Sisaket United post August 2024

 

Please click on this link to read all about the history of the club and my previous visits to home games prior to August 2024.

Sisaket United 1 Pattaya United 1 (Saturday 10^th August 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 2,512)

Plenty of anticipation awaited as Sisaket embarked on their maiden second tier campaign in Thai football. What we received was a game that offered plenty of everything and more than enough to keep the spectators entertained before the match and then when it started it 6.30pm.

New Brazilian signing Abner was fed by compatriot Danilo after just seven minutes to finish in style past keeper Phiyawat Intrapim. All looked good for the hosts in a fast-paced encounter in which visiting forward, another Brazilian, Patrick Cruz looked a class above all others on show with his neat footwork.

This was aided by the Sisaket coach, predictably going into defence mode and leaving the three imports up front with the space between them and the rest of the team being large enough to host the Surin elephant Festival. Remarkably enough, pressure was gradually built before Pattaya equalised after half an hour when a cross saw Pakornkiat Kaena put through his own goal. 

At which point, the visiting Dolphins for some reason decided that they would become more defensive minded and rely on breaks than grab a game by the scruff of the neck that was waiting to be won. The third Sisaket Brazilian, Caique, had been played on the left wing, despite him being a creative forward pressing midfielder. 

The one-dimensional tactics had done for him as he was withdrawn just after the hour mark as I offered the coach feedback. The game became niggly, passionate, and naughty at times. I compared it to watching England play against themselves at the recently finished Euros. 

The home team coach failed to use most of the talent at his disposal because I’m not sure he knows how to. The away side settled for a draw when a win was on the cards. Meanwhile, the Pattaya players fell over with alarming regularity having quickly realised that referee Nasri Tamat was as weak, taking advantage of his general cluelessness. 

Dolphins coach Theerawekin Seehawong went on the pitch three times to remonstrate, before he was eventually shown to the stands. The stretcher bearers were overworked before players suddenly and miraculously jumped to their feet. 

Patrick Cruz and his teammate Waleed Adel decided to exchange punches with each other, before a combination of Abner and Danilo missed a glorious chance during the additional seven minutes of stoppage time at the back post from a well delivered free kick.

All in all, a feisty affair, but as ever it was only part of a good day out. The later kick-off than in previous seasons allowed for a proper drink pre match, both in Leo’s and Hong Kong Garden after getting a van from Kanthararom. In the first place Caique was in with a friend having a water. I did warm him about the coach then and I got the impression that he sort of knew already. 

My pal John was waiting for a late lunch before we headed to the stadium earlier than usual and via an off license. Sisaket going up would undoubtedly improve the standard of the matches, but there were most certainly things that didn’t appeal to me, not least only Chang being the only beer available rather than Leo.

That was resolved by me taking my own and putting them in a plastic cup to take in acquired from one of the vendors. In fairness to the club, they made some kind of effort, with tables and chairs on the main road behind the stand to create some kind of fan zone. Designated seats were required while the price had nearly doubled to 100 THB, which was around £2.25 in the best position. 

Caique’s friend turned out to be another Brazilian who had signed for Rasisalai United in T3. He and his girlfriend sat just behind us and were good company. I would look forward to seeing him perform a month or so later, especially if he scores as many goals as he told me he would.

Full time my driver somehow managed to get through the cordon to park near the exit before I had one last beer with my wife who had better observational ability than the ref by identifying that I had already sampled several beers.

Sisaket United 1 Chiangmai United 1 (Sunday 15^th September 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 2,399) 

An entertaining game as Sisaket equalised late on. Plenty of endeavour, skill, and dross with controversy of a goal each being chalked off, so standard Thai fare really.

The hosts came into the encounter in the playoff places, the visitors from the north third from bottom, not that anyone would know on this showing. Perhaps both sides were in false positions with Sisaket punching above their weight following promotion. 

The game was played at a frantic pace throughout with midfielders having a quiet time as the ball fizzed from end to end. I rated the away sides front foreigners, Carlos Neto and Arnold Suew above the home pairing of Danilo and Caique Ribero. This was especially true in the opening exchanges, with the footwork of Carlos Neto outstanding.

His side went ahead through a long-range swerving free kick from Suew after half an hour of proceedings. I’m not entirely sure keeper Adisak would have been too pleased with his effort in trying to stop it. The visitors wearing light grey shirts with white numbering coming close in the very poor effort stakes. 

Danilo missed an absolute sitter on the stroke of halftime heading wide from five yards as his side got back into things with both sides playing some good stuff at high intensity. This continued after the break on what was a slick surface with the region receiving many heavy downfalls in the days leading up to the match.

Indeed, the groundstaff deserved much credit for their endeavours, with it looking in excellent condition and maybe helping to level it out. Just one patch, like a single blokes’ bedsheets detracting from its appearance. It certainly encouraged plenty of challenges to go flying in. 

Referee Krisda Luangyos certainly had his hands full, dishing out seven yellow cards, as the hosts were being less than hospitable at times. The officials would then be involved heavily in two big moments. Chiangmai had a goal ruled out for offside. I was right in line with it and called it straight away.

The visiting coach was apoplectic racing down the touchline to offer feedback to the assistant with the flag. A few minutes later the hosts were denied, with that decision being clearly wrong when photographic evidence from the live feed was produced. No VAR in T2, at least until the midseason break so on we went. 

