Rangsarit Suthasa opened the scoring for the home team in just the second minute of the match after United forward Patipon Petwiset had been bundled over by the Ubon defenders, leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty. Suthasa duly stepped up to calmly convert it and give United the lead.
United forward Patipol Phetwiset (14) battles for the ball with an Ubon Tigers defender during the friendly match played at the Nongprue Stadium on January 22.
The ‘Dolphins’ doubled their lead in the 11th minute when Premwut Wongdee took advantage of a mistake in the Ubon defence after being played through by Ludovik.
Patipon, himself, gave United a three goal cushion after latching onto a cross from new Japanese signing Okawa to easily beat the Tiger’s goalkeeper, and the same player scored his second of the match just before the break to give United a 4-0 lead over their outclassed opponents.
Coach Jatuporn rang the changes for the second half, giving run outs to Somchai Singmanee, Seeket Madputae, and Chomphu Sangpho. The changes didn’t seem to affect United’s tempo too much however and after missing a couple of earlier opportunities, Ludovik was finally able to get on the score-sheet in the 64th minute when he headed in a cross from Singmanee.
More substitutes were introduced by United but it didn’t interfere with the course of the game as the home side continued to dominate. A sixth and final goal came just before the end as Ludovik pounced on a rebound to notch his second of the match.
Coach Jatuporn said he was pleased with the pre-season progress of the United squad but was hoping that none of the players would pick up any serious injuries prior to the start of the new Premier League season. He would not be drawn on questions over United’s interest in another possible transfer target from the Japanese J League and said all potential transfer matters were being dealt with by the United board of directors.
Pattaya United start their new Thai Premier League campaign on Saturday, February 12, against Bangkok Glass at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
