Sisaket United Jan 23 - April 24

Sisaket United FC

Ground: Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium

Capacity: 9,500

Club Founded: 2012

League: Thai League 1 (current level)

This page features memories and descriptions of the home games of Sisaket United from January 2023 to April 2024. Other pages chart the club history and my first home game, with another covering the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

Sisaket United 1 Muang Loei United 0

Thai League 3 Northeast - Sunday 22nd January 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 597 🎟️ 40 THB (£0.90)

Travelling to Sisaket

My good lady, Taew, dropped me at Kanthararom to let the train take the strain rather than the slower and more unreliable minivan option. It was also cheaper, with the fare costing just 6 Baht. The local service took around forty minutes.

At the other end, I decided to explore on foot, getting my head shaved for 80 Baht before continuing to Hong Kong Garden, a bar and restaurant, where I was becoming somewhat of a semi-regular. The Cyrille Regis life story podcast must have been good, as I was concentrating so hard that I walked past the watering hole, meaning a trek back. 

Perfect Pre-Match

At least I saw a beautiful temple that I wouldn’t have otherwise come across. Once again, the venue proved to be the perfect place to relax for an hour or so, with its fantastic value for money food and drinks. I sat back and enjoyed some great tunes on the speakers.

Host Peter made me beef and ale pie, chips, and gravy to satisfy my once-a-week western choice. I was longing for some English ale, but to be honest, the cans of Greene King IPA and Marston's Pedigree made me appreciate the local stuff even more. They were beers I would choose well down the list back home.

Stadium Build Up

Before I knew it, it was time for the match, or so I thought. My new taxi driver, Toy, arrived within a few minutes of calling him. I had managed to mix up the kickoff time, and so I arrived at Sri Lamduan Stadium over thirty minutes early in soaring heat.

I took the time to buy a team shirt and baseball cap before heading to the far side of the arena, where I had never previously watched from. Large beers were 70 Baht outside, with admission just over half of that price.

Some friendly local youngsters found my attendance interesting and asked me lots of questions during the King’s Anthem, which they didn’t seem to have much time for. They left me alone to watch what turned out to be a tight, if unspectacular, match.

The Match

It was a very cagey opening with no quarter given. Loei were also pushing for a top two spot and a place in the playoffs and was determined to give nothing away. They saw a cross nearly sneak in, but it came back off the bar in the eighteenth minute.

The hosts took the lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half through a clever wide set-piece move. Full back Khritmak Sompen supplied Neto, whose cross was turned neatly into the roof of the net on the near post on the half volley by Cristian Alex.

At the interval, I wasn’t too worried about a drink and instead watched the skyline turn increasingly red and beautiful. Whoever was playing the tunes on the turntables selected good local ambient music, which I wouldn’t have minded hearing more of.

There was obviously a lot at stake in the contest, which grew increasingly cranky in the second half, when at times referee Warutsom Sompan struggled to keep a lid on. There were some proper nasty late challenges and sneaky boots left in by players of both sides.

Naturally enough, the home fans decreed that the Loei players were the ones to blame, despite United picking up two yellow cards to the visitors' one. Incidentally, the crowd grew as the game continued, no doubt many arriving straight from work.

It was no surprise that other teams in the division struggled for crowds when starting games at 3.30pm. United's gates had also picked up since Sisaket FC had been kicked out of the league, leaving it one side short.

The away team did their best to get back into the contest, and Nonthaphut Panaimthon should have at least made home goalie Itthipon Kamsupron make a save rather than the feeble header that looped over.

Sisaket’s defence looked well marshalled, and the Brazilian duo up front looked a completely different combo to the pair who had come on as subs when I attended the cup match. They were both strong and really wanted it.

As the board was produced to show five additional minutes, I made my way around and saw the conclusion from outside the stadium, looking in. In a frantic ending, Loei piled forward, and the ball fell to Wirachai Buayairaksa at the back post.

Easy Way Home

Fortunately, for the hosts, he showed his defenders touch and screwed the good chance wide. ‘Fire Rumdul’ continued their run and went four points clear at the top of the table. It was probably about the right result.

By now Toy had returned, Taew having booked his services for me earlier in the day, meaning I was back in Suan Kluai within the half hour, ready for my prepared Thai meal and a beer before I went to bed worn out. Another top day concluded.

