Lopburi City 3-3 Futera United

Sun 19 Oct 2025, 18:00 – T3 (Lopburi Provincial Stadium)

Futera United returned from the Monkey City with a hard-fought point after a thrilling 3–3 draw against Lopburi City FC, lifting them off the bottom of the table and continuing their impressive run of form.

The game kicked off under brilliant sunshine, as the previous week’s torrential downpours seemed a distant memory. After securing their first point of the season the week before, Futera stuck with their tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation against last season’s champions, Lopburi City, who had developed something of a reputation as draw specialists, with four of their opening five matches ending in stalemates. The opening exchanges saw the Lopburi centre-half miss a gilt-edged chance when, from a corner, he headed wide, while at the other end Drew’s low left-footed drive went inches past the post with the goalkeeper well beaten. The home side took the lead in the 20th minute when an attack down the right flank saw Beale dive in, allowing the winger to skip past him to the byline, where his cut-back was swept home by the Lopburi skipper to make it 1–0. Futera were back on level terms minutes later when Heng cut in from the right flank and his fierce left-footed drive was clearly blocked by the Lopburi centre-half’s arm, allowing John to pounce and slot the ball home for his second goal of the campaign. A free-kick for Lopburi on the edge of the box saw Film spill the initial effort but he made amends with a brave save from the rebound. A fine run and shot from Drew was followed by a well-struck effort from the home side’s midfield playmaker, which Film saved comfortably. The referee’s whistle brought an end to an entertaining first half with the scores level at 1–1.Lopburi started the second half strongly, forcing Futera back and winning numerous corners, which the away side somehow managed to keep out. Their resistance was finally broken in the 57th minute when a free-kick from the left flank was missed by both striker and defender, ending up in the corner of a bemused Film’s net.

Futera were almost level instantly when a fine diagonal ball from Tsubas found the ever-willing Kao, whose neat pull-back reached Net. The left-back delivered a superb first-time cross that was met by a crisp volley from Drew, which cannoned off the crossbar with the goalkeeper well beaten. The home side also went close when, from a corner, Futera struggled to clear their lines and the Lopburi number 90 acrobatically fired a shot that thundered off the bar.

Futera deservedly drew level in the 73rd minute when the outstanding John picked out Beale’s run with an astute through ball, allowing the midfielder to run on and power home a left-foot strike from a tight angle that flew into the Lopburi net to make it 2–2. After Futera were let off when the home side struck the inside of the post, more poor defending from an almost identical position allowed the right winger to breeze through the away team’s static defence and shoot into the bottom corner, edging Lopburi ahead once again.With the fourth official showing five minutes of added time, this topsy-turvy game had one final twist as Futera poured forward in search of an equaliser. Phu broke down the right flank and his cross found Aon, who beat two defenders, but his effort on goal was well saved by the Lopburi goalkeeper. The rebound fell to Heng, who smashed the ball home before celebrating wildly as the Lopburi players sank to their knees in despair.

The remaining minutes were seen out without further drama, the only notable incident being the home side’s manager receiving a red card for petulantly throwing his shoes onto the pitch. The referee’s whistle brought an end to a thoroughly entertaining 3–3 draw, with both sides deserving huge credit.

Another display from Futera that showed real heart and a never-say-die attitude. Moving off the bottom of the table is a huge psychological boost, as our players now genuinely feel that they belong in this division and can compete. We are not here just to make up the numbers.

It was another huge performance from John, showing his class and experience, and I also thought Drew was a constant threat to the Lopburi defence. Our back line still worries me when defending set pieces, and I’m still not convinced that Tsubasa is a centre-back,  maybe it’s time to push him into midfield.

Another big week lies ahead, with a cup game against Kasem Bundit before a visit to high-flying Prime. Futera Su Su!

Photocredit: Lopburi City facebook page.