SUKHOTHAI, Thailand – Sukhothai FC and Ayutthaya United played to a 1-1 draw at Thalay Luang Stadium on , in a Thai League 1 match that saw the “Fire Bats” continue their search for a home win and “Ayothaya Warriors” maintain their position in the top half of the table. The result does little to alleviate Sukhothai’s relegation concerns, while Ayutthaya will feel they missed an opportunity to close the gap on the league leaders.
The match, the 20th of the BYD C-League 2025-26 season for Sukhothai, was played with added significance for the home side, who are desperately seeking to escape the relegation zone. Team manager Khetpong Kulnathsiri, known as “Sia Khet,” emphasized the importance of securing three points at Thalay Luang Stadium, stating the team is focused on maximizing their home form. Despite the draw, Kulnathsiri expressed hope that the team can build momentum.
Ayutthaya United, however, proved a resilient opponent. The teams traded goals, ultimately splitting the points in a contest that highlighted Sukhothai’s offensive struggles this season. Kulnathsiri acknowledged the team’s difficulties in front of goal, noting they have scored only one goal so far this year. “Both myself and the club president have been talking, holding meetings, and closely monitoring training sessions to find solutions,” he said, adding that the players and staff remain motivated to improve.
The draw extends Sukhothai’s winless streak at home, adding pressure on the club to find a permanent solution at the helm. Assistant coach Ratthee Ueathanaipaisan, “Coach Gale,” is currently in temporary charge, but the club is actively searching for a new head coach. Kulnathsiri confirmed the club has a deadline of the end of February to appoint a new manager and has already engaged in discussions with several candidates.
The ideal candidate, according to Kulnathsiri, will possess a strong understanding of Thai football, including the players and the nuances of the game. The new coach could be either Thai or foreign, but a commitment to developing the team is paramount. The club is prioritizing a coach who can quickly adapt and implement a strategy to address Sukhothai’s scoring woes and defensive vulnerabilities.
Ayutthaya United entered the match ranked 7th in the league, while Sukhothai occupied the 12th position. The point earned by Ayutthaya maintains their standing in the top half of the table, but they will likely view the result as a missed opportunity to gain ground on the teams above them. Sukhothai, meanwhile, remain in a precarious position, needing to improve their results significantly to avoid relegation.
A previous encounter between the two sides, on , ended in a 1-1 draw at Ayutthaya Stadium. This latest result suggests a closely matched rivalry between the two clubs. The teams appear evenly matched, with both struggling to consistently find the back of the net.
The search for a new head coach is a critical priority for Sukhothai. Kulnathsiri’s assessment of the situation underscores the urgency of finding a leader who can revitalize the team and steer them clear of the relegation battle. The club’s commitment to monitoring training sessions and holding meetings demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the challenges they face.
While the draw against Ayutthaya United provides a small positive, Sukhothai’s long-term success hinges on their ability to find a consistent goalscorer and improve their overall attacking output. The appointment of a new head coach will be a key factor in determining whether they can achieve this and secure their place in the Thai League 1 for the following season.
The Thai League 1 standings remain competitive, with Buriram United leading the way, followed by Ratchaburi Mitrphol, Port, and Bangkok United. Sukhothai’s position in the lower half of the table highlights the challenges they face in a league filled with established and ambitious clubs. Their upcoming matches will be crucial as they attempt to climb out of the relegation zone.
