Nongbua Pitchaya FC produced one of their most convincing displays of the Thai League 2 season, powering to a 3-0 home victory over Mahasarakham SBT FC on Saturday evening. The hosts were sharper from the opening whistle, controlled the key areas of the pitch and turned their dominance into goals either side of half-time to secure a result that strengthens their push toward the promotion places.

Played under the lights at Pitchaya Stadium, the match quickly settled into a pattern that favoured the home side. Nongbua pressed high, forced Mahasarakham into hurried clearances and repeatedly attacked through the channels. The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when Chawin Srisuwan collected the ball on the edge of the area, shifted onto his right foot and drove a low finish into the bottom corner. The goal gave Nongbua confidence, while Mahasarakham struggled to keep possession long enough to relieve the pressure.

Match overview

Nongbua Pitchaya lined up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 shape, with the full-backs pushing aggressively and the midfield pair shielding the back line when Mahasarakham attempted to counter. The visitors began with a 4-3-3 but were often forced into a deeper block as the first half wore on. Nongbua finished the contest with 58 percent possession and 16 shots, eight of which were on target, while Mahasarakham managed only a handful of clear openings.

Key moments

• 18’ – Nongbua take the lead: Chawin Srisuwan’s low drive from the edge of the box beat the goalkeeper after a neat exchange on the right.
• 41’ – Mahasarakham’s best chance: A rare break ended with a shot from inside the area, but the Nongbua goalkeeper stood firm.
• 54’ – Nongbua double the advantage: Thiago Santos rose highest from a corner and powered a header into the net.
• 79’ – The points are sealed: Substitute Pichit Khamsuk finished a fast counter-attack after Mahasarakham committed men forward.

Tactical story

The game was decided by Nongbua’s control of the second ball and their willingness to press in numbers. Mahasarakham tried to build from the back, but the home side’s midfield screen cut off central passing lanes and forced the visitors wide, where they were easily trapped. When Nongbua won possession, they attacked quickly through the half-spaces, with Chawin drifting between the lines and Thiago Santos providing a physical focal point. Mahasarakham improved briefly after the interval but never found a sustained spell of pressure.

Standout performers

Chawin Srisuwan was the game’s most influential attacker, combining one goal with constant movement that unsettled the Mahasarakham back line. Thiago Santos added presence in both boxes, while Nongbua’s goalkeeper handled the few dangerous moments with composure. For Mahasarakham, the central defender who blocked several first-half attempts was among the few players able to match the hosts’ intensity.

What it means

The three points lift Nongbua Pitchaya into the thick of the Thai League 2 promotion conversation and give them momentum ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. Mahasarakham SBT FC remain in the middle region of the standings, but this defeat highlights the gap they must close against the division’s stronger home sides. For Nongbua, the clean sheet was as encouraging as the goals: it was a complete home performance built on control, pressing and clinical finishing.