Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam winger Faiq Jefri Bolkiah continued his progress in the Hilux Revo Thai League 1 after recording a fourth assist for current club Chonburi FC during a 2-1 defeat to Nakhon Ratchasima FC at the Chonburi Stadium in Thailand recently.
The national winger whipped in a teasing cross into the box which was met with a fine header by teammate Yoo Byung-soo, leaving the visiting goalkeeper Pisan Dorkmaikaew in a struggle to keep the ball out.
The attacking duo appeared to enjoy a good understanding with the combination an all too familiar sight this season, having previously linked up in goals scored against Nongbua Pitchaya, Khon Kaen United and Chiangmai United.
Faiq also made his seventh start in 12 league appearances and retained his place in the starting 11 following his fine form in the club’s previous outing against Prachuap FC.
It also marked the Brunei international’s fourth consecutive league start, further highlighting his important role in the team as a creative outlet.
The affair also drew much interest among the Brunei football community as former DPMM FC defender Charlie Clough- now in the books of Nakhon Ratchasima- and Faiq met for the first time.
The away side looked to take the early initiative as defender Abdulhafiz Bueraheng advanced into the box with purpose, but Chonburi’s Songchai Thongcham read the danger and blocked his shot.
Nakhon Ratchasima striker Shintaro Shimizu, who was preferred to Kwame Karikari, was clear on goal but Chonburi goalkeeper Chanin Sae-ear pulled out a good stop to deny the Japanese.
Faiq’s vision to spot his teammate was clear to see following a pass to Dennis Murillo in the 35th minute but the Brazilian forward’s effort was stopped by Dorkmaikaew.
The subsequent rebound fell to Yoo Byung-soo but Charlie Clough, who attracted a strong following among the Bruneian football community during his time DPMM FC- intervened with a crucial block.
The visitors took the lead four minutes before the break as Naruphol Ar-romsawa coolly struck the ball home with a low finish after being played through by Amadou Ouattara.
The hosts responded through Yoo Byung-soo three minutes after the restart as Faiq, who is making his senior professional debut this season, claimed his fourth assist with the South Korean the sole recipient on all occasions.
The Swat Cat regained the lead just seven minutes later after a quick free-kick was played as captain Chalermpong Kerdkaew released Ouattara, who slid the ball home past Chanin Sae-ear much to the delight of new head coach Kevin Blackwell.
Faiq and his teammates will look to bounce back in their next league meeting as they entertain Ratchaburi FC at home this Saturday.
