Fadhil Yunus
Former DPMM FC defender Charlie Clough scored the winning goal in a dramatic 1-0 victory against Uthai Thani FC at the Uthai Thani Provincial Stadium to send new club Nakhon Ratchasima FC into the last four of the Thai FA Cup last Wednesday.
The match-winning goal four minutes from time completed a turnaround in contrast to his first red card during the defeat against Prachuap FC in the Thai League 1 at the end of last month.
It was his first goal for the club since his move was confirmed during the transfer window in December last year following his contributions of registering two clean sheets in the league.
Clough, who was absent during the defeat to Suphanburi due to suspension and saw his side slip further ground in the league following a loss to Khon Kaen United, is one game away of reaching his first final since the 2015/2016 National League playoffs with Forest Green Rovers.
The Taunton-born has also taken a significant step towards securing a second major trophy in Southeast Asia to add on to the Singapore Premier League title triumph with the Gegar Gegar men during his debut season in 2019.
The centre-back was left unmarked at the near post and poked home the winner from close range following a delightful cross from midfielder Naruphol Ar-romsawa.
Clough, who was brought in to bolster the squad in the second half of the season, had previously threatened to give his side the lead just three minutes earlier with a header that sailed wide from a similar position.
The no-nonsense defender provided a constant threat in attack as a cushioned header nearly presented a shooting opportunity for a teammate.
On the defensive end, the defender performed his man-marking duties by forcing Uthai Thani player Nonnawat Salad to rush his shot.
The Englishman, who was once in the books of League 1 side Bristol Rovers, has been an ever-present after being named in the starting line-up opposite team captain Chalermpong Kerdkaew.
The Swat Cats will be joined by BEC Tero Sasana, Buriram United and Suphanburi FC in the semi-finals.
Clough and his team will turn their attentions in the league next against second-placed Bangkok United at the Thammasat Stadium tomorrow.
