SINGBURI WARRIORS 1-1 FUTERA UNITED

Sunday 4th May 2025 - 16:00pm Thailand / 09:00am GMT - TSP - Singhaburi Stadium

An outstanding, spirited display from Futera United saw them play out a hugely entertaining 1-1 draw against the undefeated Singburi Warriors, a result which ultimately gave the home side the point they needed to be crowned Thailand Semi-Pro Champions.

Futera made the long journey to Singburi on the back of a barrage of criticism following their lacklustre performance against Saraburi last time out. A change of shape saw Futera, looking resplendent in their elephant-themed blue third kit, revert to a 5-3-2 formation, with 17-year-old Dew making his first full start. The visitors began brightly, moving the ball quickly and with intent, as the players seemed to adapt swiftly to the new system.

In the 10th minute, Singburi were awarded a free kick midway into Futera’s half. Poor marking allowed the home side’s left-back a free cross into the box, which the centre forward despatched with an unconvincing header that somehow beat Film to give Singburi a 1-0 advantage. Undeterred, Futera continued to play their football. Ninja’s free kick flew inches over, and Aon’s electric run and shot was comfortably saved by the keeper. A swift counterattack by Singburi in the 26th minute almost doubled their lead, but a fierce angled drive from their right winger cannoned off the post. The rebound was returned into the box, where the centre forward powered a header wide.

Futera deservedly drew level on the half-hour mark when the industrious Phu glided past two defenders before his low cross was gleefully slotted home by Ninja for his second goal of the season. Just before the break, Khun and a Singburi player were involved in an innocuous incident that led to the Futera skipper receiving a caution, before the referee blew the whistle with the score level at 1-1.

The second half began with Futera knowing only a win would keep their title hopes alive, and they took the game to the home side. The impressive Ram, on for Aek, went close in the 62nd minute when, after a scramble in the box, his snap shot thundered off the crossbar, much to the relief of the home crowd. With Futera on the front foot and looking comfortable, disaster struck when Khun made a rash challenge on the centre forward, giving the referee little choice but to issue a second yellow card and a red, leaving the away side to play the final half hour with 10 men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Futera continued to press. Singburi looked exhausted and were pinned back as Futera dominated possession. A fine run from Seagame ended with a shot that was well saved, and in the 87th minute, the outstanding Beem bamboozled two defenders before his low cross-shot was somehow kept out. With time running out, Singburi resorted to time-wasting, clinging on desperately. In the final minute, Futera were awarded a free kick on the left flank. Nuan’s deep cross was met by Sanook, whose volley flew just wide, before the referee blew the final whistle, confirming the 1-1 scoreline and crowning a mightily relieved Singburi as champions.

It was an exceptional performance by Futera, who came up just short, but every player gave their all and continued to push for a winner until the very end. After the debacle against Saraburi, where the squad were criticised for a lack of effort, it was heartening to see a team fight for every ball. Fans can accept mistakes, but not a lack of commitment—and today’s display was truly inspirational. We must now take this spirit into our final game of the season to ensure we finish as runners-up. I thought the players adapted to the 5-3-2 system well, and with the emergence of our talented youngsters Beem, Seagame, and Dew, the future looks bright for Futera.