Northern Ireland Special Bangkok Tour

Little joy as clash ends up in stalemate

Thailand and Northern Ireland battled to a goalless draw in a disappointing friendly match at the National Stadium yesterday. The 15,000-strong crowd - a respectable number considering the heavy rain earlier in the afternoon - had little to cheer about as the two teams seemed to cancel one another out with both defences well on top. It was not until the last 20 minutes of the game that the teams opened up, but both sides wasted the chances they were given. Thailand appeared to be concentrating on defence which is probably understandable as they have to face South Korea away in their last World Cup qualifying match on June 1. However, although the defence held solid, the quick breaks the side were looking for never really materialised into any threat to the Northern Ireland goal.

The first-half mostly belonged to Northern Ireland as they kept possession, while the Thai team had problems stringing passes together. Despite their territorial advantage Northern Ireland displayed little imagination in their attacks and seemed content to try the long ball to Ian Dowie. However the West Ham striker was well marked by Surachai Jirasirichote and seldom got his sights on goal. Fifteen minutes into the second-half Dowie was substituted for Steve Robinson.

There were some bright spots and Manchester United youngster Philip Mulryne showed why he might be a future star with a couple of dazzling runs which unfortunately lacked the final touch. The best chance of the match came in the closing minutes when the normally reliable Thai striker Kiatisak Senamuang missed a sitter after beating N. Ireland's off-side trap and putting the ball round the post with just the goalkeeper to beat.

And in the dying seconds of the match Northern Ireland had a good opportunity but Neil Lennon put the ball wide. Earlier, substitute James Quinn missed several chances although on one occasion he was thwarted by a superb save from Thai keeper Chaiyong Kampiem.

Chaiyong also made a great save in the 81st minute when he dived to push away Gerry McMahon's fierce right foot shot which looked destined for the back of the net. After the match Northern Ireland team manager Bryan Hamilton said Thailand has played very well especially in defence and praised Thai keeper Chaiyong for making many splendid saves.

He said it was a good competitive match but he thought his side should have won if they had taken their chances.

Thailand's coach, Vittaya Laohakul, said his team still appeared to be lacking in stamina. He said the side had been trying a new technique but because they had only been together for a short while they hadn't had time to adjust. He felt they would improve in future matches.

The Northern Ireland team are taking a brief vacation in Phuket before returning home on May 26.

Thailand have another big match coming up next Tuesday when they take on England's FA Cup Winners Chelsea.

Copyright © 1997 Adam Flinn