The Lamduan eventually drew level, and deservedly so on the balance of play, when exchanges of passes which I’m not entirely sure were intentional eventually found Danilo a yard or so out to score with fourteen minutes remaining. After that the away side blew a great chance to take all three points.

A strange day out. News that the dreaded words of the car needed attention was thankfully a cheap part, while a trip to the stadium to buy my ticket in advance to be sure I was under cover in case of rain proved fruitless as the office was closed despite the club advertising it would be open. 

Nice food and company in Hong Kong Garden my usual pre match haunt with a couple of beers to wash it down. My pal John unavailable and news that the place might shut too in the not too distant future sort of put a dampener of things, along with hearing a friend back home was unwell.

Again, I took my own supply of beer to the stadium to avoid the ghastly Chang, as I people watched and made conversation with the locals. 

Sisaket United 1 Kanchanaburi Power 1 (Saturday 28^th September 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 2,424)

Fair play to both sides. A decent enough game to watch. Both teams hit the woodwork and had half chances to win it. Kanch, with some powerful exports to match their title went ahead on the hour, through a header from the big Brazilian defender Jeferson Sousa that went in off the underside of the bar.

Sisaket drew level 10 minutes from time. Abner came off the bench after being missing through injury and made an impact in general, with his low shot from the left hand side of the box having too much strength for keeper Chinnapong Raksri. Adisak, the goalie at the other end was erratic with his distribution and on crosses.

There was plenty of feistiness, especially in the closing stages and as good an atmosphere I’ve been in the stadium. The locals genuinely care. I also had a walk round the perimeter at the interval. The far side had an abundance of beer and food stalls. I managed to find a vendor selling alternatives to Chang behind the main stand. 

I’m glad the game was enjoyable as I had such a nice time having food, drink, and watching rugby league on TV from Australia in Hong Kong Garden in good company before the game that it was a wrench to leave. Back home with my reliable driver in time for the second half of an excellent Arsenal v Leicester City encounter.

Sisaket United 2 Bangkok FC 3 (Sunday 20th October 2024) Thai League 2 (2,258)

An excellent game of football and a very good few hours of fun as Taew and her great-nephew Boet joined me. We headed to Leo’s before the game, for food which both thoroughly enjoyed before being met by Clinton, an online Aussie friend who was on a football and cultural tour of the region.

Danilo latched onto a defensive error after fourteen minutes as Sisaket started like a house on fire. Bangkok were the best side that played at Lamduan Stadium the season before and gradually got into this encounter before Wichaya Pornprasart unleashed a thunderbolt from range leaving keeper Siwat Rawnpa grasping thin air.

A fine move twelve minutes after the restart saw sub, Padungsak Phothinak put the visitors ahead with a header. After that the hosts piled forward, while Bangkok looked likely to score on the break, fluffing several chances. The outstanding Dudu Lima made it 3-1 with thirteen minutes remaining. 

Danilo grabbed one back in additional time, but it proved to be a consolation, in a game where Seiya Kojima, Simon Dia, and Charyl Chappuis stood out for the away team. We returned to Leo’s and dropped our friend off, before Clinton visited us in the country and went for food the following day.

Sisaket United 1 Chonburi 1 (Saturday 26th October 2024) Thail League 2 (att: 2,923)

A game I was really looking forward to, and I wasn’t disappointed. Usual trip through and lunch at Hong Kong Garden. I decided to watch the first half on the open side and the second with the Displaced Supporters behind the goal after the break. Chonburi brought a good support, but their promotion favourites were made to wait until the final minute to draw level.

Substitute, Theerapat Kaewphung fired home an equaliser. The clash between Danilo and visiting centre-back Charlie Clough failed to ignite, with the Brazilian latching on to a ball on the edge of the box and advancing to slot past goalie Noppakun Kadtoon after twelve minutes.

The atmosphere was superb throughout and matched the occasion. Sisaket did their utmost to hang on, but they were eventually found out. I was forming the opinion that it might yet turn into a relegation battle, especially if they continued to invite pressure through their tactics when ahead. The defence was not good enough to keep clean sheets.

Sisaket United 1 Chiangrai United 3 (Wednesday 30th October 2024) Thai League Cup Round of 32

I was hoping for a cup upset with Chiangrai struggling in T1 and fielding a side with many changes from their league lineup. However, coach Narongthanaphorn decided to follow suit. It felt like a very low-key occasion in which Chitchanok Xaysensourinthone put the Beetles ahead after thirteen minutes. 

Sisaket drew level within four minutes through Thaweekun Thong-On, but Chiangrai regained the lead just past the midway mark of the first half with a goal from defender Banphakit Phormmanee, as his side looked a constant danger from set pieces.

Chinese forward Guo Tianyu took plenty of lots of stick from the home fans and reacted to both sides of the ground when he was substituted. I offered him feedback in Thai which on reflection might have had more chance of being understood if I’d shouted at him in English.

His side extended their lead through Carlos Iury, who had come off the bench, with nine minutes left on the clock to progress to the next round.

Siskaet United 1 Trat 0 (Friday 8^th November 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 1,301)

A hard fought and important win for the Lamduan in a scrappy game extremely low in quality at times. The number of passes going astray was remarkable at times in near perfect conditions. The one player to cover himself in glory was Danilo.

