SUNDAY 10th JULY 2022 - 16:00pm THAILAND / 10:00am BST / 09:00am GMT - BPL 4
Returning to the scene of an impressive 5-1 rout of the now defunct Assanee, Futera United were back in BPL action against Primera FC. With Futera slipping down the table, due to games being postponed, it was now imperative to get back to winning ways and kick-start their title challenge.
A rather depleted Futera took to a sodden pitch, which in parts resembled a quagmire, with an unfamiliar starting line up that included Nu at the heart of the defence and Tewit in a holding midfield role. From the outset Futera dominated possession with their opponents happy to sit back and invite them to try and break down their solid defensive line. The impressive Gael, whose pace and direct running were causing the Primera defence problems, linked well with Bank in the 25th minute who shot into the side netting. Minutes later a long cross from Jew was nicely cut back by Tewit for Gael who delightfully sidestepped the defender to drive into the bottom left corner to give Futera a deserved lead. Futera continued to pour forward and went close through a well stuck shot from Poom, and Gael should have scored with a free header in the box, before an amazing mazy run from the attacking Eak was ended by a challenge that looked like a penalty. Futera finished the first half in complete control with their defence nullifying any Primera attacks whilst looking dangerous when going forward.
The second half began in very much the same vein with Futera looking to extend their lead, going close through Bank and Gael. Gradually after riding their luck Primera grew in confidence and began to push more men forward which enabled more space in behind their stubborn defence. In the 67th minute this space was exploited when Jew won the ball in his own half and surged forward before crossing for Art to neatly dink the ball over the advancing keeper to make the score 2-0. An incredible run from Oat, which saw him go past three defenders and cross for Gael to smash the ball into the roof of the net made the score 3-0. Credit to Primera who continued to press forward and were rewarded for their efforts in the 77th minute when a through ball saw the number 9 run through to slot home. A strong run from Gael was crudely halted by the Primera defender but the referee unbelievably waved play, with tensions simmering on the pitch this brought things to boiling point with a heated altercation between both teams on the touchline. A fierce final ten minutes saw Futera stand firm and the game finished 1-3 to Futera United.
A strong performance from Futera whose much changed side put in a great performance in testing conditions and secured a valuable three points. Tewit put in an outstanding performance in the holding midfield role and Jew as always was excellent. Oat made an incredible 30 minute cameo role and was a constant threat down the right flank. Important to get back to winning ways in the BPL and we still remain unbeaten in the league.