Sisaket United 4 Ubon FC 0

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 4th March 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 436 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40) 

After the awful performance I’d witnessed at Surin City the Sunday before, I was hoping for something much better as I headed into town, driven by Suryan and his grandson Sinto for a must-win game for United. We weren’t to be disappointed.

Fire Rumdul took the lead after thirteen minutes when Alex miscontrolled a cross from Phattharapong Phengchaem, who followed up to scramble the ball home after his first effort was kept out by goalie Peerapong Srinok. What followed was a niggly half, poorly overseen by ref Kriangkrai Boonson.

Star Man Phattharapong Phengchaem

A good one-two move between Phattharapong and Alex led to the Brazilian firing wide. I thought that the big fella was lazy the week before, but looked more interested this time, even if he did whine throughout the encounter.

Skipper Jakree Burapha in midfield and front man Oscar Plape were impressive and the pick of the visitors, while the referee left the pitch to loud boos at halftime. Burapha had a free kick saved soon after the restart before a cross from Phattharapong was fired over on the half volley by Alex.

A great, tricky run by Nonthawat Chaotai saw him upended by Ubon’s Satja Sangsuwan, for which he got his second yellow card, and he got the first use of the showers. The spot kick from Alex came back off the post.

However, the lead was doubled on sixty-five minutes when a corner was half cleared and fell to Suphaphon Sutthissak, who scored with an absolute thunderbolt from just outside the box. It was 3-0 when a fine move released Phattharapong, who unselfishly squared for Alex to tap home.

Neto then dispossessed a defender and rolled in Thaweekun Thong-on, whose easy chance was somehow kept out by the busy Srinok. Neto decided to go alone to round off the scoring a couple of minutes from time as he rounded the keeper. A fine display and an enjoyable game in lovely company.

Sisaket United 1 Mahasarakham SBT 0

Thai League 3 Northeast - Sunday 12th March 2023  

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 952 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Married Life

Now married and officially a member of the family, my two compatriots took me to the match. I was enjoying the experience all the more as we got to know each other, and my Thai was gradually improving to help with conversation.

This was a big game. Both sides had won midweek, and before this penultimate round, Sisaket started four points behind the leaders, who were the visiting team. It even meant around fifty away fans making the journey, a rarity for many clubs in the division.

Big Crowd Buzz

It was immediately obvious that a big crowd was in, both from parking the car and trying to find three good seats together. I was impressed that young Sinto watched the game closely while enjoying his pop and crisps alongside his granddad Suriyan. A couple of other young relatives turned down the invite back at the house. I would be working on them for future occasions.

It was a highly charged game, with chances rare, despite Sisaket dominating possession. Mahasarakham defended well, and keeper Ittikorn Kansrang seemed in command. Alex went close for the hosts, and he really looked like he meant business as he put himself about.

The pattern continued in the same pattern after the restart, with United pressing but unable to find a way through stubborn opponents for whom a draw would have been ideal. Finally, the deadlock was broken when Alex engineered a half-chance, with his low left-footed shot going through a crowd and beating Ittikorn.

It was the least Sisaket deserved, who were roared on by a passionate crowd. That last half hour or so seemed to go on forever, as the hosts gradually decided to hold onto what they’d got. Head coach Anusim got it spot on, bringing on Romário Alves for the closing stages.

He replaced fellow Brazilian Alex and used strength and guile to create danger on the break and hold up play. The star man for the away side had been Alberto Gouvea, but he was marked tightly and grew frustrated by some of the attention he was receiving.

The home team ran down the clock with some tactics that would not have pleased me if my boot was in the other camp before referee Damrong Wangraha blew for full time. We left in good moods as a happy car returned to Suan Kluai ready for food and a rest after what had been a wondrous few days.

2023-24 Season

Sisaket United 0 Rasisalai United 0 

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 23rd September 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 988 🎟️ 40 THB (£0.90) 

Derby Day Build-Up

Derby day in Sisaket and one I was looking forward to. I took the minivan from Kanthararom. I decided to try a Leffe-style and then a cherry fruit beer at Leo’s on Ubon Road, which I had wanted to visit for some time. They had reopened in a new location after a two-year sabbatical owing to Covid, and while looking to find new premises.

