Thai Port Send Off

Thai Port extended their fine run with a fifth straight win over newly promoted Khon Kaen at the PAT Stadium this afternoon. The game ended 3-0, two goals were disallowed, one probably because the linesman was swatting at a fly with the flag by mistake, and but for carelessness up front getting caught offside too often it could have been a lot more.

The victory brought the curtain down on Thai Port's most successful era in recent years. Coach Sasom Pobpraserd has guided the club to the FA Cup in 2009 and the League Cup in 2010 but given the money worries that have plagued the club this season it was perhaps inevitable that there would be some changes if the right offer came along.

And that offer did come. From ambitious, and wealthy, Buriram in Division One but odds on for promotion to the TPL. Sasom will take four players with him including the languid Sompong Solarb, the kind of player, immensely talented and intelligent, who shakes uncontrollably and vomits at the words work rate.

As it happened Sompong gave the home team the lead timing his run from deep well to nip the ball over the keep. Alef scored from the spot, apparently his first for the club, while Ekkajai made it three with a simple tap in.

Masterful performance by Thai Port and the three goals scored by Buriram bound players which could bode ill for the club though Steve Robb, who sat out the game through injury, assures me there are quality replacements receiving treatment and should be back in time for the second half of the season.

Things got a little emotional at the end with Sasom being presented with flowers while the fans stayed behind long after the game was over to say goodbye to the departing heroes who I understand would have been happy to stay had circumstances been different.

UPDATE

Jakarta Casual TV has an interview with Steve Robb

Asian Football Pictures has images from the game and the terraces