Ubon Eastern FC

Eastern University of Management and Technology, known as Ubon Eastern from July 2025, after previously being known as EUMT FC, is a professional football club from the northeast city of Ubon Ratchathani, whose origins can be traced back to 2019 when Ubon Poly United FC was formed. 

They are based at the EUMT in the city, with the club having an academy and offering vocational courses for players. Poly were seemingly formed as a replacement for Ubon UTM United, carrying ta similar coloured crest, with a phoenix replacing an eagle. 

United had been formed in 2015, with UMT Stadium being built on the grounds of the university after spending their first season at Tung Burapha Stadium. The 'Eagles’ ended in second place in the third-tier Division 2 Northeast in 2015, with Trinidad & Tobago international Darryl Roberts putting away the goals. 

This was backed up with a top spot in the Champions League playoffs with a victory over Satun United, claiming the overall league title. Promotion to Division 1 saw Brazilian front man Victor Cardozo slot away the goals in 2016, with Ubon finishing runners-up under coach Scott Cooper to clinch a second successive promotion, this time to the top level of Thai football.

A tenth place was achieved in 2017, as Bajram Nebihi led the scoring charts. However, 2018 saw Cooper resign and be replaced by Mixu Paatelainen, who in turn was succeeded by Sugao Kambe as United were relegated despite the goals of Apiwat Pengprakon and Somsak Musikaphan.

Ubon endured a shocking 2019 campaign, ending second from bottom in Thai League 2 as Rogerio top scored, but there was much worse to come. The club was initially relegated to the 2020 Thai League 4 by the FA Thailand owing to a failure regarding the club licensing and wage problems. 

United were dissolved, leaving the way for the academy and Ubon Poly to use UTM Stadium. Poly held trials and played many friendly games prior to entering the Thailand Amateur League of 2022, where they ended in third place in Northeast Southern Zone Group C with Aekkayut Thongsai coaching the side.

The team continued to build after this, recruiting players and playing lots of friendly matches as Poly were admitted into the Thai Semi-Pro League of 2022-23, playing in the Northeast Region under head coach Panuwat Sripao, hoping to win promotion to the national league set up.

That same season, Northeastern Polytechnic Vocational College, another side from EUMT, entered the Amateur League, losing their Northeast Southern Zone semi-final to Nakhonratchasima College. 

Ubon Poly United finished sixth in the Semi-Pro League in the 2023-24 campaign, which was led by the appointment of head coach Sarawut Ruksasri. By the time of the 2024-25 season, the club had morphed into EUMT FC and was coached by Khapfa Boonmatoon.

The team ended as runners-up, but were promoted to the Thai League 3 Northeast, which looked to expand, having lost three clubs in a couple of years through their promotion. The pitch at the UMT Stadium was upgraded in readiness, while the club changed its title to something simpler, as Mongkol Thisakrai was appointed as head coach.

Ubon Eastern FC will play in the Thai League 3 Northeast in the 2025-26 season.

My visits

Ubon Poly 4 Ubon Kids City 2 (Sunday 5th March 2023) Thai Semi-Pro League Northeast (att: 432)

I was keen to visit UMT Stadium as soon as I saw that it would be back in action and hosting what were decent crowds. It was the weekend before my wedding, so I decided to head to Ubon despite being at the Sisaket United match the previous evening with my soon-to-be family.

My wonderful woman Taew did the honours and dropped me at Kanthararom, where I popped round to the small bus depot to wait for a van for 53 Baht, which took around forty minutes to the large bus terminal of Ubon Ratchathani.

On arrival, services were heading everywhere, but I soon managed to locate the City Bus, which ran to the airport via the main drag. The 10 Baht fare took me to Thung Sri Mueang, a main square and park in the city.

It had historical connotations to a Briton, as the monument was provided by former Prisoners of War from the Death Railway at Kanchanaburi, who were sent to Ubon by the Japanese. The monument was a way of saying thank you to the kind locals who took care of them.

