The ground is a couple of kilometers along Soi Phet Kasem 110 away from the main thoroughfare in the Nong Khaem district of Thonburi. It is sometimes called Thonburi University Stadium, to reflect its owners.
Thai League side Rajpracha FC used the stadium from 2018 for a couple of years, alongside anchor tenants Thonburi United who were in situ as a Thailand Amateur League club from 2016 before their promotion to the Thai League in 2019.
My visits
Thonburi United 1 North Bangkok University 1 (Monday 10th January 2022) Thai League 3 Bangkok Perimeter (att: c200)
Read here about my visit to watch the permanent tenants in a home league game.
Samutsakhon City 1 FC Bangsaotong 0 (Saturday 4th June 2022) Thailand Amateur League Bangkok Perimeter Final (att: c350)
I must declare an interest in my reporting of this game. I had become mates with FC Bangsaotong coach Jamie Clarke, so I attended as a fan. I know how much hard work had gone in at the club on and off the pitch in their quest for promotion to Thai League 3.
I’d missed what was in effect the semi-final the previous week, when FCB defeated Bangkapi FC on penalties. However, the scheduling of this final worked out perfectly for me, despite the venue being a bit out of the way.
The previous evening, I decided to stay downtown in Sukhumvit as I’d arranged drinks with Gary Robertson, an old cricket pal from the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes. A great night was had as we watched bits of the England v New Zealand Test match. I was in perfect company as Gary has played a Test and several ODI’s for the Kiwis.
It a bit like a Saturday football day back in the UK as I tucked into a full English breakfast before pottering about and then taking the MRT all the way to Bang Khae, the closest station to the match.
Running ahead of time, the shopping mall adjacent to the station filled in time in the air con, which I often use as a filler on my travels. As it was my second visit I knew exactly how to get to the ground and how long I’d need.
The number 80 bus dropped me at Nongkhaem District Office, from where I crossed the footbridge to begin the walk along Soi 110. I had come well prepared. I knew the stadium didn’t have a bar, so I’d bought a cool bag earlier in the week to take my own booze.
It was at this point I made my first error, buying a big bag of ice to put on the cans already in the bag, figuring it might be the last 7/11 I saw on the walk. How little I knew, as I passed numerous stores on the 40-minute walk.
It was a very warm afternoon, so I was relieved when the floodlights and stand came into view after a right turn. After taking a few photos I headed upstairs to the section of the stand where the FCB supporters were gathering.
From reading the Samutsakhon Facebook page it was obvious that they would have the larger support. They were really going for it, providing a free supporters bus. Social media can sometimes be misleading, but they looked a well organised club with good backing.
Kevin, a father of one of the fringe Bangsaotong squad was at the top of the seating. We had a good chat about football and Thailand. It is always good to listen and learn from someone who has a good knowledge from many years living in Bangkok.
Finally, it was time for the match. It was given the full treatment as if it was a League 3 game, with its 3.30pm kick-off and standing to attention for the Kings Anthem. A huge occasion, with it possibly being the biggest game some of those out there would ever play in.
Like many games with so much riding on it, play was scrappy and nervy in the early stages. FCB were trying to put together their short passing game but found themselves up against savvy opponents.
The team in white did get that fine passing into gear when a lovely slide rule ball from Chaiyong Pearpong put in Kuatrakul Kwankwua. He beat goalkeeper Wichan Manmueang but defender Sarayut Kongkool managed to get back to clear the ball off the line.
At the other end, FCB keeper Chaiyasit Phetrangsee didn’t seem his usual calm self as he flapped at a couple of crosses. Perhaps the occasion? The jury was definitely out when the studs of City’s Woramate Soonamporn landed on the head of Bangsaotong’s Aphasit Wankham following a challenge.
Soonamporn proved all afternoon to be a no-nonsense midfielder alongside colleague Phoriphat Yangphraraksa. Referee Pichit Thongjanmoon was extremely benevolent to keep his cards in his pocket for this initial offence, on what was an inconsistent showing by the official.
The heavy City challenges continued to go in. Aphichai Koplmpa was felled by a horrible lunge by Thanawat Buranakiti which resulted in a caution. The vastly experienced former Thai League 1 player Pichit Inbang was doing a fine job up front for Samutsakhon.
