Sisaket United FC is a professional football club representing the city in Isaan in northeast Thailand of the same name. The club was formed in 2012, moving in to share Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium with Sisaket FC.
They received local government backing with their doctrine of encouraging the local community to become interested in sports and to push the youth in the province to develop their football skills at the national level.
Their debut 2012 campaign in the third tier Regional League Division 2 Northeastern Region ended with a runners-up berth and qualification for the Champions League play-offs, where they ended a point off promotion from their group.
Ninth and eleventh places followed prior to ninth again in 2015.Tenth place the following season led to ‘Fire Rumdol‘ put in Thai League 4 Northeastern Region in 2017 after the restructuring of Thai league football.
The goals of Chatri Rattanawong and Phanupong Intachomphu helped fire United to the title, but the promotion play-offs ended in dramatic defeat to Chiangrai City. Fourth place in the league ensued in 2018 as Suriyan Ckankam finished as top scorer.
Phattharapong Phengchaem led the scoring ranks in 2019 as Sisaket finished fourth. Further restructuring occurred in 2020-21, as United applied to sit out the season owing to budgetary issues and the Covid-19 pandemic before returning for the 2021-22 campaign.
The team finished fifth upon their return as Thongchai Rathchai rattled in the goals under head coach Pramoul Thinkatork prior to Narongthanaphorn Choeithaisongchodok taking over for the 2022-23 season. The team reached the Champions League play-offs but finished fourth in their group.
Click here to read all about Sisaket United from August 2024 and my visits to home games.
My visits
Sisaket United 6 Nakhon Ratchasima United 0 (Wednesday 21st September 2022) Thai League Cup Second Qualifying Round (att: 459)
The opportunity to attend this game came as part of a wonderful weekend as my girlfriend drove me to her village not far from Sisaket to meet her friends and family. I was having a whale of a time and enjoying every minute after adjusting to Isan life.
I had mentioned I‘d quite like to visit the city and coincide it with going to the match to kill a few birds with one stone. We had a lovely few hours visiting a temple, the aquarium and going up Si Saket Tower on Koh Klang Nam.
We had a return visit to the magnificent DD restaurant where Teaw‘s cousin Jib worked. It served fantastic food at incredible prices. Once fed we bought some small trees to plant at home which would hopefully produce harvests in years to come.
I was driven to the stadium, where there was still a good half hour until kick off. I couldn’t persuade her to go in with me, as she seemed happy on her phone. I bought a ticket for 60 Baht for the covered side rather than 40 Baht at the far side, as there was a threat of rain in the air.
Buying a beer, I considered buying a United shirt. I had already purchased a previous seasons Sisaket FC top on Lazada and was trying to find out the fate of that club, who were embroiled in a long running saga with the Thai FA. It was noticeable that the United logo was on the back of the main stand.
Sat upstairs on the back row I immediately noticed the pitch was in a bit of a mess. It was dry and muggy for the 5pm start. Before the game got underway, I got a nice surprise. Another cousin Suryan who I had met a couple of times came upstairs and sat with me along with his friend.
He hadn’t mentioned that he was a football fan when we chatted. Teaw had told him where I had gone in so we could have a chat, with his limited English which was better than my pidgin Thai. The company was welcome.
The match was scrappy in the early stages with referee Yodsakorn Pakdeesuwan needing to blow for plenty of fouls. The hosts took the lead on twenty-four minutes as a shot from Thaweekun Thong-On took a deflection off the head of a Nakhon Ratchasima defender to fly past keeper Putawat Prangthon.
The keeper kept out an effort from the scorer just after the half hour mark following a great turn in the box. The visitors responded when Aekkachai Singwong shot narrowly wide before Prangthon dropped a cross which saw Baphit Chooklin denied by a goal line block.
Shortly before the interval Phattharpong Phengchaem went on a long run for Sisaket which ended in his shot being parried. The official meanwhile was causing consternation from both sides with some of his decisions.
The lead was doubled a minute after the restart when Nittipat Kansorn seemingly lost control before neatly dinking over Prangthon. The game was more or less over as a contest a couple of minutes later as Baphit Chooklin netted to make it 3-0 capitalising on a defensive error to go clean through.
