Futera United 0-3 North Bangkok University

Sat 27 Sept 2025, 15:30 – T3 (Bangkok Univ. Rangsit Stadium)

Futera United were left to rue an appalling first-half performance, as their abject display condemned them to a third consecutive defeat against the highly rated North Bangkok University, leaving the league newcomers pointless and rooted to the bottom of the table.

After the influenza virus had wreaked havoc with Futera’s preparations, they shuffled the pack once again, bringing in Tewit and Voun alongside Drew, who had been outstanding in the recent cup defeat.

From the opening exchanges it was clear Futera were struggling, with the midfield repeatedly caught in possession and giving the ball away cheaply, while the defence looked as though they had never played together.North Bangkok were in complete control, causing problems down both flanks, and would have gone ahead on numerous occasions but for Film’s brilliance.

The only surprise was that it took until the 19th minute for last season’s T3 Champions League runners-up to break the deadlock. The visitors’ winger was allowed to cut inside from the right, ghost past three static Futera defenders, and fire a fierce right-footed shot into the corner.

The away side continued to press forward and extended their advantage when Tewit was harshly adjudged to have impeded the North Bangkok midfielder, resulting in a penalty. The centre-forward dispatched the spot kick with consummate ease, sending Film the wrong way to double the lead. Just two minutes later, North Bangkok’s number 10,  the outstanding player of the first half, curled a sublime effort into the corner from the edge of the box to make it 3–0.

Futera were now in complete disarray, with only 16-year-old Drew emerging with any credit. His powerful strike from the edge of the box forced the away side’s keeper into action. Voun was hauled off before half-time, though to be fair, Pong had been equally inept and was replaced by Pup. Somehow, Futera clung on until the interval without conceding again, before the referee’s whistle brought an end to an atrocious first-half display from the home side.A despondent home crowd were now fearing the worst as the second half kicked off.

Futera switched to a 4-3-3 formation, with the ineffective John replaced by Ball and Tewit moving into defensive midfield. Suddenly, the hosts were playing with real intensity, moving the ball with confidence and forcing the away side back. Wingers Pup and Heng became a constant threat, while Tewit stamped his authority in midfield as the home side took control. Having looked an outstanding team in the first half, North Bangkok now appeared ordinary, as Futera snapped into tackles, showed little respect, forced numerous corners, and dominated possession.

Futera went close on several occasions, with Heng’s effort deflected wide and Fiw twice denied on the line. The away side were now in disarray as the hosts poured forward at every opportunity. In the 70th minute, Pong’s powerful strike was spilled by the North Bangkok goalkeeper, with Power winning the race to the rebound and bundling the ball home, only for the linesman’s flag to rule it out.

With Futera’s back four much improved, they restricted the visitors to just one clear chance in the second half, when their centre-forward broke the offside trap but fired high and wide.Credit to Futera’s youthful side, who continued to take the game to their illustrious opponents but were unable to convert the numerous chances their dominance deserved.

After four minutes of injury time, the referee blew for full-time, with the final score 3–0, as the home players dropped to their knees in frustration and disappointment.Despite a much-improved second-half display, we cannot overlook the shambles of the opening 45 minutes. It is clear that the 3-5-2 formation is not working, with the numbers proving it: 9 goals conceded in just three games.

We are forcing players out of position to accommodate our so-called best players, but square pegs in round holes never fit. The improvement was obvious once Heng and Pup were restored to their natural positions.

For me, our biggest problem has been in midfield, where we lack athleticism, and any ability to carry the ball forward. Voun was obviously poor, but others offered little as well, and the same could be said about last week’s midfield display. These days, everyone seems to be a football expert, debating formations and systems, but let’s be honest: football is a simple game. I want defenders who stop attackers scoring, midfielders who can pass and cover the pitch, wingers who take on their full-backs and deliver crosses, and a striker who can finish.

We are now a professional football club, there can be no room for sentiment when picking the team. We can not pick players just because they have been with us from the start of the journey or academy graduates, nor can we pick players who enjoyed success twenty years ago. We must pick players who are best in that position at the present time. We now find ourselves pointless and rock bottom after three games, which I am embarrassed and hurt by. With the off field staff performing at an outstanding level it is time some of our players joined the party.

We go again next Saturday with a game against Chamchuri, a side we have never beaten, and it is now imperative that we claim at least a point. Players must be selected on form, so I expect Tewit to start in midfield, Ball at right-back, and Heng and Pup on the wings, with the outstanding Drew taking up the attacking midfield role.

A disappointing start, but let’s not lose faith, as I truly believe we have the right personnel to compete in this league.