‘Dolphins’ back on the winning trail

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Thai Premier League Season 2012

Pattaya United got back to winning ways last Saturday with a 2-0 away win over struggling BBCU at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.

In a tense first half, the ‘Dolphins’ were given a reprieve when BBCU’s Jacob Aikhionbare saw his powerful header rebound off the foot of the Pattaya post with goalkeeper Narit left stranded.  Indeed the United shot stopper would be called on several times in the opening 45 minutes to produce fine saves to keep the scores level at the break.

Pattaya United’s Kim Do-Yeon (20) scores his side’s second goal against BBCU at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Saturday, May 5. (Photo/Pattaya United FC) Pattaya United’s Kim Do-Yeon (20) scores his side’s second goal against BBCU at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, Saturday, May 5. (Photo/Pattaya United FC)

The Dolphins came out in more determined mood in the second half and broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when Paul Ekollo made a darting run in the inside channel to latch onto a fine through pass and slot the ball past the advancing keeper to give United the lead.

The score would remain at 1-0 until the first minute of injury time when United’s Korean misfielder Kim Do-Yeon cut in from the left wing and unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the area that flew past the BBCU keeper into the roof of the net and secured all three points for the visitors.

United have now moved up to seventh place in the standings, level on points with close rivals Chonburi FC who slipped to a surprise 1-0 defeat away at Army on Friday night.  Muang Thong United continue to lead the way after their win over Osotspa but defending champions Buriram are only four points behind with two games in hand.

Pattaya United’s next match is a home fixture on Sunday, May 11 against Osotspa M-150 at the Nongprue Stadium.  Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Thai Premier League Standings May 6

Team P W D L GD Pts
Muang Thong United 8 5 3 0 9 18
Bangkok Glass 8 4 4 0 10 16
BEC Tero Sasana 7 5 0 2 5 15
Buriram United 6 4 2 0 10 14
Wuachon United 8 3 4 1 2 13
Chonburi 7 3 3 1 9 12
Pattaya United 8 3 3 2 0 12
Army United 8 3 3 2 0 12
Police United 8 3 2 3 -1 11
Osotspa 8 3 0 5 -3 9
TOT 8 2 2 4 -2 8
TTM Chiangmai 7 1 4 2 -1 7
Chainat 7 1 4 2 -1 7
Thai Port 8 2 1 5 -10 7
Esan United 8 1 3 4 -6 6
Chiangrai United 8 1 3 4 -6 6
BBCU 8 1 3 4 -7 6
Samut Songkhram 8 1 2 5 -8 5
Results:  (Fri 04/05/12) Army United 1-0 Chonburi. (Sat 05/05/12) Osotspa 1-2 Muang Thong United; BBCU 0-2 Pattaya United; TOT 1-0 Chiangrai United. (Sun 06/05/12) Esan United 1-1 Police United; Thai Port 0-2 BEC Tero Sasana; Chainat 0-1 TTM Chiangmai; Bangkok Glass 4-1 Samut Songkhram