It was he who scored escaping his marker to head home a free kick from a well flighted free kick two minutes before the interval. In the second half, the lack of game management from his teammates had the big Brazilian going spare. Sisaket would be in a sorry state without him.

Trat looked a ragbag bunch in physique with their away kit looking like a Sunday League offering. They offered very little, yet the home side only just got over the line against them. At least the home support, while lacking in numbers for some reason, did their bit and created a decent atmosphere.

A good few hours out as ever being fed and watered at Hong Kong Garden where Peter’s choice of tunes akin to Brain Matthew Sound of the Sixties on Radio 2 when I used to visit my dad, so that put a smile on my face. Something we all needed after the world events of the week.

Sisaket United 2 Chanthaburi 1 (Sunday 8th December 2024) Thai League 2 (att: 1,311)

A fitting climax to the end of several weeks of festivities as my wife and I caught up with friends and visited places around the country. A decent game of football as part of a wonderful day out inspired me to pen an article with a tribute to an old friend.

Sisaket United 0 Mahasarakham SBT 0 (Wednesday 12th February 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,733)

Since my previous home match, I had been travelling extensively around Thailand. Returning back I was glad to head back into town and visit Peter at Hong Kong Garden before the game. Changes had seen Phipob On-Mo come in as coach and Charlie Clough arriving on loan.

It had been my pleasure to assist him, giving him tips on where to eat and drink. We had met at Leo's a week earlier to say hello and have an enlightening chat. We were to meet after the game back at HKG, and I decided that this was an ideal game to make a video for my YouTube channel focussing on his career and the matchday experience at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium.

The video for my Youtube channel made at the game

The game ended in stalemate, but not without incident. It was also the first time I'd seen the wholly inadequate VAR system in operation in a Thai League 2 game. The scoreboard wasn't equipped to tell fans what was going on, and judging by the handball that they didn't spot in the Mahasarakham box in stoppage time, they quite frankly didn't know what they were doing.

Sisaket United 2 Chainat Hornbill 1 (Saturday 1st March 2015) Thai League 2 (att: 1,626)

A game with plenty to keep the passionate Saturday night crowd entertained. Sisaket deservedly went in 1-0 ahead at the break, through Abner, and played excellent football. A good stop from Phanumek Palawec in the Hornbill net denied English defender Charlie Clough. 

Chainat had piled on the pressure before that desperate to salvage something from the game as they went into it third from bottom, with Sisaket four points off a playoff position. The leveller came with seven minutes to go after Adisak decided to have his usual brainless ten minutes which caused jitters as Selwan Al Jaberi came off the bench to head home.

From that point, including the eight minutes added on, the game descended into something more akin to basketball as both sides realising that a point was worthless went for it, hell for leather. Danilo was denied before Clough who had converted to the main striker nearly set up the winner. 

The goal came in the ninety-eighth minute when Wongsakorn put away a low cross at the back post as bedlam ensued in the home sections. A brilliant way to end an entertaining match.

My mate John was back from a sabbatical making it even more enjoyable, with a very boozy few hours being added to at Leo’s where the two-hour beer promotion buffet was attacked with gusto and explains my condition today. We were even joined by Charlie Clough, which added to the evening.

 

Port FC post June 2021

Click here for history and visits prior to the 2021-22 season.

The spell of Sarawut Treephan as team boss was a short one with his replacement being Dusit Chalermsan before Treephan was reinstated by the trigger-happy Madam Pang. Jadet Meelarp returned as interim for a fourth spell in an interim role as Port stuttered to an eighth-place finish.

Scott Cooper was appointed as manager in June 2022 as the playing squad saw big changes. However, the manager was judged to have underperformed as he was sacked and replaced by his assistant Matt Holland, before the appointments of joint head coaches, Choketawee Promrut and Surapong Kongthep.

Despite finishing third in the league, Owner Madam Pang decided that another change of coach was required in November 2023 as former Police Tero boss Rangsan Viwatchaichok was installed. He took the side to another third spot as Hamilton and Teerasak Poeiphimnai weighed in with the goals. Further investment in the side saw the arrival of Willen Mota.

Despite a bright start to the 2024-25 season, the side dropped disappointing points as coach Rangsan resigned after a year in charge.

Port FC will play in Thai League 1 in the 2024-25 season.

My visits from 2022

Port FC 1 Bangkok United 1 (Sunday 9th January 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,053) 

Port like most clubs had their capacities cut owing to Covid. I had stayed over downtown and saw that the club were asking fans to queue for vouchers from 7am to guarantee a ticket when they went on sale at 10am.

I was too late for that, but quickly made friends with a German Port fan who played a couple of seasons for Bayer Leverkusen in the mid-70s. He kindly got me two tickets as each token allowed four. I also had a plan B. I think someone gets their beer free of charge down there as I was told I could get sorted for 200 THB each. The actual tickets were 120 THB.

My pal Steve joined me for the match as we sat with locals drinking beer and making friends out on the street before the match. The game itself was a midfield battle with the home team going ahead shortly before halftime through Adisak Kraisorn.

A miraculous save from the United keeper Michael Falkesgaard kept his side in it as they took the ascendency after former Port player Heberty came on and was roundly booed following his spell with the club and his previous career at bitter rivals Muang Thong United.

