Football
Paul Murphy 8y

Hassan Sunny's Army United facing relegation in Thailand after loss

Singapore national goalkeeper Hassan Sunny was on the losing side yet again as Army United slumped to another defeat against relegation rivals in the Premier League of Thailand (PLT).

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Bangkok United midfielder Dragan Boskovic continued his scoring touch as his double strike kept the pressure on leaders Muang Thong United.

Here are five things we saw on PLT Matchday 31:

1. Sunny side down?

Last week's Hassan Sunny's Army United blew a 2-0 lead before losing 4-2 at home to Chainat. On Saturday, they were beaten 3-2 at Super Power Samut Prakan, who leapfrogged them in the table at the same time.

With three games to go, the Gentlemen are now in the bottom three, and still have to face the top two sides away, with a home match against Nakhon Ratchasima in between.

"We still have to play Muang Thong and Bangkok United but Nakhon Ratchasima won't be easy either," Hassan told ESPN FC. "It's going to be a difficult end to the season for us."

Army's form has slumped dramatically in the second half of the season, but Hassan feels that the start of the decline goes back much further. "We have not been performing well throughout the season," he said.

"To be honest, we lost a lot of good players from last year's team, so there is less quality in the squad. But it all started from former head coach Gary Stevens' departure [in May 2015]. After he left, everything went downhill."

Hassan remains unsure of what the future holds if Army drop to Division One and he added, "I have another year on my contract with Army but I will speak to them soon to see whether or not I am still in their plans for next year."

2. Dragan's double keeps title race alive

Bangkok United still have a slim hopes of winning the championship after unsung hero Boskovic took his tally for the season to 20 goals -- an exceptional performance from a midfielder. Attacking teammates Jaycee John and Mario Gjurovski have often attracted the headlines, but Boskovic has now outscored them both with his latest strikes.

The Montegrin's brace helped his side ease to a 3-0 win at Chiang Rai United, while the Kirins maintained their five-point advantage at the top with a 2-1 victory away to Chainat.

On Saturday, Boskovic struck just after the hour mark as he guided the ball into the corner from 16 yards after a nice layoff from Teeratep Winothai. Gilberto Macena added the second with just over 10 minutes remaining before the hosts were given a lifeline as they were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute.

Unfortunately, Australian striker Mark Bridge saw his spot-kick saved by Kittipong Phutawchueak and the visitors took advantage three minutes later as another smart finish from Boskovic made it 3-0.

Boskovic's outstanding season comes two years after the end of a spell at Suphanburi.

"His goals are just the result of hard work, discipline and an amazing winning mentality," Bangkok Angels boss Mano Polking told ESPN FC.

"He's a top professional and the only thing I can take credit for was to bring him from Suphanburi after one year without playing. The club trusted me and now the decision is paying off."

While Muang Thong need just two wins from their final three games, Polking is not giving up hope of winning the PLT.

"So long as it is possible, we will fight and believe," said the Brazilian. "Muang Thong still have to play Army and Super Power Samut Prakan, two teams that need to fight to stay in the league.

"Whatever happens, we are having an amazing season and if before the start of the season you had said that, with three games to go, we would be second, 18 points ahead of third spot and 20 points ahead of the reigning champions [Buriram United], nobody would have believed you.

"After the investment that Muang Thong made in buying half of the Thai national side, they should be champions but we will always fight until the end."

3. Xisco strike shows strength in depth

When former Newcastle United striker Xisco signed for Muang Thong United in July, it seemed a strange move for some. The league leaders already had an abundance of attacking talent, with Thai internationals Teerasil Dangda and Adisak Kraisorn, while the prolific Brazilian Cleiton Silva and Frenchman Michael N'Dri were also key members of the squad.

But as the season reaches its final stages, Muang Thong are demonstrating that strength in depth pays off, and Xisco has proved his worth with four goals in the run-in. On Saturday, the Kirins faced one of their toughest remaining challenges with a trip to relegation threatened Chainat.

Xisco's first-half strike put the visitors ahead and Cleiton added a late second before Sho Shimoji's added-time penalty gave the home side a consolation.

4. Muang Thong reject shines for Pattaya

While Xisco and N'Dri were brought in to boost Muang Thong's attacking power, Junior Negrao was shipped out to Pattaya United on loan after failing to impress in the Kirins' AFC Champions League qualifiers.

The Brazilian looked sluggish when his side overcame Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim on penalties and was anonymous in the 3-0 defeat to Shanghai SIPG. Muang Thong clearly didn't fancy Negrao to lead their title challenge, and a loan move to the Blue Dolphins was soon arranged.

The move has worked out well for the striker and the PLT strugglers. His hat trick in Sunday's 4-1 win over Nakhon Ratchasima moved his side three points clear of the relegation zone. Negrao now has 20 goals this season. That's more than all the Muang Thong strikers, apart from PLT top scorer Cleiton, who is on 27.

5. Storm saves Thunder Castle

Champions Buriram United were 1-0 down at Ratchaburi, and facing a second defeat in a row when the weather came to their rescue. Yannick Djalo had put the Dragons ahead from the penalty spot in the second minute, but the heavens opened and the referee took the teams off after 21 minutes.

There was no let-up in the downpour and the decision was eventually taken to abandon the game. It was a similar story at BBCU FC. The home side were leading BEC Tero Sasana 1-0 when a storm hit and another abandonment followed.

It is encouraging to see such action being taken in a league where games are often played in farcical waterlogged conditions.

The worst of the rainy season should be over when PLT action resumes on Oct. 19, following the latest international break for Thailand's World Cup qualifiers against the UAE and Iraq.

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