Next, I wandered down to the Mun, the large river that runs through the province to Sisaket. I decided to have pork fried rice for lunch at the friendly and excellent value at Mala Table Set, Branch 15, before wandering into the city in search of transport.

A songthaew looked to have solved that, but I had to disembark as it took a right turn towards the airport, with a taxi being my salvation the rest of the way to the stadium, in time for a beer and a look around inside what was a most impressive venue, as I took advantage of the free admission.

I particularly liked the ends behind each goal with substantial seating blocks, and the corner section between the near end and the main stand. Every bit of space had been used thoughtfully, and I could imagine that quite an atmosphere could be built with a large crowd.

Possibly, its best feature was that there was ample leg room between each row of seats, something that’s quite often overlooked. The local derby would see the hosts go to the top of the table with a win, so the encounter attracted a decent attendance, including many from over the river supporting the away side. 

Poly’s Thichanon Phimwan fired over a great chance in the early stages, as his veteran strike partner, Rachanon Srinork, threw his considerable weight around and used all his experience of getting into the ear of referee Nakarin Thongkerd, who was not the strongest official I’d ever witnessed. 

There were fouls aplenty as the game woke up, with plenty of local pride at stake, with Tanyapong Saengsawang firing just wide for the visitors on what was a hot and steamy afternoon, necessitating a couple of breaks for drinks in each half. 

Home skipper Noppawit Obma clumsily brought down an opponent in the box, but his blushes were spared when keeper Pattanan Pijittham pushed the penalty away from Theerawat Sirijan in what was becoming an absorbing match which was not lacking in commitment or passion.

The hosts' winger Nattapakun Paingpala looked impressive, while the visiting bench was going spare with the nearside linesman. It began to get a little naughty, and the ref thankfully seemed to get a grip for the safety of the players, entertaining though it was.

It was Paingpala who set up Phimwan with the opening goal ten minutes from the break, before the lead was doubled from the spot by Srinork after a shot from outside the area was deemed to have been handled. The goals noticeably dampened the enthusiasm of the away support.

For the second half, I decided to go behind the goal that Poly were attacking, which turned out to provide me with some cracking views as the sun dropped and day turned to night. It wasn’t long before it was 3-0, as a diving header at the near post from Suphakrit Dongchan from a free kick beat goalie Krissadakorn Suepbun four minutes after the restart.

The Kids were united just before the hour mark when a header from a corner went in off the far post, with the effort being marked down as an own goal by defender Thiraphon Phrinphun, offering hope of a comeback.

The game became disjointed as the players tired, and Poly looked to hang on to what they’d got. I was helping a first timer try and get a ticket for the Port v Muang Thong game via Twitter, while back at UMT, Taweesak Detphon fired across the face of the goal for the home team. 

The frustration got all too much for Kids sub goalie Sarayut Khongcharoen, who was given a red card while on the bench. In the closing stages, Theodkead Siribon, a sub for Poly, was put through but denied by the legs of Suepbun, before he collected the rebound and chipped into the empty net from outside the box.

There was still some action to come as Winai Jarukan saw a free kick well saved as City continued until the end. They were rewarded with the last kick of the game as Suphakon Phumkhong made the final score 4-2. 

I made my escape via the next door, Nong Bua Market, happy that I’d seen a blood and thunder match without any theatrics. Just every player giving their all. I needed the assistance of a Grab taxi for the next part of the evening, as I was deposited at Ubon Tap Taste House Craft Beer & Foods.

What an excellent choice this turned out to be as I had three glasses of extremely hoppy ale at 6.5% percent which quenched the taste buds and was soaked up by a good, if small portion of spaghetti carbonara, and a perfect plate of piping hot chips.

The bar played excellent music at just the right volume and had good staff. It’s one that I would recommend, but just for an occasional treat, as the prices were at the higher end. That said, I received a 10% discount, which was appreciated.

A further taxi was booked, which took me to the station in time for the 8.30pm train, with my fare to Kanthararom costing 7 Baht. At the other end, my regular cab driver, Toy, was waiting as Taew had made the arrangements for me.