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| Yes, scorer Imbang, far right, is definitely offside when the initial shot comes in |
On eighteen minutes City’s Rewat Meerian cut inside with his low shot hitting the post and rebounding onto the legs of diving goalie Phetrangsee. The ball ran loose to Imbing who fired home. Later images showed him at least a metre offside when the initial shot was struck.
Adam Mather, the FCB had a decent afternoon marking the wily Imbang, but there wasn’t a lot that could be done on this occasion. It was a match defining moment. The Tigers could sit back and use their experience to soak up pressure and deny their quicker opponents any space in behind the defence.
Pearpong did extremely well to get to the byline and pull back a low cross which was fired over by an under pressure FCB teammate. Yangphraraksa nearly doubled the lead with a deflected shot that screamed narrowly wide just past the half hour mark.
Phetrangsee did just enough to keep out a dipping free kick from Suksamran Prangthong before Kplmpa went down in the box for FCB. I am pretty sure that VAR would have been interested in a second look if it had been in operation.
A free header in the box following a long free kick from Samutsakhon’s Weerachai Ratcharin went perilously close to the net as the half neared its end. All was to play for in the second half as the two contrasting styles clashed.
Experienced goalie Manmueang went down for a second time holding his knee shortly after the restart. He was replaced by Aakkachai Arlaaengchan. Surely this would benefit FCB as the former stopper looked a calming influence.
Kwankwua showed his displeasure at being on the receiving end of another poor challenge with little referee protection. A fine Bagsaotong move from the resulting free kick ended with Jiramet Dalunphan volleying over.
The same player scuffed a shot wide after more excellent passing. However, the City defence were disciplined and were restricting how near to goal FCB could get. Kplmpa was continuing to create problems out wide on the right in a good performance.
More poor handling from Phetrangsee saw him drop a cross. From the ensuing melee, Yangphraraksa saw his effort deflected narrowly wide. To compound the Qon’s misery a silly lunging challenge from Kongpop Sangsewi saw him receive a second yellow card and his marching orders.
Not for the first time the City players used up every second and opportunity to run down the clock with a lesson in game management. It was excruciating watching when wanting an equaliser, but credit to them. This was an important game.
In the final minute of additional time, Pearpong went down under a challenge in the box. I was a long way from the incident but have certainly seen penalties awarded for less. It simply wasn’t going to be Bangsaotong’s day.
Samutsakhon hung on and celebrated their promotion to Thai League 3 with their fans in the stand and the ultras over on the far side. They would be a fine addition to the pro ranks, as would FCB. City had influential connections and finance. Full credit to them on their victory, no matter the legitimacy of the winning goal.
The Thailand Amateur League had offered me plenty of entertainment with a real mixture of recreational teams through to clubs with infrastructures ready for the big leagues. I thought the group stages could have been spread out a little, though credit to the organisers as it looked like the whole thing was about to be scrapped because of Covid.
I hung around outside the gate to the changing rooms. I understand some will get it, but to see several of the young lads in the defeated side in absolute bits with the friends and parents was heartbreaking.
The images of goalie Phetrangsee crying in his mothers’ arms through the gates will live with me for a very long time. A lad who'd had a great season seeing his dreams ruined. Along with thoughts for the coaches and players who invest time, effort, emotions and make major sacrifices in the hope of making a career in the game.
I know I can be too quick to be critical of players in sport getting paid what I consider too much, but in reality, most of us are not or at least weren’t good enough to lace their boots. Sometimes modern attitudes aren’t the best and I believe many youngsters are pampered, but they can certainly play.
I just wish some would learn to shoot and accept they’re not always going to get immediate rewards that will come with hard work. I hope plenty of those on show get another opportunity down the line.
Jamie Clarke invited me through to the pitchside for a chat and then some beers while the Samutsakhon players and supporters continued their celebrations taking photo memories of their great day.
Adam Mather joined us for a drink before Jamie offered me a lift with his regular taxi driver who’d stayed for the match. Beers from 7/11 helped the ride back. Before I knew it I was in The Sportsman on Soi 11 just up the road from where I’d had breakfast.
The players of Siam Celtic, including a couple of FCB lads were celebrating their cup win in the Bangkok Casuals League. After a couple of beers I said my farewells and headed back to Minburi for a singsong with friends old and new in my local bar. A long and emotional day was had by all.
My brief video of the day can be seen here.
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