It seemed to be a pleasant modern place, with a good menu, if on the expensive side. My Grab arrived to take me to Hong Kong Garden, before heading off to what was a rip-roaring local affair on a quagmire of a pitch after heavy rain throughout the week, and then an absolute downpour an hour before the 5pm kick-off. 

The Action

The pitch at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium wouldn’t even have merited an inspection in many other parts of the world. It would have been called off immediately, but they just get on with things in Thailand. It did lead to an element of farce, but it also added to the entertainment.

Quite how it remained goalless I’m not sure, but there was plenty of entertainment on show. The hosts were on top, but the away side were resolute and extremely determined, with big defender Gideon Chuckwuma putting in an outstanding performance. 

Sisaket had replaced three Brazilians who blew hot and cold the previous season with a couple from the samba nation, along with an Argentinian. The front pairing of Danilo and Damian caused chaos, with Matias Panigazzi just behind them being a general menace. 

An effort was somehow cleared off the line by a visiting defender whose slide was ended by a post and what looked like a part of his body that could have curtailed any chance of Saturday night romance.

No Passion Missing

After the interval, the play became heated with lots of cards being handed out. I would have given Panigazzi a red for a horrible challenge, raking down the Achilles of an opponent, which naturally exacerbated tensions.

I don’t think Glenn Gregory had the Sisaket Derby in mind back in Sheffield in the 80s with Heaven 17 when he sang about no passion missing, but it was an accurate description of this encounter, as no quarter was given.

Late Penalty Drama

Four minutes from time, Rasisalai were awarded a penalty after a scramble in the box, despite the ball ending in the net. The previous week, Natchanon Yongsakool scored and missed from the spot. This time, keeper Adisak dived to his left to keep the kick out.

To compound the misery for Natchanon, he was shown a second yellow card within a minute to receive his marching orders. Honours even at full time, but a reminder that local derbies matter the world over.

Post-Match Fun

Other attractions were the Sisaket Hard Core fans group staging some free prize draws, but the weather put pay to the couple of dancing girls before the match. They performed at the start of the second half up in the open stand, which, for obvious reasons, distracted quite a few of the crowd.

I was taken home by a Grab down dark, narrow country lanes. My new driver, Uan, at times, must have been wondering where the mad westerner was directing him. He was a lovely, friendly chap who would end up being my regular pilot.

At my destination, my good lady was waiting with a couple of fellas who did work on the house and who had just fitted a large TV outdoors under our canopy. This was after I had ordered the wrong size brackets online from Lazada, which they could not get to work.

I’m sure seeing me and my limited skills while under heavy alcohol influence must have been entertaining, judging by the sniggers behind my back. Inevitably, I got everything working as soon as they departed. It’s never boring in the countryside, Isan!

My video report from the game for A Thai Football Podcast

Sisaket United 3 Nakhon Ratchasima United 0

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 14th October 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 758 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

A New Friend

On the train again, I visited Craft & Cold, an expensive craft bar, then my favourite western pub. Peter, owner of Hong Kong Garden, introduced me to a fellow non-league and cricket fan, John, originally from Chester-le-Street, who also went to football regularly in Sisaket. A friendship was born as he gave me a lift to the stadium before we sat together.

I had searched high and low for my Sisaket cap at home before I departed. My Grab driver recognised my name when I made a booking between the two hostelries and collected it from his house before picking me up. I left it in his car three weeks ago! What a great service.

Terrible Opposition

We saw a one-sided and poor game, as Sisaket went 3-0 up before halftime against possibly the worst team I have seen in Thai pro football. NRU were a complete shambles with no redeeming features. They were no better than many amateur teams I’ve watched, having scored one goal in five games.

The energetic Pongsak Boonthot put the hosts ahead after twelve minutes, with a shot that keeper Ehsan Jalil should have saved. The Iranian was in goal last season for Nonthaburi City in the amateur Bangkok Premier League, and on his performance on this occasion, I wonder if he’s even up to that level.

Big Brazilian Danilo headed home number two seven minutes later. The range of the effort suggests the keeper would have been disappointed to see it find the corner of the net. It became 3-0 when fellow samba star Carlos Damian scored six minutes before the interval, looking suspiciously offside when played in.

