It was our first home fixture for a few weeks, during which recent results had not been going our way, despite some good performances. 3 points were an essential if our team is to fulfill its potential of a top 5 finish.
We arrived to a very wet stadium, although the recent storm had thankfully passed over.
Some key players were still missing, so the team was far from being at full strength. No.77, Poranarong was making his debut.
The match kicked off with many in the crowd expecting a goal fest against a side who were conceding just under 3 goals per match, with very little in response. Pathum Thani actually had the ball in the net first, but the strike was disallowed.
It was very unusual these days, but Hua Hin often seemed to be playing 5 up front and 5 in defence. We were quite weak in midfield. After recent matches where the team seemed to be working to a well-rehearsed script, something was missing. Fortunately, our opposition was no so good, so we absorbed any pressure well.
Amos was his usual workhorse self, with great support from Arnon, Ali G and Wuttichai.
The first goal came midway through the first half, when a Hua Hin corner was defended, but not cleared. The ball was steered back into the 6 yard box, where Arnon was waiting to not the ball beyond the keeper’s grasp.
The rest of the first half was a bit of a non-event, with Hua Hin comfortable at 1 – 0.
The second half started with a bit of Pathum Thani pressure, but that was quelled when a Pathum Thani defender put the ball into his own net following a Hua Hin free kick from near to the touch line. That was the killer blow.
Hua Hin had another disallowed before Amos grabbed his 4th goal for the club with a well-executed finish, giving the keeper no chance, and killing the game at 3 - 0.
It was then just a case of seeing the game out.
Natchapon made a couple of good saves to ensure the club achieved its 2nd clean sheet of the season.
Not the prettiest game of football, but if you can win 3 – 0 when you aren't playing as well as you can, just think what you could do with a fully functional team.
