Football
Paul Murphy 9y

Gary Stevens upbeat following first TPL win with Port FC

Port FC head coach Gary Stevens believes the only way is upwards after his side defeated TOT SC 2-0 in the Thai Premier League (TPL) on Sunday.

The victory at Port FC's PAT stadium was hugely significant as the Stevens' side pulled four points clear of the relegation zone, having started the game just one point above their opponents.

Former England defender Stevens feels that his methods are starting to get through to his team and the win will provide a timely boost. "I have asked the players to believe in my methods," he told ESPN FC. "The victory strengthens their confidence in me and themselves."

Asked where his side could expect to finish the season, Stevens replied: "Higher than our current league position".

Port suffered frustrating defeats in Stevens' first two TPL games in charge, dominating before losing 1-0 to both Ratchaburi and Army United. The home fans must have feared a similar outcome after several chances were spurned against TOT but Spaniard Gorka Velasco and South Korean Lee Sang-ho struck in the final 10 minutes to send the crowd wild.

Stevens insisted that memories of the games against Army and Ratchaburi did not play on his mind.

"Previous games are irrelevant to me and my players," he said. "We were focused on winning last night. That mental toughness, which will become even stronger, played a big part in our win."

Port FC made several signings for the second half of the season before Stevens arrived. But the former Spurs player is not thinking beyond next week's game at Osotspa.

"We have four more league games before we can involve any of the new signings. So they are not currently in my thought process," said Stevens. "All clubs will try to improve for the second leg and I'm certain Port FC will be stronger."

Defending champions Buriram United stayed four points clear at the top but failed to hit top form again as Osotspa ran them close. Venezuelan international Andres Tunez, who recently played in the Copa America, put Buriram ahead with a penalty in first half injury time. But Anthony Moura levelled the match before Gilberto Macena's late strike sealed victory for the league leaders.

Bangkok Glass kept up the pressure on the Thunder Castles after demolishing troubled BEC Tero 5-0 at the Leo Stadium. New Tero boss Kenny Shiels is still seeking his first TPL win and the latest setback leaves his side in 14th spot, facing the real possibility of a relegation battle.

Muang Thong United are joint second with the Glass Rabbits after their 2-0 win at home to Army United. Chananan Pombubpha and Wuttichai Tathong struck for the Twin Qilins in a game marred by some controversial refereeing. Despite the away side's sense of injustice, the hosts probably deserved the three points.

The referee was also in the spotlight as Chiang Rai United and Bangkok United fought out a 2-2 draw in northern Thailand. The Bangkok Angels may be the happier side, having played for 70 minutes with 10 men, after goalkeeper Warut Mekmusik was red-carded.

However, Bangkok United's head coach Mano Polking was furious with the sending off, quipping thus on Facebook: "If that's a red card, I'm a pilot".

Montenegrin Dragan Boskovic was the hero for the visitors with a late equaliser adding to his early strike.

Suphanburi moved into fourth spot by beating Ratchaburi 2-0 at home. Indonesian international Sergio Van Dijk kept up his fine recent form with another goal for the War Elephant.

Chonburi recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season with a 2-0 victory at home to lowly Navy FC, while bottom side Saraburi earned their first win of the campaign by beating visitors Nakhon Ratchasima 2-0. Sisaket got back to winning ways after a 2-1 triumph at home to Chainat.

While Buriram continue to stay clear of the chasing pack at the top, the battle to beat the drop is shaping up. Port FC and Chiang Rai United earned vital points, while BEC Tero and Chainat look at risk of becoming involved in a scrap for TPL survival.

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