 

The game ended in controversy. The linesman flagged for offside as the Port defence more or less stopped. The ball was crossed and put away by sub, Thitipan Puangohan. On referral to VAR, the goal stood. The home fans, never the slowest in showing their emotions went berserk. It was about the right result but not a nice way for it to come about.

Port FC 2 Suphanburi 0 (Wednesday 9th February 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,681) 

A win’s a win but it was a far-from-inspired performance by the hosts who showed an obvious lack of confidence. At least the effort was there. Goals came from Bordin after twenty-eight minutes and substitute Nattawat in stoppage time. 

He had replaced hapless Salvadorian striker Nelson Bonilla who would struggle to score in Patpong on his form at the time. It is always sad to see a player struggle, especially when they take up decent positions. It looked like both parties were resigned to it not working out. 

I had caught the bus from the end of my complex to the stadium gates where I picked up my pre-paid ticket from the booth, leaving me time for a few drinks from the pop-up bars on the street outside PAT Stadium.

It was also nice to have a quick slurp after the game with some local lads I've befriended before a taxi home. It was also nice to celebrate the opening goal with Madam Pang who was upstairs in her apartment behind the goal in a happy mood.

Port FC 1 Chiangmai United 2 (Sunday 13th February 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,825) 

PAT Stadium was still restricted to a 25% capacity because of Covid, but selling out wasn't going to be an issue with performances like this particularly abject offering in places against the bottom of the table away side. United fully deserved the three points.

Their physical Brazilian pairing of forward Bill and centre-back Evson showed how to put in professional performances. Both must have been ruined at full time, after giving everything as well as using their nous in game management and knowing how to see a game out.

Thawin Butsombat scored for Chiang Mai within the first minute. Four minutes after the break Ekanit Panya doubled the lead after the linesman had originally flagged for offside before VAR correctly gave the goal.

Port mounted some pressure and got one back through Kevin Deeromram to set up a grandstand last twenty minutes. Bonilla had been introduced at the break. There was more chance of me scoring. 

I had taken the opportunity to sit downstairs down the side where the most passionate locals offer advice to all and sundry as I try to work out where I fancy getting a season pass for next time round.

It reminded me of Morton in Scotland in terms of vitriol and in terms of being able to understand what exactly was being shouted. It was an experience. I had time to kill before the game. 

My intention was to rid my Saturday night hangover by heading out early, buying a ticket and then going on to the Bangkok Premier League match at 4pm between Harmonious United and Nonthaburi City before returning to PAT for 7.30.

However, the buses let me down, so I ended up having a lengthy walk and an all-day English breakfast at the excellent Sportsman bar on Sukhumvit Soi 13. Ironically enough a bus turned up from the other side of Khlong Toei Market not long after the game to take me all the way back to Min Buri.

Port FC 0 Chiangrai United 0 (Wednesday 9th March 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 1,629) 

A bus took me most of the way into town before getting snarled up in rush hour traffic meaning that I required a cab to complete the journey if I wanted a couple of libations from the pop-up stalls.

Port were on an awful run and had two players suspended along with injuries, but they put on an excellent display, full of effort and energy. Well generally anyway. Salvadorian forward Nelson Bonilla really was a waste of space, totally lacking in confidence and commitment. 

The hosts had a goal ruled out just before the break for offside after a VAR review. I enjoyed the displays of twenty-one-year-old Swedish/Thai William Weidersjö, in midfield until he ran out of gas and the ever-willing Philip Roller, a Thai with a German father, wide on the right. He was prone to errors but gave his all each match.

There was a good turnout of away fans and the usual PAT Stadium experience where I took a seat at a bar next to a young fella called Jorge, a freelance walking tour guide in Bangkok. We sat in the ground together too. Even better a bus took me all the way back to my local from the far side of Khlong Toei Market so I could enjoy a couple of nightcaps.

Port FC 3 Nongbua Pitchaya 0 (Sunday 1^st May 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 2,875) 

The previous evening, I had been at the excellent Ratchaburi v Chonburi match before catching a bus back to Bangkok and heading down to buy tickets, as I was to be joined by my pal Steve along with three Aussie mates from the annual cricket in Chiang Mai.

It was a pleasant surprise to find that tickets were being given away free as a thank you from Madam Pang. We all met at Oasis Bar on Soi Cowboy before heading to the match, where we were hit with a huge downpour as we were going in. Fortunately, an opportunist poncho seller came to the rescue. 

Port were aided by an early Nongbua red card given by referee Noppadet Mangngam to Iain Ramsay who spat at a home player. The hosts played extremely well and put on a proper display, somehow going in 0-0 at the break after doing everything but score.

They were backed by an excellent raucous atmosphere, which my guests really enjoyed. The visitor’s rearguard was finally breached three minutes after the interval when the unfortunate Yuttapong Srilakon put the ball in his own net.

The ever-excellent Sergio Suárez scored the second which was added to in stoppage time by sub Nurul Sriyankem. We headed away in good form to grab a cab back to Min Buri.

Port FC 0 Lamphun Warriors 0 (Sunday 14^th August 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 6,065) 

This was more like it, at least pre-match, as the full fan zone had re-opened and a full capacity available. The club had decided to charge just 50 THB a ticket for the first half of the season as well as removing seats in areas where the most vocal fans congregated. 