It was 4-0 on fifty minutes as the visitors capitulated. Kansorn wasn’t marked as he planted home a header from a free kick. Sisaket went nap with twenty-one minutes still left on the clock when Watchara Chanthai controlled well and then fired back across Prangthon and into the net.
I wasn’t massively impressed with the home sub, Cristian Alex. The attitude of the Brazilian seemed on the lazy side, and he only kicked with his left foot. He then proved my assessment to be total rubbish when he played a one two to go through and round Prangthon to score close to full time.
There was still time for fellow Brazilian substitute Neto Santos to miss an open goal at the back post. The home side had played very well, encouraged by an increased crowd once they had finished work.
We headed out and I rejoined my good lady, calling at a wholesaler on the way back to her home in Suan Kluai ready with beer and provisions for the party the following day. Yes, I really was enjoying life!
Sisaket United 1 Muang Loei United 0 (Sunday 22nd January 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 597)
I set out for a return in a rare position of being taken shopping and then taking the train to cheer for a team at the top of the table. My good lady Taew saw a chance of a trip to Kanthararom to head to the market and visit a specialist shop.
After a visit to her cousin and family I decided to let the train take the strain to Sisaket. The previous week I’d gone by minivan for 53 Baht. On this occasion the fare cost just 6 Baht. The station had several street food stores outside and the usual excellent service inside.
The local service took around half an hour, before I headed off by foot for good walk, which saw me get my head shaved for 80 Baht before continuing to a pub that I’d used a couple of times in the previous seven days.
The Cyrille Regis life story podcast must have been good as I was concentrating so hard that I walked past the watering hole by ten minutes, meaning a trek back. At least I saw a beautiful temple that I wouldn’t have otherwise come across.
Once again Hong Kong Garden proved to be the perfect place to relax for an hour or so, with its fantastic value for money food and drinks. The menu served lots of farang favourites as well as local meals. I sat back and enjoyed some great tunes on the speakers.
Mine host Peter made me beef and ale pie, chips, and gravy to satisfy my weekly western diet. I was longing for some English ale, but to be honest the cans of Greene King IPA and Marstons Pedigree made me appreciate the local stuff even more.
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 prior to 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.
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 were 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 in playing the tunes on the turntables selected good local ambient music, which I wouldn’t have minded hearing more of.
There was obviously lots at stake in the contest, which grew increasingly cranky in the second half which at time referee Warutsom Sompan struggled to keep a lid on. There was 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 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 round and saw the conclusion from outside the stadium looking in. In a frantic ending Loei piled forward and ball fell to Wirachai Buayairaksa at the back post.
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 (Saturday 4th March 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 436)
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 on thirteen minutes when Alex miscontrolled a cross from Phengchaem who followed up to scramble the ball home after his first effort was as kept out by goalie Peerapong Srinok. What followed was a niggly half, poorly overseen by ref Kriangkrai Boonson.
A good one two move between Phengchaem 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 Phengchaem 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 was his second yellow card for which 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 Phengchaem 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 (Sunday 12th March 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 952)
Now married, and officially a member of the family, my same 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 were the visiting team. It even meant around fifty away fans making the journey, a rarity for many clubs in the division.
It was immediately obvious 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. 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 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 the force of Alex engineered a half chance, with his low left footed shot going through a crowd and beating Kransrang.
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 have not 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.
Sisaket United 0 Rasisalai United 0 (Saturday 23rd September 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 988)
A rip-roaring local derby on a quagmire of a pitch after heavy rain throughout the week and then an absolute downpour an hour before the 5pm kick-off. 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 have replaced three Brazilians who blew hot and cold last season with a couple from the samba nation along with an Argentinian.
The front pairing of Danilo and Damian are beasts of men, 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.
After the interval 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.
Four minutes from time Rasisalai were awarded a penalty after a scramble in the box, despite the ball ending in the net. Last week Natchanon Yongsakool scored and missed from the spot. This time, keeper Adisak Lambelsah dived to his left to keep the kick out.