I really liked Ubon and enjoyed my first proper visit. I don't know why, perhaps the wide avenues, quiet tree-lined streets, the football stadium design and the craft pub reminded me of a small Dutch or German city.

There was a bit of a surprise awaiting on the lane close to home as a far larger wedding than I imagined was taking place, with a full stage being erected in the garden, with singers, dancers, and a band. It was of the Tawandang Brewery size in Bangkok. We managed to squeeze past the people buying from stalls outside the house.

There was only one way to round the night off, as my good lady and I headed down there to bump into friends and family and have some beers and a dance. It was most certainly the biggest wedding within 100 metres that week. What a great day, though I paid for it the following morning.

Ubon Poly United 0 Udon Banjan United 2 (Sunday 10th March 2024) Thai Semi-Pro League Northeast (att: 620)

An hour ride down the 226 road to Ubon Ratchathani, where an excellent display for the visitors put them back on top of the regional division, from which the champions are promoted to T3 and the national set-up.

When the teams lined up for the King’s Anthem, John, my regular attending mate, pointed to the difference in height and build between the two sides, with Poly looking far more adept in being able to deal with the physical demands of the game, and so it proved in the first fifteen minutes or so.

However, for all their good play, they failed to lay a glove on the visitors where it mattered. The more slight and quicker Udon side slowly got into things and began to dominate the midfield with their pressing. The tiny right back looked exposed, but he kept his discipline, meaning the fella he was marking would be withdrawn at the interval.

By then, a superb passing move put in Phongphat Pholphut to score smartly past keeper Panupong Pijittham at the back post. The goalie was pressed further into action, making a good stop as the highly impressive home crowd were given a shock. The winners of the game would go top after three games, with Ubon Poly the favourites for the title among many observers, including myself.

We opted for a seat behind the goal after the break, not least to enjoy the stunning sight of the setting sun and temple behind the far end. The pace of the moves being out together by the away side was leaving Ubon all at sea, too predictable and cumbersome at times. Then referee Rutratchapoom Moolpong decided he would get in on the action.

I couldn’t remember the last time I saw a free kick awarded for a deliberate back pass, but that’s what we gave, despite angry protestations from home players and supporters alike. The wall was nowhere near ten yards back, but it wasn’t to deter the plans of the Udon side. 

The ball was laid slightly backwards and square to Sittipat Kreearee, who smashed his effort in the very top corner. It was a brilliant strike, leaving the hosts with a real uphill battle with just over half an hour remaining. Battle they did and forced visiting custodian Wiraphat Chainikhom into making two brilliant stops as well as being rescued by the woodwork. 

The frame of the goal was also rattled at the other end, as Udon undid their hosts at will, and should have really won by a wider margin. Their head coach, Supachchart Manakit, is one to keep an eye on if he could produce sides like Udon Banjan.

A wonderful day out as ever, special for me as it was my wedding anniversary. A lift from my good lady to the pickup point and then quality cuisine and Laos Dark beers at Peppers, which really is worth a visit in Ubon. It was a pleasant surprise to see vendors selling beer outside, which could be taken in, as well as a table where home shirts were for sale for 390 THB (8.50).

No fans of the current T3 side, Ubon Kruanapat were in evidence, but plenty, including a gaggle of expats in old Ubon United colours. A chat with a couple after the game included the predictable but disappointing reasons that one didn’t want to live in York anymore. John kindly dropped me off at home, where my wife had a bottle of Jacobs Creek red waiting with some food. A really good day.

Ubon Eastern 3 Korat City 1 (Saturday 13th September 2025) Thai League 3 Northeast (att:725)

It was the opening day of Thai League 3, and with newly promoted Ubon Eastern playing at home, it made sense to head along to the UMT Stadium. The excellent venue had been maintained well and given a makeover, with a souvenir shop, ticket office, and a stall selling a range of beers and soft drinks.