The lack of communication at the back for the visitors was frightening, with the onrushing keeper and full back leaving it to each other on the edge of the box. Pongsak tucked the ball home, but the linesmen decreed that he was offside, which looked like an attempt to save face as he made up for not spotting the earlier one.

The teams might as well have gone home at halftime. Sisaket sat on what they had. NRU outclassed, got ratty, and made silly challenges which provoked some home players. Referee Chairat Phoolalai was nearly as out of his depth as the away team, not helped by his assistants.

Sisaket United 0 Ubon FC 0

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 21st October 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 822 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Stalemate

An easy way of getting into town on this occasion, with Taew kindly dropping me at Hong Kong Garden, where I watched what looked like a hopeful start to the England v South Africa cricket. How little I learn.

It was also a frustrating afternoon for the hosts in a derby of sorts, with just 65km separating the clubs in a regional division where some clubs are 5 hours away. Ubon left with what they arrived for, while occasionally offering something in attack. Burkina Faso defender Mounzir Coulidiati was outstanding and should be playing at a higher level.

Neither keeper had a shot to save in anger in the first half, though both managed to flap at crosses, with United’s stopper Adisak noticeably taking his eye off one when he saw forward Torky jump near him.

There was an increase in forward intent from the hosts after the break, whose coach, Mo, once again sent out a side with a very negative philosophy. I wouldn’t have been shocked to see a change before long. Hopefully, to an incumbent with a shorter name.

The Brazilian forward duo of Damian, who put everything in, and Danilo, who looked unfit and not particularly brilliant, were a real mix. Danilo was put through twice for one-on-ones against Ubon keeper Klanarong Wisuttiyanpirom, who thwarted the hapless marksman.

If he had any pace at all, he would have surely tried to round the goalie when the first chance arose on the edge of the box. The second of which was kept in and then saw Argentinian Panigazzi screw wide. Plenty of increased falling over and time-wasting followed.

Good to see lots of youngsters employed as mascots at the game, which attracted parents, some of whom got stuck into the booze and became properly involved, adding to the atmosphere. 

I got home to see the England batting calamity and follow games online, while reading tributes to Sir Bobby Charlton, whose passing was inevitable sooner or later, still hit me for six. I hoped Danilo would watch some of his goals on his phone and take the hint.

Sisaket United 6 Surin Khong Chee Mool 0 

Thai League 3 Northeast - Sunday 29th October 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 952 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Friends Day Out

This was a cracking day. In theory, no alcohol was allowed to be served as it was a religious day to mark the end of Buddhist Lent. We jumped the gun somewhat. We stayed in town as a couple of friends were staying over and joining us. The hotel served us, as did my regular pre-match choice, and there was beer available outside the stadium. 

Hapless Opposition

Surin KCM made me eat my words about how bad Nakhon Ratchasima United were on their earlier visit. The Surin outfit outshone them in terms of being possibly the worst team I have seen whose players get paid. Sisaket were not fantastic, but they didn't have to be.

It took the spluttering hosts until four minutes before the break before Damian headed home, this just after the visitors, without a point after six games so far, nearly scored. At this point, SKCM looked haphazard but OK. The clueless and defensive-minded home coach had decided to drop Argentinian midfielder Panigazzi for some unfathomable reason.

When he came off the bench, the dynamics of the match changed completely. Within a couple of minutes, Damian added a second on fifty-five, before Phengchaem made it 3-0. It says everything about the standard of the Surin mob that they allowed Danilo to smartly finish with twenty minutes remaining.

The Brazilian puts the big into big number nine and has done a passable impression thus far of a man lumbering around carrying a piano on his back since joining at the start of the season. There’s a footballer somewhere in there, but he needs to shed some weight and get fit. That said, his confidence did improve as the match progressed and the away side waned.

Floodlight Failure

With ten minutes remaining, a few lights went out on the impressive floodlights. By now, some of the visitors were out on their feet, with some virtually giving up. The lights were still better than at many venues. The Surin KCM coach moaned. The ref stopped the game and called the Sisaket boss over to ask what was going on.

The FA Thailand delegate, one of whom is present at each game, marched over and told them to get on with it, which was the same as my suggestion from the stands. Excellent to encounter someone with common sense.