There was no shortage of encouragement for Port, but the performance failed to live up to expectation and had to thank their keeper Worawut Srisupa for making some excellent saves as Warriors nearly took all three points in their first game at the top level of Thai football. 

A good day for me, as I had been to a decent Thonburi League clash between Thaispirit and FC Bangsaotong with my friend Vaughan and his son Pat before they dropped me in town. The slow but cheap 519 took me back to my local bar after the game.

Port FC 1 Bangkok United 1 (Sunday 2^nd October 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 4,199)

 

I had considered heading to Chamchuri United v Samutsakon City in advance of this fixture, but tiredness ruled it out. Instead, the direct 519 bus dropped me outside the PAT to collect my pre-paid 50 Baht ticket, just as it started tipping down thirty minutes before the 6pm kick off.

Fortunately, a poncho seller was on hand making quick sales. A couple of beers and then inside. Port played pretty well against a decent United side. going ahead five minutes before the break when referee Chaireag Ngam-Som awarded a debatable penalty. 

Hamilton stepped to slot the spot kick home past keeper Michael Falkesgaard. The man in the middle had an indifferent game but probably got the big calls about right. After the break Vander Luiz levelled things up after an hour and then antagonised the home fans with his over the top celebrations.

The pattern of the match would change halfway through the second period when after a check of the VAR monitor, home defender Suphanan Bureerat was correctly shown a straight red card after bringing down a United forward on his way to goal. 

There followed a fine back to the wall display from Cooper’s side that would have ended in certain defeat before his arrival. Port even strung a few promising attacks of their own together but couldn’t find a way through.

United had the majority of possession but were either wasteful or came up against resilient defending. A draw was the right outcome. At full time I headed through the market and caught the bus back to Minburi in time to catch some Premier League football.

Port FC 3 Sukhothai 0 (Wednesday 2^nd November 2022) Thai FA Cup Round of 64 (att: 2,654)

I arrived at this cup tie with Marco, and Jim who runs the Port FC Sambapit Twitter feed by Grab taxi after we had been to the earlier match at Samut Prakhan Stadium for the match in the same round between FC Bangsaotong and Uthai Thani.

Our driver had worked the oracle and we arrived in time for a beer. The match followed the pattern of a normal Port game. Lots of possession and pretty football, but chances going begging and the lack of someone being able to strike on target from the edge of the box.

Indeed, with the frustration growing I popped down to buy my round for the boys when I heard a cheer from the stands. Teerasak Poeiphimai scored in first-half stoppage time. At the break, I had a lovely chat with an elder Port fan Geoff, who supports Watford back home, with our subject for ten minutes or so being Luther Blissett.

In a good mood anyway, this chat brought a smile to my face as we swapped ends after the break which seemed rather apt after talking about a football legend of yesteryear. There was something of a festival atmosphere among the crowd as Port laid siege to the Sukhothai goal.

The score was doubled after sixty-six minutes when “the Brazilian Andy Carroll” otherwise known as Hamilton scored. Towards the end of the match, I decided to go upstairs down the side for another view and to see what my missed calls were all about.

My good lady Taew had been trying to reach me, as it transpired that a random English bloke had turned up in her bar. I told her to ask him to hold on, and I would get a taxi back rather than the bus, just as Poeiphimai rounded off the scoring. 

The fella lived in Phuket but was in the capital when his wife gave birth to their first child prematurely in Nawamin 9 Hospital opposite the bar. He had gone in to try and relax and have a drink and eat. I was enormously proud, but in no way shocked, that Taew had made his experience so happy.

If I had been in a good mood previously, then this put the icing on the cake, as we shared a couple more drinks before he headed back to see his tired lady who would be transferred to a hospital with their child in Nonthaburi the following day 

Port FC 2 Nakhon Ratchasima 0 (Saturday 12th November 2022) Thai League 1 (att: 3,118) 

My next visit to the PAT allowed me to partake in one of my favourite pastimes and introduce friends to the experience for the first time. My pal Gary was down from Buriram and had wanted to tick BG Stadium off his list, but their game against Kawasaki Frontale in the J League Asia Challenge was a surprising sellout.

He pondered while we had drinks after the Samut Prakan City v Rajpracha match the previous evening before he agreed to go with me. We met at The Mall Bangkapi before taking the boat down the Saen Saep and had lunch in The Sportsman on Soi 13. 

The pub was packed, predominantly with Kiwis as New Zealand were playing England in the final of the women’s Rugby World Cup. Some of the loud cheering was enough after food and I pint so we headed instead to Lek’s Last Stand on Sukhumvit Road.

We were joined by Andy Crossland and his pal Steve from Sunderland, though now a resident in Beverley for a pint before we went to The Clubhouse where Gary was meeting some Port fans he knew, but who weren’t going to the match. From there it was a taxi to the stadium.

My friends really enjoyed the fan zone outside, My pal Marco had done the business purchasing the 50 Baht tickets in advance, and we were sorted with a table and chairs as the staff of one outlet did their best to offer wonderful customer service.

There was additional interest in the clash with former Scarborough goalkeeper Kevin Blackwell in charge of Nakhon Ratchasima. His grey hair must have gone white as his side put in what was a generally hapless display as we stood behind the goal. 

After lots of possession and missed opportunities, Port eventually went ahead just past the half-hour mark through Bordin Phala. Visiting defender Charlie Clough was taking plenty of banter from some of the expats in the home end and was giving as good as he got.