There were lots of students on hand working for the club to help with stewarding and being generally helpful, which created a nice atmosphere, while the team had less time than many other sides to put a squad together, but judging by the evidence we witnessed, they had recruited well.

Nice for me and my mate John to buy tickets 1 and 2, arriving far too early. We had time to explore the locale, where everyone seemed friendly. Seats in the main stand were double the price of those elsewhere, but offered a good view with ample legroom, which can be a rarity at some venues. 

We were treated to a match full of entertainment on a lush playing surface with standing water in parts after the heavy rains of the last few weeks. It added to the spectacle with sliding tackles, mistakes, poor defending, and skill on display throughout. 10/10 to referee Methas Kumarasit, who used his common sense and let the game flow.

Ubon went 1-0 after seven minutes when Thiraphon Praosaen latched onto a flicked header from Matias Veron. The big Argentinian had a good game, but not as good as fellow foreign star, Kharim Abdul Ayeh. The Ghanian tore the Korat full-back Sunthon Sanitnok this way and that throughout. After twenty minutes, he cut inside after a run and unleashed a thirty-yarder that goalie Khomsan Sanphiphan never smelled.

This was after Korat, who had plenty of moments of their own, had drawn level when Jakkrit Aree scored off the post from the edge of the box. They thought they’d levelled for a second time, but Cedric Mabiala had his classy finish chalked off for offside. 

My video report for A Thai Football Podcast

After the break, the incessant pace gradually slowed in the testing conditions, which didn’t seem to stall Ayeh, who finished with seven minutes remaining when a shot from a teammate had been saved. Every player was worn out at the end, having contributed royally. A great credit to their clubs and the Thai League 3 football. It will be interesting to see how both sides fare as the season continues.

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 before August 2024.

The 2024-25 season was one of great change by the time it was completed. Coach Mo, Narongthanaphorn Choeithaisongchodok, was relieved of his duties during the mid-season break to be replaced by Pipob On-Mo, the former Thai international midfielder. He, in turn, departed at the end of the season.

His replacement was former Sisaket FC coach, the veteran, Somchai Chuayboonchum.

Sisaket United FC will play in the Thai League 2 in the 2025-26 season.

My visits post August 2024

Sisaket United 1 Pattaya United 1 (Saturday 10th 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 at 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 warn 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 because Chang was 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, Alberto Gouvea, 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 15th 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 side's 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 came 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 ground staff 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 bloke’s bedsheets, which detracted 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. John was unavailable, and news that the place might shut down too in the not-too-distant future sort of put a dampener on things, along with hearing that a friend back home was unwell.

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

Sisaket United 1 Kanchanaburi Power 1 (Saturday 28th 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 as I’ve been in the stadium. The locals genuinely care. I also had a walk around 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 beforehand 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) Thai 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 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 (att: 1,522)

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 8th 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 was akin to Brian Matthew's 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 arrive 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, focusing on his career and the matchday experience at Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium.

The video for my YouTube channel was made at the game.

The game ended in a 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 offered an explanation as to my condition the following day. We were even joined by Charlie Clough, which added to the evening.

Sisaket United 2 All Star 3 (Wednesday 16th July 2025) Pre-Season Friendly (att: c100)

Read here for my musings on pre-season friendlies, what supporters learn from them, and a worthwhile day out.

Sisaket United 3 Ubon Eastern 1 (Monday 4th August 2025) Pre-Season Friendly (att: c300)

What do friendlies tell you? Well, on this occasion, it offered optimism for home fans, with their overseas players looking decent. Judivan, the 30-year-old Brazilian with 5 caps at the under-20 level, looked strong and clever up front. Vastly experienced veteran wide man Steeven Langil was excellent. We passed a comment at the end of the match about just how awful the playing surface was.

A decent game to watch. The newly promoted side to T3 from an hour up the road, consisting mainly of trialists, went ahead as Sisaket played with the same competency as England batted at the same time at The Oval. 