The final few minutes were embarrassing. We wanted the ref to end it as soon as possible to save Surin, who played in good spirits throughout, from any further punishment. Panigazza scored in the ninetieth minute, while Danilo added his second. Not bad to say he had five or six easy chances that he missed.

We continued after the game had finished back at our residence before my good lady and I headed the following morning for an overnight stay in Nakhon Phanom on the Mekong River across from Laos to continue festivities and enjoy some traditional live entertainment.

Sisaket United 0 Udon United 0

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 18th November 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 525 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

In the week leading up to this game, I had lent my family a hand with the rice harvest. It involved raking it so that the sun dried it out and then putting it into sacks. Quite simply, the most physically demanding activity I’ve ever been involved in.

My reward was to attend a big game as the league leaders, Sisaket, played fourth-placed Udon, who were three points adrift before kickoff. I wasn’t expecting a thriller, mainly due to the negative tactics, such as there were any, of home coach Narongthanaphorn. There was plenty of talent in the squad if they had someone setting them up correctly.

Neither keeper had a serious save to make. Damian of Sisaket saw a shot come back off the inside of the post with Udon goalie Adison Bunthawi beaten, while the visitors saw a couple of efforts go narrowly over and had a good claim for a penalty waved away.

The match could be separated into three segments. The first half hour or so was one for purists as each side stuck to tactics and tried to forge an advantage. This was followed by a middle spell where the teams tried to replicate it but were simply not good enough to continue and stick to their discipline.

That led to poor control and niggly fouls as a poor referee tried to sort things out. Much of the second half continued in the same way, only it got more stretched as the players weren’t fit enough to keep up their earlier pace.

A really poor watch, to be honest, but at least it was cheap. The skills of the second-half substitute for Udon, Brazilian winger Abner, were at least worth savouring. Their top scorer, fellow Brazilian Sales, was missing. Crowds were dropping at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium. Yes, it was rice harvesting season, but the home team was failing to entertain.

Highlights for me were meeting a nice Russian chap who travelled down from Roi Et for football and sightseeing, and the sight of a couple of traffic cops watching the game with a beer. Thankfully, some enjoyable food and drink and my regular Grab driver ensured I had no hassle in getting home. 

Sisaket United 2 Khon Kaen 0

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 9th December 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 580 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

A Quality Long Day Out

A long day out was enjoyed on this occasion. Taew, Ben, over from Denmark, and his Thai wife Noi, joined John and me. A pleasant lunchtime was spent viewing the aquarium and then the tower, before HKG lunch.

A straightforward victory for the Fire Rumdul as they consolidated their position at the summit of their division in the third tier. Another example of the negativity and safety of coach Narongthanaphorn, who can strangle excitement out of a game more effectively than VAR.

Ref Receives Advice

The hosts came out of the blocks with great intent and were awarded a penalty in the tenth minute for what looked like a soft foul. Referee Patiyut Monthianart, not for the last time, was making himself the centre of attention. Danilo stroked home the spot kick.

Some baffling decisions followed, with Danilo getting under the skin of the whistler, earning himself a yellow card, with his team being seemingly punished. One of the more imaginative insults shouted from a woman behind me was to accuse the ref’s wife of being from Khon Kaen. Certainly a downgrade from questioning parentage back in the day in North Yorkshire.

Sisaket's best player, Panigazzi, made it 2-0 eight minutes before the interval with a low shot that keeper Thanandorn Pasri should probably have done better with. The star man for the visitors was defender Jonathan Monteiro.

And that was about that. Defensive substitutions followed once Khon Kaen tried to make a go of it after the interval. It was like watching an Italian side of the 80s. Affective but extremely dull. If Sisaket were to eventually go up through the convoluted playoffs, it would prove to be a job well done.

Post-match, it was back to Leo’s. The three overseas players came in two and seemed to be pleasant chaps. Ben decided to offer them his thoughts. Sadly, it was in Thai, and they didn’t understand. All three spoke English! Craft and Cold was visited for more beer before heading home via Godang 24 bar.

Sisaket United 0 Bangkok FC 2

Thai FA Cup Round of 32 - Wednesday 20th December 2023

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 333 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

It was straight to the game and back without libation on this occasion, with Suriyan, my in-law, driving as Taew and I were heading to the capital early the following morning for a Christmas and New Year tour.