At the interval, we returned to our table that was waiting and reserved for us, with our drinks arriving quicker than for those who were queuing over the fence. We ensured that a tip was left for our helpful assistant.

 

The second half was typical Port. On top but slowly defending deeper and inviting pressure. I would have had a decent bet on them conceding, but a woeful Korat team could not take advantage. Hamilton put the game to bed with four minutes remaining.

The couple staying in town suggested we hung around and took advantage of such a welcome as we sat down once again for a couple more beers before we waved farewell while Gary and I headed back to Minburi by taxi.

Port FC 2 Nongbua Pitchaya 1 (Sunday 19^th February 2019) Thai League 1 (att: 4,451) 

My life was moving on at full pace, with it being likely that this would be my last chance of a home game for some time, with so much future time to be spent in the northeast of Thailand. I was determined to make the most of it.

The ideal day after a lie in commenced with an early lunch chim chum at one of our favourite alfresco restaurants in Lam Lu Ka, with Taew’s sister and family. The food was top class as ever before I was dropped on the main road ready to have fun. 

A minivan dropped me at Khu Khot BTS station from where travel was still free as far as Mo Chit. I took full advantage by taking it all the way to Ha Yaek Lat Phrao where I swapped to the MRT a short walk away at Phahon Yothin where the subway took me to Phra Ram 9.

I needed some electrical equipment, and I had read that Fortune Town was the place to go. I got one item and met with Port pal, Marco before returning to the train to get out at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

 

We were early enough, so we wandered past Khlong Toei Market to visit Big C before wandering to PAT Stadium to grab our 50 Baht tickets, which were exceptional value. Within minutes we were enjoying the same excellent hospitality as my previous visit.

The fan zone had really upped its game in this department, and there was a real carnival atmosphere around the place. The staff set us up a table, which was handily placed near a table of locals, where one played old indie and Britpop classics, which set the mood perfectly.

It seemed a shame to have to go into the game, such fun we had, chatting with other Port fans, drinking, and listening to the music. We headed to Zone D as Port unusually kicked towards the east end of the ground in the first half.

The first half was a familiar story to the regulars. Lots of possession, far too many passes and frustration as the opponents packed their defence. Coach Matt Holland had been given the heave-ho after he had replaced Scott Cooper but not much had changed.

The new men at the helm, ideally without the intervention of owner Madame Pang, were Choketawee Promrut and Surapong Kongthep, who continued to try and fit all the players in, rather than picking the best formation and upsetting one or two.

Shortly before halftime a shot from the visitors Leon James came back off the post with keeper Somporn Yos motionless. However, the effort had hit the arm of Thiti Thumporn on the way through. After consultation with VAR, referee Warintron Sassadee pointed to the spot, where Alvin Fortes made no mistake. 

After a beer and the usual chunter, we swapped ends, as I managed to get to the back among locals intent on getting behind the team. Port probed and manufactured a great opportunity when Pakorn Prempak got to the byline and crossed only for Bordin Phala to head wide with the goal gaping with fifteen minutes remaining.

Five minutes later, a deep corner was headed down resulting in a scramble. The ball landed at the feet of Hamilton who cleverly put the ball home among the mayhem. The cheers had hardly died down when Port scored what would be the winner.

A quick short corner saw Martin Steuble put in a cross that the unmarked Teerasak Poeiphimai headed in at the near post. The place went berserk, and for the closing minutes the hosts were a different side, Hamilton suddenly becoming unplayable.

The celebrations continued outside. I was asked to join the table where the excellent DJ and his gang shared beers with me as we made friends. I tried speaking my limited Thai, but I was told by the selector of songs that it would be easier if we spoke in English! A video can be enjoyed here.

He had learned his music from working and studying in Oxford, London, and Eastbourne. His lovely wife arrived after a couple of beers. I video-called Taew to let her know I was OK during several of the singsongs that ensued before it was time for a taxi home. 

A fantastic day out, but I knew about it the following day, especially during the long drive to Sisaket.

Port FC 2 BG Pathum United 3 (Saturday 2nd December 2023) Thai League 1 (att: 5,862)

An astonishing match at the PAT Stadium in Khlong Toei, and right up there with anything I’ve ever seen in the Land of Smiles as the third-placed hosts took a 2-0 lead before the second-placed visitors scored three times in the final fifteen minutes to snatch victory.

There was nothing between the sides in the opening exchanges, though if anything BGPU looked the more likely side to break the deadlock with Sarach Yooyen pulling the strings in midfield. Suphanan Bureerat put Port ahead after twenty-seven minutes, cutting in inside the box to beat keeper Kittipong Poothawchuek at his near post with a low drive.

The lead was doubled five minutes later by Pakorn Parmpak whose drive was deflected over the stranded goalie, but not before the home side had a shot handled near the goal line. Surely VAR was ready and waiting to intervene if the later shot hadn’t gone in. 

Charlie Clough at the heart of the Port defence was putting in a real shift, while custodian Samporn Yos pulled off a couple of top stops before the break. After the interval, BGPU intensified their play gradually, while Port relied on sporadic breaks. 

Some home fans blamed the tactics of coach Rangsan Vivatchaichok in his first home game in charge, but his side was up against quality opposition in my opinion. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up in such cases.