When the Test was over, it was like a light came on and they looked like a different side, though I'd be astonished if there was any connection between the two. Eastern is based at the excellent UMT Stadium in Ubon Ratchathani, formerly home to Ubon United until they went bust with financial issues.

A leveller before half time through a low free kick from Judivan, followed by another couple of goals, some excellent football, and some good stuff falling apart owing to the dreadful pitch, making lads on trial or those trying to impress, having already signed, look like idiots, which I think is most unfair.

Nice to have a day out without chat about the recent border conflict. In the excellent company of my mate John, we headed to the gym, enjoyed a drive about town, had 9 holes of golf next to the stadium, and then took advantage of the buy 2, get 1 free Guinness to wash down my bangers and mash in Leo's. Beer, as ever, was taken inside the stadium to our seats.

The talk of the region at the time, away from the border dispute, was the government announcing that the land where the Buriram United stadium and the motor racing circuit next door have been built is on land that the owner and ruler of the province doesn't own, but belongs to the State Railway of Thailand. 

Sisaket United 0 Khon Kaen United 0 (Sunday 31st August 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 2,147) 

Another northeast derby and more excellent entertainment despite ending blank. How it did so was down to the home side missing four glaring chances in the first ten minutes, and then their centre back Pakornkiat, who miraculously cleared two KKU efforts off his own line with ‘keeper Prasit Phadungchok beaten.

A weak ref who seemingly allowed the visitors to foul at will, a poor pitch, and strange tactical decisions from Sisaket coach Somchai Choyboonchum. Some heavy rain added to the fun, which meant the shirt of winger Steeven Langil will need some washing. 

Strange really. I went home three times in the last month, filthy and drenched, to a less-than-positive response. A pro gave me his shirt, and my wife was all smiles and got on with cleaning it immediately. Strange creatures, women.

Good food and beer in Leo’s of whose owner joined me and my mate in the stands, which seating layout was apparently designed with pygmies in mind, especially when it rains and everyone tries to shelter under the roof. The small Thais under umbrellas diverting the rain onto me made my pals laugh more than I did.

Sisaket United 1 Kasetsart 3 (Sunday 21st September 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,462)

Another highly entertaining game involving a Sisaket club, even if it would have caused great angst to those of whom it really matters. The hosts were 3-0 down by half-time thanks to two awful errors by goalkeeper Adisak and a penalty, correctly flagged up by VAR, when a United defender decided it was a good idea to grab an opponent by the legs at a corner.

As a lover of football nostalgia, I enjoyed being taken back to 1975 and Stewart Kennedy’s performance at Wembley. Not sure his coach was as impressed, even though, for reasons only he knows, he seemed to be blaming the ref at the interval. Despite being 3-0 down, a very flat home side still created chances of their own.

After the break, it was one-way traffic, and countless chances were being squandered. I think I would introduce a rule if in a position of authority, which bans Thais from shooting from outside the box. They are generally hopeless. That said, they have endless energy, an accusation that could not be made of Judivan up front for Sisaket. 

They got one back through Filippe, the star home player on the night, for whom flying winger Steeven Langil was well marshalled by Kasetsart captain, Chayapol Supma. Their keeper, Prin Goonchon, played the part of pantomime villain, eventually being carded for time-wasting. French attacker, Ismail Sassi, was the best player on the park.

A fun few hours, as again a huge storm avoided my football game. The village back home got the lot for the following twelve hours. Good food and a couple of drinks pre-match, where Leo's were recruiting and interviewing staff for the new sports bar in town, due to open in a week. Most enlightening. 

Sisaket United 3 Padriew City 2 (Wednesday 24th September 2025) Thai FA Cup Qualifying Round (att: 305)

The worst conditions I have ever seen a pro game played in. The pitch was already dreadful before another storm landed, waterlogging it further and putting the kick-off back thirty minutes. The visitors from Chachoengsao had travelled eight hours, which is perhaps why the ref went ahead.

It was slightly better than expected to begin with, at which point Sisaket, fielding many of those without regular first-team action, had raced into a 3-0 lead within half an hour. Two goals came from the spot, one from Kittipong, the other from Phengchaem on the back of a well-worked goal finished with power by Pansiri.

