Bangkok United were deposed as league leaders on Matchday 7, with BG Pathum United pulling off yet another impressive away win to take their place at the summit

The league’s best attack faced its best defense on Sunday evening, as Bangkok United hosted local rivals BG Pathum at the Thammasat Stadium. Sitting first and second respectively, the home side hoped to extend their lead at the top to five points, while BG were eager to take their place.

Bangkok United were still without Brazilian striker Brenner Marlos and began the game with Nattawut Suksum up top, flanked by Anon Amornlerdsak and Vander Luiz. Meanwhile, the Rabbits retained their their battle-tested setup after their fine victory at the PAT Stadium last weekend, with the only change seeing Surachart Sareepim come in for Daniel ‘Toti’ Garcia. 

Neither side was able to gain the upper hand in the first half, which was broken up by a number of injury breaks. Bangkok United were forced to defend a couple of dangerous breakaways from the visitors, with Michael Falkesgaard and Thossawat Limwannasathian both making impressive interventions to deny former teammate Sumanya Purisai from scoring. 

Things didn’t pick up for Bangkok United in the second half, as they continued to find themselves stifled by BG’s defending and overloading in key areas. The opening goal would eventually swing the way of the visitors in the 57th minute, when Santiphap Channgom’s cross was turned in at the back post by Victor Cardozo.  

With the situation now favoring BG’s compact stance, the Bangkok Angels left themselves even more open when searching for the equaliser. The lead was doubled when Chaowat Veerachat’s cross deflected off Manuel Bihr and looped into the net, as the hosts’ perfect record now looked in even greater jeopardy. 

Unsurprisingly, the Rabbits held on for the victory, keeping their record of zero goals conceded from open play this season. The result saw them leap ahead of Bangkok United into first place, having collected 16 points from their first 6 games.

Elsewhere, Chiangrai United climbed into the top four for the first time this season with their third consecutive post-lockdown win. It took them 25 minutes to open the scoring away at Rayong FC, as the in-form Chotipat Poomkaew found the net once again. Ekanit Panya’s cross was headed on by Sarawut Inpaen and parried by hosts goalkeeper Kampol Pathom-attakul, straight into the path of Chotipat for a volleyed finish.

Rayong did have a fair number of chances against their more fancied visitors, testing goalkeeper Saranon Anuin on occasion. However, the result was sealed shortly after the hour mark, when a smart interchange of play between Ekanit and Bill Rosimar resulted in the latter bearing down on goal and putting the game beyond doubt.

Swatcats Stunned by Sukhothai Rally

The day’s most exciting game, however, was undoubtedly the clash between Nakhon Ratchasima and Sukhothai FC. The Swatcats came into this match having failed to collect a single point since the restart, and have been mired in the relegation zone since last weekend.

Eager to lift themselves, the hosts started brightly, with Leandro Assumpcao catching the keeper off guard with a header after just nine minutes. Dennis Murillo doubled their lead with an excellent free-kick just four minutes later, leaving the visitors stunned and the home fans ecstatic.

Not to be outdone, returning Sukhothai captain John Baggio scored in his first post-lockdown game, slipping through the hosts’ offside trap and demonstrating his phenomenal turn of pace before beating Korat’s keeper at his near post.

The hosts two-goal cushion was temporarily restored thanks to Leandro just before the break, only to once again be halved, this time by Ibson Melo from the penalty spot. Misfortune would strike again for the Swatcats with just three minutes of normal time left to play, as Baggio was brought down in the box, giving Evandro Paulista the chance to complete Sukhothai’s comeback from 12 yards. The game ended three goals apiece, with the hosts feeling rightly aggrieved at having let their lead slip away.

Lastly, Samut Prakan City also picked up valuable points on the road with an impressive 3-0 win over Prachuap FC. Jaroensak Wonggorn was on top of his game, setting up goals for Teeraphol Yoryoei and Peeradol Chamratsamee, before Brazilian forward Barros Tardeli finally opened up his account for the Sea Fang in the final minutes.