I was recording live snippets to be edited for our Podcast and said with twenty minutes to go that either side could win. Eventually, Pathum pulled a goal back through a howitzer from the edge of the box from Freddy Alvarez. The pressure continued to mount. In the end, it was a VAR decision that created the equaliser. 

Nobody had any real idea what it was for, but once again a Thai controller was desperate to make themselves noticed. Teerasil Dangda slotted home the spot kick. The legendary veteran scored the winner when he collected a low cross on the edge of the box. 

The video report for A Thai Football Podcast

He used all his skill, before bending an absolute beauty into the top corner in the fourth of seven minutes additional time. He is still the best player in Thailand, and I never tire of watching him. It also helped that it was a brilliant day surrounding the match. 

My wife accompanied me as we were meeting friends still over from Chiang Mai cricket the previous weekend. Dave, an Aussie who supports AFC Wimbledon and his good lady Michele lives in Hull. We had lunch near Asoke at Suda Restaurant where our guests rated the food more highly than Taew.

There was time for another beer at Buddy's Bar & Grill, a pleasant enough American-style establishment on the end of Soi 20, before taking a cab to the stadium. Our driver tried taking us to the main entrance, maybe thinking we were VIP but I soon put him right.

Our friends loved every minute of the fans’ experience outside with the many food and drink stalls, all at cheaper than ordinary bar prices. As Michele said, “it’s just like Hull fair without the rides!” It is the best fan zone in the country and Bangkok’s best beer garden on a matchday, again in my opinion. 

I’d contacted my local friend from my previous visit in the morning, and he said a stall owner would queue for our tickets to ensure we didn’t have any inconvenience and were guaranteed to get in. The match was just about sold out. There was a 50 Baht surcharge on each one, but we considered it money well spent.

Inside, totally by chance we were in with those we’d been drinking with. It was as raucous an atmosphere as I had been in at the PAT. Real passion, old school abuse of opponents and officials, with my life smiling wryly at some of the insults being hurled. 

We returned after the game to the fan zone for more music, beer, and snacks, making more friends along the way. Home by 11pm, totally knackered and ready for a good kip before our internal flight back to Isan the following morning.

Port  FC1 Trat 0 (Saturday 24th February 2024) Thai League 1 (att: 4,118) 

A lovely weekend in the centre of the capital meeting up with a group of mates from Scarborough who were over on a short break as well as catching up with other friends near to our Minburi condo earlier in the week.

The match itself was entertaining enough fare, with the visitors second from bottom and Port in third going into the game. After a slow start, the home side got their act together and put a lot of pressure on the Trat defence. Bordin missed a sitter before Pathompon scored what would turn out to be the only goal after nineteen minutes.

Trat recovered after what looked like it might have to be a case of damage limitation following the goal and put together some good moves of their own, with Lidor Cohen a handful upfront. After the interval, huge gaps appeared at either end on a hot evening. 

Somporn in the home net pulled off a couple of saves, one an amazing one-handed stop while a visiting player missed a sitter and found the outside of the post. The hosts were guilty of over-elaborating on several occasions while there was always a chance of the away side snatching a point. It wasn’t to be. 

Opposite centre backs, Charlie Clough for Port and Jorge Filippe for Trat, both had excellent games with their reading of things and putting to use their huge physical presence.

As ever the match was just part of the experience. Officially a Buddha Day in Thailand with the sale of alcohol strictly prohibited, so my local contact gave us the beer outside in the fans zone as a gift and I transferred him the cash later. Fair to say my guests enjoyed the experience with the food stalls, enjoying brisk trade from some of them. 

I had managed to sort a Grab minibus to the stadium from the hotel which made life immeasurably easier as my wife and perplexed driver sat in the front without a hope of deciphering the chat in the back. I struggled at times to be fair.

The three Scarborough Athletic directors were astonished at the lack of health and safety regulations both inside and outside the stadium when recalling some of the hoops the club had to jump through for a license and meet league regulations. Thank goodness we have no graders here and people act in a way so that they don’t put others at risk. It’s a huge help. 

It’s probably as well that I took them to one of the better venues in the Thai League. Several complained about sore behinds after sitting on metal steps for the match. They must be getting soft on the North Yorkshire Riviera.

No booze in the bars in town so we hung around for ninety minutes to finish off supplies and so that I could finish stuff for the weekly Thai Football Podcast while shirts were swapped between a couple of fans and following a scarf been given to our chief host and DJ. 

Back in town, it was quite amusing to see lots of sober farang cuddling a coke or water while watching the 3pm games from England. It gave Taew and me a good excuse to head off to our hotel, which was not our original booking, but which we were upgraded to owing to issues at our original choice.

Sunday morning, Andy and I did a 10km walk in the city, followed by lunch and beers with my fair lady in The Sportsman and then an excellent meal in TK in Terminal 21 on Sukhumvit. I knew that a big night was ahead so I ate plentifully!

A surprise was in store for Taew after cocktails in a wonderful Salvador Dali inspired wine bar, as we were treated to a couple of bottles of top-quality red wine on the forty-ninth-floor open-air rooftop bar with Andy offering his best wishes on our married life.

As the sun set over the City of Angels, it was as close to perfect as possible, with the DJ knowing exactly what feel-good tunes should be played for that atmosphere. Later we headed for a lively late evening in an entertainment zone while catching up with the others, some on their first visit to the city who fell instantly in love with it.