After being dropped off I took the minivan service into Sisaket, I decided to try a Leffe style and then 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.
I was taken home by Grab down dark narrow country lanes. My driver 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.
Poor fare 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 feature. They were no better than many amateur teams I’ve watched and must be a contender for relegation, at least on this showing having scored one goal in five games.
The energetic Pongsak Boonthot put the hosts ahead after twelve minutes, with a shot keeper Ehsan Jalil should have saved. The Iranian was in goal last season for Nonthaburi City in the 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 when 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 from 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.
I 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'd left it in his car three weeks ago! What a great service.
Sisaket United 0 Ubon FC 0 (Saturday 21st October 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 822)
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 Lambelsah 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 Narongthanaphorn Choeithaisongchodok 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 puts everything in, and Danilo who looks unfit and not particularly brilliant are a real mix. Danilo twice was put through 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 when 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 timewasting followed.
An enjoyable few hours. A big shop with Taew who kindly dropped me at Hong Kong Garden for some food, drink and what looked like a hopeful start to the England v South Africa cricket. How little I learn.
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.
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 watches some of his goals on his phone and takes the hint.
Sisaket United 6 Surin Khong Chee Mool 0 (Sunday 29th October 2023) Thai League 3 Northeastern (att: 592)
A fun day out in great company, with lots of food and drink and a football game in the middle. Surin KCM were possibly the worst team I have seen whose players get paid. Sisaket are and 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 Narongthanaphorn 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.
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, of which one 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, 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.
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.
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 (Saturday 18th November 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 525)
A big game as leaders Sisaket played fourth placed Udon, who were three points adrift before kickoff. I wasn’t expecting a thriller, mainly down 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 second half substitute for Udon, Brazilian winger Abner was 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. As well, as I had lent my family a hand with the rice during the previous week. Quite simply the most physically demanding activity I’ve ever been involved in.
Sisaket United 2 Khon Kaen 0 (Saturday 9th December 2023) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 580)
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.
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 making himself the centre of attention. Danilo stroked home the spot kick.
Some baffling decisions followed, with the scorer getting under the skin of the whistler, earning himself a yellow card, and then seeing his team punished for the following ten minutes. One of the more imaginative insults shouted from a woman behind me was accusing the ref’s wife of being from Khon Kaen, certainly a downgrade from questioning parentage back in the day in North Yorkshire.
Argentinian midfielder and 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. 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 80’s. Affective but extremely dull. Still, if Sisaket eventually goes up through the convoluted playoffs, it will prove to be a job well done.
I was with my usual pal John, with my wife and two friends joining us, Danish Ben, and his Thai wife Noi. A pleasant lunchtime was spent viewing the aquarium and then the tower, prior to my consistently excellent place for lunch. Post match it was Leo’s, an excellent establishment for food and Belgian beers. If on the expensive side for the local budget.
The three overseas players came in two and seemed to be pleasant chaps. My friend from Scandinavia decided to offer them his thoughts. Sadly, it was in Thai, and they didn’t understand. All three spoke English! Craft and Cold for more beer before home via a bar whose service is friendly, but frankly hopeless.
Sisaket United 0 Bangkok FC 2 (Wednesday 20th December 2023) Thai FA Cup Round of 32 (att: 333 official - nearer 500)
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 top of their respective regional T3 divisions. Sisaket were without star player Panigazzi, while the away side cheered on by 20 or so Bulligans as the fans call themselves.
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 I came to fruition in the second period. Sisaket haven’t much 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 take 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.
My wife’s cousin joined us for his first game of the season and 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.
It was tetchy before 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, with hapless home coach Narongthanaphorn somehow deciding that they had been disrespectful as he carried his rants on until after full time. His performance as bad as his tactics. Not good to see the home bench laughing and high fiving the dismissed player.
Straight to the game and back without libation with Suryan my marital relation driving as Taew and I were heading to the capital early the following morning for a Christmas and New Year tour catching up with friends in various locations.
Sisaket United 2 Muang Loei United 1 (Saturday 27th January 2024) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 520)
Football can be a baffling game at times. All this season I have been frustrated by the tactics of Sisaket coach Narongthanaphorn. A decent side has been assembled but he has gone for clean sheets above goals scored. Indeed, when the visitors scored, it was first time in 948 minutes that his team has conceded, but what a difference at the other end.
