Yesterday's trip to Ayutthaya Stadium was rewarding but unexpected so soon after our return from Taiwan. Today is different, as we planned for evening entertainment a week ago. It's another football game and a whopper at that, as two high-flying rivals go head to head. The curious thing, though, is that both teams use the same stadium.
Formerly BG Stadium, the game tonight takes place at the renamed True BG Stadium in line with sponsorship arrangements. What doesn't change is the name of the two teams. BG Pathum United are the home team today, and they're playing True Bangkok United, who had been playing at the Thammasat University Stadium. The teams are currently 4th and 5th in the Thai Premier League. Bangkok United have been the stronger team in recent years, but this season they are a bit off form, making this fixture most interesting.
Arriving at the stadium we known what to expect, we've been here that many times. We don't need to queue for tickets as booking is online and we've already eaten at the food court in Kanchanapisek Soi 6, where we often eat. However, the main issue at BG Stadium is always parking in this built-up area of Pathum Thani, but I can get dropped off closer to the stadium. The stadium has a capacity of over 11,000 all-seating and is the second best in the TPL next to Buriram's Chang Arena. We grab a drink and find our seats in E1. Half an hour before kickoff, the atmosphere is already electric as the banging of drums and chants echo around the enclosed stadium. This contest should be epic.
The game starts on time at 7:00 PM and for 14 minutes BG have found their rhythm and create three shots on goal and the ball in the net with a goal overruled. They are fancied to win this game, but in the 14th minute, everything changes as a reckless challenge by BG's W. Jamnongwat sees him sent off after a review. This will hand the initiative to Bangkok, but there's no immediate effect.
Unfortunately for the Rabbits, the next significant event surely must. It's another stupid reaction by a BG player as W. Choolthong gets his marching orders following unsporting behaviour in the 43rd minute. It's tragic that indiscipline has robbed the home team of any chance of a result. Yet it's still 0 : 0 at half time.
The second half starts with an inevitable rearguard defence by BG, yet they still try to move forward with skilful midfield play. However, it's not enough, and Bangkok gets the breakthrough they need to avoid embarrassment. I. Alhaft receives a throw-in, skips a tackle, gets tight to the goal line and sends in a shot. The goalkeeper is there at the near post to block the shot, but the power sends the ball spinning off his legs into the empty net on 54 minutes. From here the floodgates should open, but a stubborn BG defence continues to hold firm till the final whistle. It's taken a fortuitous goal to break BG down, but Bangkok won't care. A win is a win.
In the grand scheme of things, all it means is that the battle continues for minor places. Neither of these teams will catch the rampant Buriram United. This game ends in controversy with the question of the best team undecided. Points on the board at the end of the season only matter in determining that.
We now have to face traffic congestion leaving the stadium, but a return to the residence by 10 PM isn't too bad.

Source: Visit