The eight-hour train journey back to Sisaket on Monday morning was not a thing of beauty. All worth it, and another brilliant weekend with football and great company. I was alerted to our posse being on the live TV coverage at the match and I managed to grab a screenshot on the app when we returned home.

Port FC 4 Sukhothai 1 (Tuesday 27th August 2024) Thai League 1 (att: 4,076)

The early season optimism, which is often missing in the New Year was still abundant as I arrived at the PAT following a fantastic weekend break in Koh Chang for the annual Beach Cricket Tournament. I travelled by bus, boat, and train to arrive in good time.

 

A young pairing had remarkably ridden by bicycle from Chesterfield to Bangkok for charity and I had followed their progress online. A few messages connected us, as they were also heading to the game. We managed to hook up before going in to see Port put their hapless visitors to the sword.

Within sixteen minutes goals from Bordin and then Isaac Honny had put the hosts in command. At the interval, I introduced the travellers and their friends to Yow my local DJ friend who did so much to make all my mates so welcome. They thought it was amazing, and we arranged to reconvene after the game. 

Teerasak came off the bench to add a third five minutes from time before Sukhothai game their travelling support something to cheer about with a goal from Matheus Fornazari. Teerasak finished things off in stoppage time.

As ever, I was contemplating the slow journey back to Minburi while getting involved in a rather sociable after-match gathering. Enter Yow and his good lady who spoke to Taew on the phone and explained the situation and that they were driving me home later. 

I was chauffeured back in the huge car as Yow pulled down a screen showing match highlights and gave me a cold beer from the fridge as his good lady sailed up the highway to deliver me to my front door. Incredible kindness and a great way to round off a wonderful few hours.

Port FC 2 Nongbua Pitchaya 1 (Sunday 1st December 2024) Thai League 1 (att: 3,350) 

Back in the capital after visits by plane north to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, Taew and I caught up with friends. I’d invited Mark Wise, an Oxford United, Bangkok teaching friend along, to see how he compared Port to his enjoyable visit to BGPU the previous season.

We met at Bangkapi and took trains down to Khlong Toei before sitting in the fan zone to enjoy refreshments. Yow was late and had enjoyed quite a sociable afternoon by the looks of things as we chatted away with fans gathering outside.

There had been a bit of turmoil at port where the wheels had predictably come off after a fantastic start to the season. Coach Rangsan resigned and then reappeared. His side still played some lovely football without having the killer touch to put away teams as they should have been doing.

On this occasion, they failed to breach the Nongbua backline who defended resolutely with Jorge Fellipe putting in a great shift. The visitors withstood all that was flung in their way before taking the lead with a well-crafted goal which was finished with aplomb by Marcus Haber after seventy-two minutes. It was fair enough on the balance of play. 

However, Port got straight back into it a couple of minutes later when Lonsana Doumbouya rose to powerfully head home from a corner. The hosts piled on the pressure, creating a grandstand finish in front of us. With just a couple of minutes of normal time remaining, substitute, Teerasak scored the winner.

It had been an entertaining game and as ever a top social occasion. I was unable to hang around after the match, so Mark and I eventually managed to get a cab to take us back along Ramkhamhaeng Road where we parted ways. 

Mark went home while I went to a superb outdoor Isan restaurant on Panya Indra Road to meet Taew and Thai friends, including the owner. It was well into the early hours when we eventually got home. A top day indeed.

Port FC 1 Khon Kaen United 2 (Wednesday 15th January 2015) Thai League 1 (att: 2,317)

The match and my feelings are summed up in this article.

Port FC 3 Ratchaburi 3 (Friday 24th January 2025) Thai League 1 (att: 3,538)

An astonishing game of football that somehow managed to rack up eighteen minutes of VAR reviews. The away side thought that they'd gone ahead but the goal from Jakkaphan Kaewprom was chalked off for offside by VAR, according to those watching on TV without conclusive evidence. 

Gabriel Mutombo put Ratchaburi ahead after thirty-seven minutes, with the excellent Japanese star Tatsuya Tanaka doubling the advantage. Lonsana Doumbouya pulled one back in additional stoppage time before the break. The two-goal advantage was regained three minutes after the resumption as Tanaka struck again.

The Port defence was a shambles for the second home game in succession but going forward they weren’t so bad. Noboru Shimura scored a wonderful header, but VAR again intervened to spoil the celebrations. However, there was nothing the faceless crew in the truck could do to disallow a goal from Chalermsak Aukkee.

The entertainment was nonstop as play went from one end to the other. Port continued throwing caution to the win. Eventually, their efforts paid off when the ever-petulant Jonathan Khemdee, clearly handled a deep cross in the area, though once again it took a lengthy VAR delay to reach the correct decision.

The match is featured as part of my video production

Substitute and new signing Peniel Mlapa stepped up to slot away the resulting penalty. He flattered to deceive throughout his cameo and missed a great chance to grab the winner in time that had been added on. A real thriller of a match all told.

A real adventure as I took a new aircon bus to the PAT, trying to engage in conversation in Thai with a man and wife also heading to the game who revealed five minutes from our destination that they were Chinese. No wonder they didn’t speak much.

A proper drink as ever followed by the usual nightmare of getting home. It was well worth it, at least until I awoke on Saturday morning.