Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam star Faiq Jefri Bolkiah maintained his fine form for Chonburi FC after helping the team to a 2-1 win over Prachuap FC in the Hilux Revo Thai League 1 at the Chonburi Stadium in Thailand recently.
The national winger nearly opened his account for the club with a first senior professional goal after striking the post following a moment of sheer individual brilliance.
Faiq, who is currently enjoying a debut season in Thai football, sped past a player after being played a quick throw-in before outsmarting the visiting defender Eakkanut Kongket to enable him a shooting position.
This is not the first time that Faiq has been denied by the upright after experiencing a similar incident during a league outing against Chiangrai United last February.
The Brunei international, who contributed with three assists so far this term, was also named in the starting line-up for his sixth league start in 11 appearances.
Chasing a fourth assist, Faiq proved a threat with his blistering pace and an inviting low cross nearly fell to a teammate.
The former Leicester City youth prospect also blazed an effort wide in the second half after creating space at the edge of the box.
Faiq’s new employers took the lead through a brilliant solo goal by Yoo Byung-soo before an unmarked Apichart Denman equalised for the visitors following an inch-perfect cross from Thitakwee Aksornsri.
However, the Sharks snatched the winner after Renato Kelic headed home a superb cross from Songchai Thongcham.
The hosts survived a major scare deep into stoppage time but an effort from Willen Mota ended safely in the arms of Chonburi goalkeeper Chanin Sae-ear.
The result lifts Chonburi to fifth in the table, two points adrift of fourth-placed Chiangrai United but with two games in hand.
The Sharks also hold interest in the Thai League Cup after reaching the semi-finals following a 1-0 extra-time win over Bangkok United last month.
Faiq could be in the frame to retain his place in the next league tie at home on April 23 against Nakhon Ratchasima FC, where former DPMM FC player Charlie Clough currently plays.