Then a storm of Biblical proportions, complete with thunder and lightning, deposited more rainfall. It made sense to call it off, but the ref persevered to half-time when the rain stopped. The second half was a complete farce, which the players did their best to handle. All credit to them, along with the officials who had good games. It was bad enough in the grandstand!

Nigerian forward Jeremiah Kegbe was a real handful for the visitors, being big, strong, and talented. Best of all, he gave everything and smiled, enjoying every moment. If only all foreign signings were like him. He scored from the spot, the fifth penalty I’d seen over the two matches, and then beat keeper Adisak, who had a few days to forget, at the near post. Sisaket did enough to hang on.

I would have offered a baht for the thoughts of the groundsman if such a thing existed. Instead, they simply let the pitch dry out and play on it, ruts and all. It is a disgrace to professional football. When it had standing water, two lads tried to remove it using the type of squeegee used on a wet floor. They couldn’t even use those properly, as the surface is so uneven.

Sisaket United 1 Mahasarakham SBT 0 (Saturday 4th October 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,884)

Possibly not a game to captivate the neutral or a first timer, as my mate and I took along, but a victory based on proper hard graft for the hosts, who seem to have adopted playing a lone striker and then protecting a lead. Fair play to the club for trying to improve the pitch. Nowhere near perfect, but a lot better than doing nothing.

Filippe Veloso, the Brazilian up front, minus his two foreign teammates, ran his socks off and had a tremendous game against the powerful Korean centre back, Lee Jongcheon. Everyone in the home orange shirt contributed to a win based on teamwork, with the rub of the green decisions wise. The goal came when a free kick came back off the bar and was put away by Kittipong Wongma ten minutes before the interval.

By then, Mahasarakham had seen VAR chalk a goal off for an earlier foul, and then one disallowed in stoppage time for offside. The visitors had former Sisaket forward Danilo up front, who may as well have come to the pub with us. That said, I shook the hands of the whole home bench when substituted. A nice touch. His strike partner, veteran Leandro Assumpcao, saw a shot come back off the underside of the bar.

It was a wonderful few hours as ever, beginning with a long drink in the excellent Londoner Sports Pub. We watched Thai League 3 football on TV, enjoyed the promotions, played pool, and made new friends. More 7.30 pm kick-offs please. We sat on the open side in the stadium, where the passionate volume was noticeably increased through the additional drinking time.

Sisaket United 2 Phrae United 2 (Sunday 26th October 2025) Thai League 2 (att: 1,330)

A really good performance from the hosts, let down by poor finishing and a lack of concentration at the end, yet again, in a strange atmosphere. Phrae went ahead in additional time at the end of the first half through Herlison Caion. Sisaket mounted non-stop pressure in the second half, resulting in goals from Steeven Langil and Fellipe Veloso.

That should have been that. The visitors who had travelled fourteen hours on a coach looked done and were losing their heads before regathering their composure to score in the eleventh minute of additional time through Taku Ito. The ref had a look at VAR but decided the forward standing next to the goalie wasn’t interfering with play.

If there is anyone in Sisaket who can explain to the footballers that if they keep their head over the ball when they shoot it won't continually keep going over the bar. The locals around me learned some very sweary Yorkshire words, which seemed to amuse them.

A weird occasion all told. The crowd was down as a Thai band, Cocktail, played a gig to 20,000 at the stadium up the road. Hopefully, it didn't do too much damage to the pitch. Thailand was currently in mourning after the death of the Queen Mother on Friday. It was slightly surprising that the games and concerts went ahead this weekend, as well as bars being allowed to sell alcohol. 

The following morning, I wish that they hadn’t. Fans were asked to show respect and refrain from certain behaviours. Grumpy gits would have enjoyed it as drums and loud hailers were barred. Interestingly, the Pattaya United fans didn’t consider pulling down the segregation fence to have a go at Rasisalai away support to be off limits.