After the last home game, this could only get better. With only 9 teams in our league, it seems that every game is either a relegation or promotion struggle. With the exception of next week's opponents, Nakhon Pathom, who look to be walking away with the championship, having a 100% record, all other teams are much of a muchness.
A big disappointment for today's game was our Brazilian midfielder; Maraba picked up an injury in training a couple of days ago, and could not play.
Nicolas was back spearheading the attack with Arnon sitting in behind him, while Feli was relegated to the bench. Panudach was taking Maraba's place on the left wing, and the ever reliable Songkran was back to steady the defence. On paper, this was a pretty good team.
Hua Hin took the game to Nonthaburi from the start, and it looked as though it would be an easy day at the office. However, the Hua Hin defence was looking shaky. Very out of character, Songkran was having a mare of a game. Fortunately, he did settle after a while, but not until he had given the fans a few anxious moments. Hua Hin were playing a 4-4-2 formation, but the big defensive anomaly was left back Haritsadee, who felt attack was the best form of defence, and he spent most of the game in the opposition's half. Nonthaburi were not stupid, and tried to capitalise on this defensive weakness time after time.
Krit in goal was playing well, but even he was very lucky when he was caught well out of position, and was forced into a reflex save about 18 yards from his goal line to save his blushes for being somewhere that he had no right to be.
Panudach was doing some very good work on the left wing, and had his full back well beaten. It was his determination that resulted in the opening goal, which was also his first in league football.
The half-time score was 1 - 0 in Hua Hin's favour, but it could easily have been the other way around.
The 2nd half resumed in much the same way, and Arnon looked to have secured the points when he scored. As a spectator, I've no idea if it was a wonder goal, or a very poor cross. Of course, Arnon will claim the former, but whatever the truth, all goals are good goals, especially when your team scores them.
Unfortunately, Hua Hin conceded a dubious free kick on the edge of their own penalty area almost immediately, after what to me looked like an innocent challenge by Megitt. A defensive wall was formed, but not organised by Krit, who had his own agenda, seemingly inspecting the left goal post. The result of the defensive indecision was inevitable - Nonthaburi were back in the game, 2-1 and everything to play for.
Hua Hin had replaced Thanapon in midfield, and Nonthaburi were taking advantage of their new freedom. The game had swung. A bad pass by Feli on the edge of the Nonthaburi penalty area saw a very fast counter attack down the right wing, which was open. Nonthaburi had a 3 against 1 advantage. Krit was well beaten by the shot, but a fantastic dash by (I think it was) Jiradech saw the ball cleared off the goal line to save 3 points.
It wouldn't be a report about a Thai football match if the referee didn't get a mention. It was mentioned that he should have been wearing a maroon shirt. Some of his decisions were very dubious, and always seemed in favour of Nonthaburi.
In the end, it was 3 hard earned points, which put Hua Hin into 3rd place, just a point behind the 2nd place team who have played an extra game. Crazy as this Thai league is, defeat would have put us right back into the relegation doldrums.
It will be very hard game next Sunday, when Hua Hin are away to runaway leaders Nakhon Pathom. I'm particularly interested to see how the usually solid defence stands up against the mighty Diego, who scored freely for BTU last season, and seems to be going the same way this season.