A fair result as the impressive visitors went through with two well-taken goals against ratty and one-dimensional hosts who ended with ten men. Both sides went into the game unbeaten in the league and at the top of their respective regional T3 divisions. Sisaket were missing star player Panigazzi, while the away side was cheered on by 20 or so Bulligans.

The first half hour or so was entertaining fare, with both sides playing some nice football on the deck. Chances were limited, but when one fell to Fire Bulls man Wachirawut Phudithip, he smashed home a half volley on the turn, leaving keeper Rapeepat Nasoongchon grasping thin air five minutes before the interval.

Damian, the Brazilian back from injury, somehow contrived not to get anything on a delicious bending free kick from wide with the goal gaping a minute or two later. It would prove to be Sisaket’s best chance to level things up.

Danilo joined his compatriot up front after the break, but the thoughts of my pal John and me came to fruition in the second period. Sisaket didn’t have much of an idea against a well-organised team. They huffed and puffed without invention and didn’t have the nous to try out goalie Natthasan Pakkarano despite having a strong wind at their backs.

There was one midfielder who should have taken up a career in rugby league, as he didn’t make one forward pass in ninety-plus minutes. An excellent move from the proficient visitors, who knew exactly how to take the sting out of the game and fall over at opportune moments, saw Sirodom Konsungnoen finish with aplomb.

Suriyan summed up the hosts' performance rather well. They have no idea, he said in pidgin English. Inevitably enough, their shortcomings led to petulance and sulking of a high order as they blamed their opponents and officials. Indeed, anyone but themselves.

It was tetchy before the second half sub Sutee Chantorn decided to take out an opponent with a ridiculous mid-air lunge, which naturally enough incensed the Bangkok players and led to a long melee. He deservedly received a red card.

Home coach Narongthanaphorn somehow decided that the Bangkok contingent had been disrespectful as he carried his rants on until after full time. His performance was as bad as his tactics. It was not good to see the home bench laughing and high-fiving the dismissed player.

Sisaket United 2 Muang Loei United 1 

Thai League 3 Northeast - Saturday 27th January 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 520 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Football Continues to Surprise

Joined by friends, Tracey and Sean, over from Scarborough, we stayed at the Gallery Hotel after the game. By then, I was lamenting how football can be a baffling game at times. All season, I was frustrated by the tactics of Sisaket coach Narongthanaphorn. 

A decent side has been assembled, but he had gone for clean sheets above goals scored. Indeed, when the visitors scored, it was the first time in 948 minutes that his team had conceded, but what a difference at the other end.

It was the best game of the campaign at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, which was quite possibly helped by Loei’s attacking intent, which saw both teams go for it for ninety minutes of action and excitement. The hosts took the lead when a deep corner was headed home by the ever-reliable Matias Pannigazzi at the back post after twenty minutes. 

An Action Packed Encounter

He had struck the post following one of many excellent passing moves constructed by the Fire Rumdul. Diminutive wide midfielder Apidet Janngam was excellent for Loei, always looking for the ball and never wasting it.

Three minutes after the interval, the two Sisaket centre-backs, who have been excellent of late, turned off, which gave halftime sub Kamonchai Somsuk time and space to control before firing a low effort beyond the outstretched arms of goalie Adisak, to the delight of the three away fans behind the goal. 

Some support, with Loei being over seven hours away, crazy really in a regional league. Sisaket piled on the pressure but could not find a way through. It was frenetic stuff, which included some heroic defending. The giant Mali stopper Makan Diawara put his body on the line time and time again, while his side still looked dangerous on the break.

Valuable Winner

When Panigazzi limped off, it looked like a draw was the best the home team would get. Big Brazilian striker Danilo could frustrate, but it’s obvious he'd played at a decent level in the past. He turned hero in stoppage time when he jinked inside and curled a majestic shot into the far top corner from inside the box.

Keeper Thanarat Neao-Olo was left helpless. Even after this, Sisaket remarkably kept going forward. A valuable win and really good performance with the away side fully playing their part as they received a well-deserved ovation from the appreciative home fans at full-time.

We headed off to enjoy lots of food and drink, with live alfresco entertainment by the hotel pool. This was followed by more live music in the venue attached to it, which was open for the very first time. A wonderful time was had by all.