It was the best game so far this season at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, 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. The Argentinian 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 Lambelsah, 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.
When Panigazzi limped off it looked like a draw was the best the home team would get, with the injury also jeaopardising a top two place required to reach the group playoffs. Big Brazilian striker Danilo can frustrate, but it’s obvious he has 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 fulltime.
A great day two, as Tracey and Sean were visiting as part of Thai tour, over from Scarborough, meaning my better half and I stayed at the Gallery Hotel, the best in town. Lots of food and drink enjoyed, with live alfresco entertainment by the pool after the match ended at 7pm, followed by more live music in the venue attached to the hotel, which was open for the very first time. A wonderful time had by all.
Sisaket United 2 Surin City 1 (Wednesday 31st January 2024) Thai League 3 Northeast (att: 480)
A big win in the context of the regional third tier title, with nearest rivals Mahasarakham drawing 0-0 away to Ubon. It meant that it was back in the hands of Sisaket with four matches remaining.
The hosts were certainly made to fight until fulltime in this encounter. The first forty-five minutes seemed like plain sailing. Visitors, City very disappointing bar a five-minute spell 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 hattrick 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. An ice-cold latte, and extortionately priced local bottle on the walk to Hong Kong Garden, my pre matchday venue of choice.
Excellent food and conversation with Peter the owner who has a 4,000 LP collection and played an excellent old eclectic mix while telling me about his gigging days around St Albans in the 60s. 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 a former resident of Clitheroe.
Sisaket United 4 Khon Kaen Mordingdang 2 (Wednesday 7th February 2024) Thai League Northeast (att: 480)
A fantastically entertaining match, which like the first 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 on nine minutes when defender Bancha Phromkhot curled a superb free kick into the top corner leaving goalie Adisak Lambelsah 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 right on half time. 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 dressing rooms fired up when referee Patiyut Monthianart awarded them a penalty on 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 hattrick but squared for Isaac Mbengan who had a poor game. He dallied and the chance was wasted before he was replaced by Phattharapong Phengchaem.
The winger had been poor before the new signing had taken his place and was keen to show everyone that he meant business, suddenly showing intent and a turn of pace not in evidence during his earlier long run in the side. 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.
Excellent company as ever with my pal John, which whom I attended the earlier first half of Rasisalai United and Muang Loei United just up the road as the fixture planners had a brainstorm. Train, food, beers, and other nice folk all adding to a fantastic day out. Home by 7.30pm via Uan's Grab taxi to be fed and welcomed by my wife.
Sisaket United 1 Bangkok FC 1 (Sunday 21st April 2024) Thai League 3 Final 1st Leg (att: 3,191)
A fantastic passionate game of football matched by the raucous atmosphere. Two excellent sides giving everything in the Isan heat.
The two-legged final is played between the winners of the north and south playoffs 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. BFC the best side wed witnessed at the Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium when they won 2-0 in the FA Cup. Sisaket on this occasion with a different mentality and 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 Lambelsah with a fine finish much to the happiness of the hundred or so away fans who’s 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, heading 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. Sisaket’s Argentinian midfielder Matias Panigazzi must have felt at home. It was everything anyone could want from attending including two excellent goals and contentious refereeing. Both sides will be just fine in T2 next season. But it was so much more to me.
Ten days or so previously my wife told me that the local village school where we lived was facing closure through funding cuts, but the locals were chipping together to try and 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.
I went on a 21km sponsored walk from home to the match. It is probably the hardest physical endurance I have ever undertaken. All day the temperatures were in the late 30’s. I was so relieved when I had finished, and the sun dropped at the game. I have raised a significant amount with friends donating from around the world.
One of several stops for water and fruit on the route was at my wife’s aunties. 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.
So good vibes all round, especially when the horse R Bernard won a race at Stratford and some of my mates won money. Sisaket is a football city. The vibrancy was a delight to behold.
Click on this link to read about my visits from August 2024 onwards.