Diary of a Thai football season

The 2019 season in photos

My nine months of following Samut Prakan City FC home and away.


It seems like a long time ago when we attended the Samut Prakan City launch party at Megamall, Bangna. 

But apart from buying our season tickets, we got a chance to meet the squad and see our new football strips.

Despite the new season being only a couple of weeks away, the stadium wasn't quite ready. 

We were still waiting for the blue plastic seats for some sections.

The season opened with a 3-2 home win against Chiang Mai. A mix up with the season tickets meant Tun and I had to watch the game from the press box.

Our first away game was Chonburi, and a 2-0 win capped a great day out.

Four of us made the journey down and sat in Chonburi's main stand.

The replica shirts arrived for the home game against Sukhothai. Happy days!

The game ended in a dull 0-0 draw but at least the scarves and shirts put a smile on our faces.

Then came a 2-1 home win against Ratchburi with Ibson Melo missing a penalty but scoring a last minute winner!

I usually get to the ground early if I'm on my own.

Time for some FA Cup action and in the first round, Boworn Tapla scored four in a 5-0 win over North Vachilalai Chiang Mai.

My friend Benz and I drove over to Muangthong United. A great stadium and a 3-0 win. It was a brilliant day!

The SCG, Muangthong reminded me of a lower division football ground back in England.

 My friend in the red cap always comes over to say hello at away matches. I must buy him a beer some time.

Time for some League Cup action and an interesting mid-week trip to Thonburi University. They were a welcoming and friendly little club.

The match ended in a tense penalty shoot out and unfortunately it was goodbye to the League Cup from us for another year.

Bangkok United was the next away trip. 

It's a stadium that looks far better from the outside it must be said.

Wow! That is a big old stadium to fill.

Next away trip was Suphanburi. Another ground with a running track where you are quite a way from the action.

But Suphanburi makes for a nice day out if you leave early doors.

We went a step further in the FA Cup by beating second division Army United at home in a five-goal thriller.

Probably the best night of the season against Port. Their travelling fans contributed to a great atmosphere.

But we won 2-1 and the Samut Prakan supporters went home happy.

Tun bought a new Samut Prakan baseball cap to mark the occasion

Halfway through the season and we signed a couple of new Korean players.

I'll always remember the Chonburi game as the match where we lost Captain Peeradol and the goalkeeper to long-term injuries. It was a real turning point in the season.

Despite the result, the home game against Buriram is always a special occasion.

I caught the train to Ratchaburi for our next midweek away match

The train is a great way to see Thailand if you have plenty of time on your hands.

I was so impressed with the Mitr Phol Stadium, home of Ratchaburi FC.

I finally got the chance to chat with the great Ibson Melo at the next home game. He was serving a one-match ban for reaching five yellow cards.

Keeping up to date with the early kick offs.

Our form dipped in the second half of the season, including a 0-3 home defeat to Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai brought a lot of fans too considering the distance.

I've met lots of great Samut Prakan supporters during the season.

Our final game of the season was away at Port FC and it was my first visit to the PAT Stadium. It's a great place to watch football!

I got to meet a few well-known faces as well.

Thanks to all the players and staff for a great season! See you next year.




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