Sisaket United 2 Surin City 1

Thai League 3 Northeast - Wednesday 31st January 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 520 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Some of Peter's album collection at Hong Kong Garden

Every Day's a Schoolday

I love learning, whether it's about the place I now call home or from the old days back in the UK. I'd taken the train to Sisaket and then sat down with Peter, the owner of Hong Kong Garden, with a 4,000 LP collection, played an excellent old eclectic mix while telling me about his gigging days around St Albans in the 60s. 

It was also nice to meet the head of English at the largest school in the city, who has lived in the countryside up here for over twenty years, and is a former resident of Clitheroe. Such things always added to my day out, which had to be more than just a football match.

Huge Result

That said, this was a big win in the context of the regional third-tier title, with nearest rivals Mahasarakham only drawing 0-0 away to Ubon. It meant that through this win, it was back in the hands of Sisaket with four matches remaining.

The hosts were certainly made to fight until full-time in this encounter. The first forty-five minutes seemed like plain sailing. Visitors, City were very disappointing apart from five minutes before the break, especially for a side in third place in the table. But by then, they were facing a real uphill battle.

Mbengan had missed a sitter when heading over for United in the opening stages, who created several good chances. Danilo opened the scoring after twenty-one minutes with an excellent finish. He doubled the advantage with another goal of the highest quality as he thumped one into the top corner, leaving keeper Jeerasak Phananut helpless.

After the break, coach Narongthanaphorn took off the hobbling Panigazzi and a couple of others, wisely in my opinion, but it led to Surin grabbing the initiative. It was no surprise when Kaisorn Roungraeng pulled one back just after the hour mark. They continued to press, but gradually the home side took back the initiative.

A feisty and decent crowd for a 5pm midweek kick-off was getting stuck into referee Uthai Purase for some of his decision-making, as tempers boiled over on occasions. I personally thought he was fine, allowing the game to flow wherever possible and breaking up petty disputes before they escalated.

Danilo, who was a true warrior playing like a man possessed, came close to his hat-trick when rounding the advancing goalie, but his shot from distance lacked venom, allowing a defender to block when rushing back.

Happy days at full time, especially considering the other result up the road, rounding off a very pleasant few hours on a hot afternoon, increasingly so in the last week. 

Sisaket United 4 Khon Kaen Mordingdang 2

Thai League 3 Northeast - Wednesday 7th February 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 480 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Fixture Mayhem

The fixture planners at the Thai FA had had somewhat of a brainstorm. There had been no football in Sisaket the previous weekend, so they compensated by arranging home games for both the Fire Rumdol and Rasisalai United on the same midweek afternoon.

John met me off the train, allowing a quick drink and snack at HKG before we attended the first half of Rasisalai United and Muang Loei United just up the road. The official attendance for that game was an overexaggerated 69.

A fantastically entertaining main match ensued. Like the Rasi game, it wasn’t always high on quality, but certainly one where you couldn’t lose concentration. The hosts needed a win to stay top and were at full strength, starting slowly and with an attitude that suggested that they thought that they only had to turn up to win.

KKM had other ideas and contributed royally throughout. They took the lead after nine minutes when defender Bancha Phromkhot curled a superb free kick into the top corner, leaving goalie Adisak helpless. United were creating numerous opportunities which were wasted, with players being particularly adept at mistiming runs and heading over.

The levelled things up after Panigazzi was felled from behind in the box, leaving Danilo to score from the spot on thirty-three minutes, which seemed to awake the big man from his slumbers. Four minutes later, Panigazzi controlled and fired home on the volley, which was about right on the run of play.

However, it was 2-2 just before halftime. The home defence seemed hesitant, which Kritsana Khanwong took full advantage of as he weaved in and out of the motionless opposition before finishing with aplomb. At halftime, we found out we missed a second-half goal at Rasisalai.

Sisaket were given a helping hand after coming out of the dressing rooms, fired up when referee Patiyut Monthianart awarded them a penalty after fifty-six minutes. It was a shocking decision. Panigazza overran and deliberately fell over distraught keeper Aphisit Sonpanya, who’d dived to collect the ball cleanly. Danilo made no mistake from the spot.

