Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam winger Faiq Jefri Bolkiah continued to shine in the Hilux Revo Thai League 1 after registering a second assist in his Chonburi career during a 2-0 victory over Khon Kaen United at the Chonburi Stadium in Thailand last weekend.
The national winger was also rewarded a place in the starting line-up for the first time at the back of a maiden assist for the club during the 3-2 loss to Nongbua Pitchaya in the last match.
Faiq’s overall performance and individual statistics earned him the man of the match in what was only his third league appearance since joining the Thai outfit during the transfer window.
He created space and sent a teasing cross into the box which was calmly headed into the net by Yoo Byung-soo in a similar combination from the previous match.
He contributed two important passes in the game including an instance when he dribbled past Khon Kaen United centre-back Narongrit Boonsuk.
The 23-year-old came close in delivering a second assist of the game and third in his Chonburi career after laying another cross for Yoo Byung-soo in the brink of half-time.
Unfortunately, the in-form forward’s header was met with a fine stop by the visiting goalkeeper Yotsapon Teangdar.
The hosts sealed the win at the death after substitute Phitak Pimpae- who replaced Faiq in the hour mark- reacted to a loose ball with the defence failing to clear Chatmongkol Rueangthanarot low cross.
The result helped Chonburi stay third in the table on 29 points, a point behind second-placed Bangkok United and six behind leaders and title-chasing Buriram United.
Faiq and his teammates will next face fifth-placed Port FC in the league on Sunday and three more points could give them breathing space over their direct rivals.
The former Leicester City youth prospect is not the only name associated with Brunei football who is currently plying his trade in Thailand this season.
Former DPMM FC centre back Charlie Clough currently plays for Nakhon Ratchasima FC in the Thai top flight.
His team drew 2-2 against Chiangmai United at the 80th Anniversary Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima and stayed ninth in the table.
The Swat Cats can move level on points with eighth-placed Nongbua Pitchaya with victory over Chiangrai United in their next match today.
