Action-packed Port-Kirins encounter ends all square

Action-packed Port-Kirins encounter ends all square

Port's Airton, left, vies with Muang Thong's Henri Anier in their Thai League 1 game.
Port's Airton, left, vies with Muang Thong's Henri Anier in their Thai League 1 game.

Fierce rivals Muang Thong United and Port played to a scoreless draw in Thai League 1 on Sunday night.

After eight games, big-spending Port are sixth on 11 points, 10 behind leaders Chonburi.

Muang Thong, once the most formidable force in the domestic league, have fared even worse.

The Kirins have seven points, two above the drop zone.

It was a lively encounter on Sunday but both sides failed to find the back of the net.

"We could not control the game. We had chances but could not score," said Muang Thong coach Mario Gjurovski.

Port boss Scott Cooper said: "We were dominant in the first half and did well in the second half. We have to give credit to Muang Thong for their fighting spirit."

The outcome probably piled more pressure on both coaches.

Muang Thong have reportedly given Gjurovski three games before making a decision about his future at the club. Sunday's game was the second.

The Kirins last week hired former Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac as technical director.

Reports say Rajevac could replace Gjurovski as coach of Muang Thong but the Kirins have dismissed it.

Port were one of the biggest spenders during the close season.

They brought in several new players including Hamilton Soares, one of the league's top strikers, and also a new coach in Cooper.

Since Nualphan Lamsam became their chairwoman in 2015, Port have used about a dozen permanent and caretaker coaches.

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