Ratchaburi were reduced to 10 men in the first half but still cruised to a 6-0 win over Sukhothai FC in the Thai League 1 on Friday night, with Ekanit Panya scoring twice in front of the home crowd.
The hosts made a fine start and took the lead in the 13th minute, when Ekanit finished after Thanawat Suengchitthawon had delivered a cross, putting the Dragons 1-0 ahead.
The match turned in the 27th minute when Adisorn Promrak was shown a red card for a foul on a Sukhothai player, leaving Ratchaburi a man short for the remainder of the game.
The setback did not derail them. Ekanit struck again in the 35th minute, claiming his second of the match and sending the hosts in at half-time with a 2-0 advantage.
Any hope of a Sukhothai fightback faded after the interval.
Tarek Aggoun made it 3-0 in the 56th minute, and Robert Zulj added a fourth in the 68th. Two more arrived in the last six minutes, Pedro Tana scoring the fifth and Njiva the sixth to complete the rout.
It was a dominant display from a side that had been a player down since the 27th minute.
Defender Sai van Wermeskerken said the result was a valuable one for the team.
“It was a good game for our team and this match was the means for us to get three points today,” he said.
“I should have scored to help the team play more easily, but I am proud that we scored six goals. It is a pity I could not score today, but I will work harder, and I would like the fans to keep supporting us.”
Attention in the Thai League 1 now turns to PAT Stadium, where Port host Pattani FC on Sunday.
Port are looking to bounce back to their best form after a 3-1 defeat by Persib Bandung in the Shopee Cup under new coach Borzidar Bandovic.
Jude Soonsup-Bell, Teerasak Poeiphimai, Peeradol Chamrasamee and Michael Falkesgaard are all available for selection.
The hosts are determined to take three points on home soil, while Pattani are hoping to take at least a point from the game.