foot raised and studs showing. The referee awarded the foul but took no further action.

I do not believe the referees are corrupt or that there is any agenda against us; I simply think the overall standard is extremely poor.

Although disappointed with the draw, we are now one defeat in five. We take on unbeaten league leaders Prime this weekend, and wouldn’t it be nice to put in a performance and end their run. Futera Su Su.