With just three rounds remaining, Chonburi FC prepare to host Bangkok United on Oct. 26 knowing that winning a second Thai Premier League title is now all in their hands.
Chonburi, whose only previous title came in 2007, started the midweek round of Oct. 22 two points behind holders Buriram United. However, they moved a point ahead thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 away win at Osotspa Saraburi. Buriram lost 2-0 at Bangkok United.
Chonburi, with former J-League manager Masahiro Wada as boss, defended a fifth-minute strike from its Japanese midfielder Kazuto Kushida to hold off a fighting Osotspa.
Wada's team had more reasons than one to celebrate as Buriram had no answers to a fine display by Bangkok United forward Romain Gasmi. The Frenchman, who has played a season on loan with Southampton, scored in the 32nd and 74th minutes to extend Buriram's winless run in the league to two matches. The holders were held to a draw by Osotspa in their previous game.
Buriram will be looking to keep up the pressure on Chonburi as they prepare to host Chainat FC on the same day that Chonburi play Bangkok. They will also be looking over their shoulder at third-placed Muangthong United, who are three points behind following their 2-1 away win against Army United in the mid-week round.
Muangthong, though, had a scare when Army United opened the scoring in the 42nd minute through midfielder Nipol Kamthong. However, Muangthong and Thailand attacking midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao equalised in the 58th minute. And with five minutes remaining, midfielder Kasidech Wettayawong scored the winner.
Muangthong will take on Sisaket FC at home on Oct. 26 with fourth-placed BEC Tero Sasana, trailing by two points on the table, travelling to play Bangkok Glass.
League Cup winners BEC prevailed 3-1 at Singhtarua FC thanks to two goals from their Honduran striker Georgie Welcome. Sho Shimoji, BEC's Japanese attacking midfielder, was the other BEC scorer.
Welcome put away a penalty in the 75th minute but Suradej Saotaisong equalised for Singhtarua eight minutes later. However, Shimoji and Welcome scored in the 84th and 88th minutes to settle the game in BEC's favour.