United’s promotion hopes dented by Air Force

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Pattaya United passed up the opportunity to take outright second spot in the Division 1 league standings last weekend when they slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against fellow promotion chasers Air Force Central FC at a rain soaked Thupatemee Stadium in Rangsit on Sunday.

Following on the back of a convincing 3-1 home victory over Bangkok the previous weekend, United were confident of attaining a result against Air Force that would have seen them leapfrog above BBCU and Nakhon Pathom into second place behind Police United.

Pattaya United’s Lee Won-young (left) evades the challenge of Air Force defender Thammada Kokyai during their Division 1 fixture at the Thupatemee Stadium in Rangsit, Bangkok, Sunday, October 4. (Photo courtesy Pattaya United)Pattaya United’s Lee Won-young (left) evades the challenge of Air Force defender Thammada Kokyai during their Division 1 fixture at the Thupatemee Stadium in Rangsit, Bangkok, Sunday, October 4. (Photo courtesy Pattaya United)

Those hopes were soon dashed on a water-logged Thupatemee Stadium pitch however as United barely got out of first gear and let the hosts take the initiative early in the game.  Air Force scored either side of half time through well taken goals by Somsak Muksikapan and Kouassi Yao Hermann in the 44th and 48th minutes.

United remain in fourth place in the standings on 46 points, the same as fifth placed Air Force Central although the Dolphins have a far better goal difference.  Nakhon Pathom in third place have 47 points, having played one game less, and BCCU stay second on 48.

Pattaya United’s next league game is against TTM Customs FC on Sunday, October 18 at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya.  Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.