Euro Cake League 2017 (T4) Hua Hin City FC 0 - 1 Muangkan United

Many supporters had taken advantage of the President’s new policy of free admission for supporters wearing Hua Hin colours. Attendance for this game was definitely up on previous matches. Of course, it’s performance on the pitch that would make those supporters want to return next week.

The pitch was in good condition considering the horrific rain showers we’d had, and the bad weather was holding off.

Larger crowd, fine weather, what about the football? We must remember, Muangkan are riding high in the league, and must look favourites to qualify for the Champions League. The stage was set.

From the outset, Hua Hin seemed oblivious to the fact that there was a goal mouth at the other end of the pitch that they needed to penetrate. Time after time, they would pick up the ball in their own half, pass it to a team mate a few yards away, on to another team mate (often back towards their own goal), etc. Invariably, they would lose the ball before it even got to the opposition’s half. Muangkan players just had to lie in wait near the half way line, and wait for either a bad pass, or the opportunity to intercept the ball. This style was so frustrating to watch.

On the occasions Hua Hin managed to venture into the opposing half, the more experienced players basically hacked the Hua Hin youngsters off the ball. With many Muangkan players already booked, Hua Hin players were allowed to play better football in the last 30 minutes, and did create a few chances, but unfortunately there were no forwards available with that killer instinct, and any chances were wasted.

Muangkan’s goal came mid-way through the first half. It was nothing spectacular, just a well taken goal. It was a rare opportunity for either team. Neither keeper was really troubled outside of that.

Hua Hin were not beaten by a good footballing team, and must take hope as Muangkan are currently Champions League favourites – the gap is not that wide. With the transfer window opening on 1 June, we must retain hope. It’s probably too late for this season, but at least we can build a team to take the league by storm next season.

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