Chiang Rai United's 1-0 victory over Bangkok Glass in a pulsating Toyota League Cup final late on Saturday night has left the Rabbits' coach Anurak Srikerd fearing "punishment" from the club management.
While the result at the wet Thammasat Stadium, Rangsit Campus field gave the Beetles their first League Cup crown, it piled further misery on Bangkok Glass, who earlier suffered the ignominy of being relegated from Thai League 1 for the first time in the franchise history.
The winner came in the 65th minute from a counter-attack which saw William Henrique's shot at goal being punched back to the Brazilian by Bangkok Glass goalkeeper Narit Taweekul. William made no mistake and planted the rebound into the net with ease.
However, the real hero of Chiang Rai's triumph was their goalkeeper Chatchai Butprom who, besides making several spectacular saves, also denied Bangkok Glass' Ariel Rodriguez from the spot in the last minute.
While there has been no word so far from Bangkok Glass board on Anurak's future at the club, Chiang Rai United will soon be on the lookout for a new coach as Brazilian Alexandre Gama will leave them at the end of this month.
Before his departure, Gama can help make it the Beetles' most memorable season as they are also scheduled to defend their FA Cup title against reigning Thai League 1 champions Buriram United on Saturday.
Gama said: "I think overall it was a good game. The rain caused some problems, especially for the fans. They [Bangkok Glass] had chances but I think we deserved to win because we were more organised and had more chances during the game.
"The most important thing is this [the winners' medal]. And thanks to this man Chatchai [the goalkeeper for saving the penalty]. This group of players deserved it. This is my 11th title in four years here in Thailand.
"We still have one more final [the FA Cup] to play. It will be my last game with Chiang Rai. Hopefully the fans will come out and support us again."
Goalkeeper Chatchai, who earned the MVP award, said: "I was just thinking about the title and the penalty came in the last minute of the game. I told myself I have to do whatever I can to win the game.
"There was no guesswork involved there. I had seen tapes of Ariel Rodriguez's penalties so I just went the way he normally shoots off the spot. I am very happy that it worked out.
"I have to give credit to the coach [Gama]. He is such a hard worker and it all paid off today."
Anurak, on his part, rued the missed opportunities. "I am very disappointed that we couldn't score. We had more chances than them. We had a penalty in the last minute but couldn't convert it," said Anurak.
He added: "This has been a very disappointing year and I am ready to face punishment from the board.
"My first mission as coach was to help the team survive in the top flight and then to win this event -- I failed at both.
"It is time for Bangkok Glass to rise again strongly. I don't blame any players as they did their best. Let me take rest for some time and see what happens. I would like to thank the [Bangkok Glass] board for looking after me very well."
With the victory, Chiang Rai also made amends for their 2-0 loss to SCG Muang Thong United in last year's final.
Chiang Rai's match winner William Henrique dribbles his way through the Bangkok Glass defence. Photos by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill