Diogo Santo struck twice to lead defending champions Buriram to a much-needed 2-1 victory over Ratchaburi yesterday and give the winners some respite in the Thai Premier League.
Buriram lead the league standings but, with joint second Muang Thong United and Bangkok Glass being just one point adrift, they desperately needed a win over Ratchaburi to stay ahead.
Diogo scored his first goal in the 12th minute but the advantage was cancelled out by Chutipol Thongthae who found the net for Ratchaburi four minutes into the second half.
It was Diogo again who came to the rescue of the defending champions as he delivered the winner in the dying moments to help his squad walk away with three points.
Meanwhile, Ronnachai Rangsiyo scored two goals in the second half to give Bangkok United a convincing 2-0 victory Si Sa Ket at home.
In other games, Chiang Rai United edged the Royal Thai Navy 2-1 while Chainat could only manage a 1-1 draw against Saraburi.
Hit by financial problems, Saraburi came close to securing their first win of the season.
Bireme Diouf gave them the lead after 28 minutes. However, Surachet Ngamtip earned a point for the hosts in the 77th minute after Saraburi’s Samart Panya was sent off in the 55th minute.
Today, Chonburi, last season’s runners-up, will be trying to return to winning ways when they host Muang Thong United.
Chonburi have won only two matches this season with eight draws and one defeat and their media director Jeerasak Chomthong said the Sharks will soon put their campaign back on the right track.
“We have lost too many points and must start winning again,’’ he said.
Former Tottenham and England defender Gary Stevens got off to a losing start as Port Authority of Thailand coach last week.
Stevens will now take his new team to meet his former club Army United, who had sacked him earlier in the season.