He could have been selfish later and tried to complete his hat-trick, but squared for Isaac Mbengan, who had a poor game. He dallied, and the chance was wasted before he was replaced by Phattharapong. The winger was keen to show everyone that he meant business, suddenly showing intent and a turn of pace rarely seen before.

He scored a fantastic solo goal, outpacing the defence seven minutes from time and creating other opportunities. By then, the visiting coach had decided to give as many of the bench a run out as possible, with Mordingdang having nothing at stake. This included the veteran keeper Paphawin Phumphuang, whose first task was to pick the ball out of the net.

Sisaket United 1 Bangkok FC 1

Thai League 3 Final 1st Leg - Sunday 21st April 2024

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 3,191 🎟️ 60 THB (£1.40)

Sisaket won their divisional title and were then promoted through the playoffs. This was while we were away in Bangkok and then at the annual Chiang Mai Sixes Cricket tournament, where I served on the committee, and Taew helped behind the bar at the ground.

In the ten days or so after our return, my wife told me that the local village school where we lived was facing closure through funding cuts. The locals were chipping in to try to keep it open. I decided to give them a helping hand in return for the kindness and hospitality that they have shown us since our arrival.

My Roving Report Video covering the day for A Thai Football Podcast

I decided that a 21km sponsored walk from home to the match would be a good way to raise money. All day, the temperatures were in the late 30s. I was so relieved when I had finished, and the sun dropped at the game. I raised a significant amount with friends donating from around the world, but it certainly took its toll on my body.

One of several stops for water and fruit on the route was at my wife’s aunt's. Her 10-year-old grandson, Boet, is mad about football and had his boots on for a kick about as soon as I arrived. Just what I needed! Anyway, he had never been to a game and didn’t know that there was a big stadium in town. Taew asked him if he wanted to go to the match.

He needed no second invitation, and he accompanied my good lady on the route in the car, dropping off towels and water for me before going to his first-ever live game. We got him a souvenir shirt, and he loved every minute. 

John had kindly brought me a pizza from HKG. Taew soaked my aching feet and helped me to my seat in the main stand. I was struggling so much that I only shared a beer with my mate, as I tried to concentrate. I was glad to be able to relax.

What we all witnessed was a fantastic, passionate game of football matched by the raucous atmosphere. Two excellent sides giving everything in the Isan heat. The two-legged final was played between the winners of the playoff groups to decide the overall T3 title. 

My impressions were that it would be a showpiece game to celebrate promotion, a bit like the Community Shield back home. However, it would appear to be important to Thai clubs and their fans. Both sides were unbeaten right through their respective league campaigns. Bangkok had been top-quality when they beat Sisaket in the FA Cup. 

Sisaket, on this occasion, roared on by a large, passionate crowd, showed a different mentality. They held the upper hand in the first half, forcing a couple of decent saves from visiting keeper Yannasit Sukcharoen.

It was more even after the restart, with both sides probing. The visitors took the lead when Wichaya Pornprasart swivelled on the edge of the box and fired low post home, goalie Adisak with a fine finish to the delight of the hundred or so away fans who had made the eight-hour journey.

The goal came on the hour mark with the hosts regathering and fighting back gamely. Shortly after an enforced change, defender Pakornkiat Kaena pushed forward. He played the ball wide, and it eventually was rolled into his path just outside the area. 

His low-side foot effort nestled in the corner of the net, and the stadium went wild. It was as noisy a venue as I’d been in all season. United had strong appeals for a penalty waved away, and then Danilo, who had an excellent game leading the line, headed wide when unmarked at the back post from the resulting corner. 

Then, at the other end, another hard stinging effort from range, a feature of the match from both sides, was parried into the path of Lima, who put the ball away. The linesman flagged for offside; later replays revealed he was onside.

The match had plenty of niggle, and aggression, which added to the occasion. Argentinian Panigazzi must have felt at home. It was everything anyone could want from attending, including two excellent goals and contentious refereeing. On this showing, both sides would be just fine in the second tier. But it was so much more to me.

I had done something good. Right up there was introducing young Boet to live football. When we dropped him off, he wanted to find the highlights on YouTube so he could watch them again. That was priceless.

So good vibes all round, especially when the horse R Bernard won a race at Stratford and some of my mates won money after betting on it. Sisaket is a football city. The vibrancy was a delight to behold and be part of.