Thai Premier League Review: Buriram go top with one game to go

Chonburi were held to a 1-1 draw by Chainbat Hornbill as they yielded the Thai Premier League lead to Buriram United with one game to go.

The deposed table-toppers were a point clear at the summit heading into Wednesday’s fixtures, but surrendered a one-goal advantage after Nurul Sriyankem had given them the lead shortly after the hour mark.

Jitpanya Tisut netted the leveller after 73 minutes to earn Chainat a valuable point in their fight against relegation. Jadet Meelarp’s men now sit one point clear of the drop zone ahead of Sunday’s trip to Air Force Central.

Chonburi’s slip-up opened the door for reigning champions Buriram to regain top spot having slipped to second a week ago.

Javier Patino put Buriram ahead inside the opening 10 minutes at TOT, before the dismissal of home defender Noppon Pol-udom boosted their cause.

Carmelo Gonzalez made sure of the points in the 73rd minute to put Buriram in the driving seat ahead of their final fixture – at home to Police United at the weekend.

Third-placed Muang Thong United’s slim title hopes had already been hit by a nine-point deduction for crowd trouble during a recent clash with Singhtarua, but they remained in good form on Wednesday by extending their unbeaten run to five with a 2-0 win at Osotspa.

The sanction – scheduled to be applied following the final round of fixtures – has plunged Singhtarua into a relegation battle, but a 3-2 win at Bangkok Glass, which included a last-minute winner from Predrag Sikimic, sees them effectively outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

When Singhtarua’s deduction – which has been appealed by both affected clubs – is taken into account, PTT Rayong are three points adrift of safety following a 2-1 defeat at BEC Tero Sasana.

A succeSsful appeal by Singhtarua would relegate Rayong regardless of their final result on Sunday.

Police United’s three-match winning run has seen them edge closer to survival, with a 3-1 win over Suphanburi their latest triumph, while Sisaket are safe following a 4-2 win against Army United.

Samut Songkhram are already assured of finishing bottom, but claimed a 2-1 win at Songkhla United – just their second victory in 20 league fixtures.

Elsewhere, Bangkok United defeated Air Force Central 3-0, and Chiangrai United held Ratchaburi 2-2.