Fadhil Yunus
Former DPMM FC star Charlie Clough helped current club Nakhon Ratchasima FC to reach the Thai FA Cup final against Buriram United following a 2-1 win over BEC Tero Sasana at the Mitrl Phol Stadium in Ratchaburi, Thailand recently.
The Taunton-born native produced a solid display at the back to nullify the attacking threat posed by their opponents during the semi-final clash.
The experienced centre-back asserted his influence on the team after making a decisive tackle to prevent Brazilian forward Evandro Paulista a clear-cut opportunity in the 26th minute.
Seven minutes later, Clough was on full alert when he swept the danger from an advancing rival with a decent challenge.
He also made a number of crucial blocks and won aerial duels, denying BEC Tero Sasana a route towards finding the goal to extend the game beyond normal time.
Clough has been a mainstay in the squad since joining the Thai League 1 outfit during the transfer window last December, helping his new employers with two clean sheets in his first three league appearances.
He also opened his league account with his first goal of the season against Ratchaburi FC last month as well as scoring the match-winner against Uthai Thani in the quarterfinals of the Thai FA Cup.
Clough, who won the Singapore Premier League title with Brunei-based DPMM FC in 2019, will have an opportunity to win his second silverware in the region.
The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute as forward Arthit Boodjinda fired home a precise header following a corner.
However, Nakhon Ratchasima striker Kwame Karikari beat the offside trap before clinically striking home a cool effort with the BEC Tero Sasana goalkeeper off his line on the brink of half time.
The Swat Cats snatched the winner in the 52nd minute after midfielder Nattachai Srisuwan fired a crisp low finish from range to book his side a place in the final against the newly-crowned league champions.
The Thai FA Cup final has been scheduled at the Thammasat Stadium in the Khlong Luang District, Thailand tonight.
