Pattaya United and Chonburi FC shared the spoils in a keenly fought Eastern Seaboard derby match at the Institute of Physical Education stadium in Chonburi last Sunday. The main talking point after the game however was the decision of United manager and former coach Pansak Ketwattha to quit his post, this following on from the recent resignation of first team coach Jutaporn Pramolbal.
Even though on paper the match was supposed to be a home game for United, the fact that they are currently forced to play all their hope fixtures in Chonburi due to stadium renovations meant that their opponents had the majority of the spectator support. Despite this, it was United who started the brighter against the inform ‘Sharks’ and they took the lead in the match through a superb headed goal from their Japanese import Hiroyuki Yamamoto, who connected with a free kick from Anuwat Inyin to power the ball past Chonburi keeper Sunjin from the edge of the area.
Pattaya United players celebrate after taking the lead against Chonburi FC at the Institute of Physical Education stadium in Chonburi, Sunday, May 29. (Photo/Ariyawat Nuamsawat)
Chonburi, chasing a win to keep them in touch with runaway leaders Buriram PEA, piled on the pressure in the second half of the game and they were rewarded with an equalizing goal from Ney Fabiano in the 70th minute. The Brazilian striker latched onto a clever pass from Pipob On-mo on the edge of the Pattaya penalty area to clinically dispatch a low left foot shot past Narit.
Pansak Ketwattha.
Both teams were unable to add to the scoring during the remainder of the match and neither side will be happy with a point as it leaves Chonburi trailing Buriram by six points, albeit with a game in hand, while United are still languishing in mid table and only five points away from the drop zone.
Immediately after the match, United manager Pansak Ketwattha announced that he would be stepping down from his post as he wished to see the team progress with a new man at the helm with fresh ideas. First team coach Jutaporn Pramolbal had already resigned following pressure from both the board and supporters after United failed to reach their target of a top six position by the mid season break.
Taking over temporary charge of first team affairs will be Amnuay Singpring from the backroom staff who will be assisted by defender and club captain Niweat Siriwong.
With just a couple of more games to go until the half season break, the United board will be frantically searching for someone with the right credentials who can take the team forward.
Pattaya United’s next match is an away fixture against Army United on Saturday, June 4 while Chonburi host Muang Thong United on the same day.
| Thai Premier League Standings (May 29) | |||||||
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts. |
| Buriram PEA | 15 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 26 | 5 | 39 |
| Chonburi FC | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 33 | 11 | 31 |
| Police United | 14 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 16 | 12 | 26 |
| Bangkok Glass FC | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 17 | 25 |
| Muang Thong United | 13 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 15 | 9 | 24 |
| BEC Tero Sasana | 15 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 20 | 16 | 22 |
| Army United | 14 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 12 | 20 |
| Si Sa Ket FC | 14 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 17 | 20 |
| Thai Port FC | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 16 | 16 | 20 |
| Osotspa M-150 | 15 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 21 | 18 | 19 |
| Pattaya United | 15 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 13 | 15 | 17 |
| Chiang Rai United | 15 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 17 | 20 | 16 |
| SCG Samut Songkhram | 15 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 16 |
| TOT SC | 15 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 22 | 16 |
| TTM FC Phichit | 15 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 19 | 15 |
| Khon Kaen FC | 15 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 30 | 12 |
| Navy FC | 15 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 28 | 11 |
| Sri Racha FC | 15 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 10 | 21 | 10 |
| Results: Navy FC 1, Army United 1; Si Sa Ket 2, TOT SC 0; Buriram PEA 1, Sri Racha 0; Thai Port 3, BEC Tero Sasana 2; Pattaya United 1, Chonburi FC 1; Osotspa 0, Chiang Rai United 0; TTM FC Phichit 1, SCG Samut Songkhram 0; Bangkok Glass 5, Police United 3; Muang Thong United 1, Khon Kaen FC 0. | |||||||
