KONE DOUBLE PUTS CHONBURI BACK ON TOP

The Pattaya-based side had the brace from Kone to thank for the three points when he gave Chonburi the lead after just nine minutes before nailing his second of the game ten minutes later.

The visitors grabbed their only of the game through Suttinun Nontee in the 58th minute.

With the win, Chonburi have garnered 27 points from 14 matches – the same with second-placed Bangkok Glass, who had conceded a 2-1 loss on the road to TTM Samut Sakhon.

But Chonburi are placed first due to their better scoring record.

In the meantime, Osotspa M-150 shot to third with a 1-0 home win over Muang Thong United with national striker Sarayuth Chaikamdee securing the three points after just thirteen minutes.

Osotspa are also on 27 points from 14 matches while Muang Thong are fourth with 26 points from the same number of games.

In Ayutthaya, defending champions Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) were embarrassed 2-0 by newly-promoted side Sri Racha.

Suporn Prompinit shocked the hosts with goals in the 74th and 86th minutes.

In the meantime, the FA of Thailand (FAT) have confirmed that the Thai FA Cup will make a return this month.

According to Dato’ Worawi Makudi, the president of FAT, the tournament will be sponsored by Thaicom Foundation and Siam Sports Syndicate.

The last time the Thai FA Cup was organised was ten years ago.

The first round will feature 32 teams from the second divison and lower tiers will take place on 27-28 June and 4-5 July.

The winners will be joined by 16 first division sides in the second round scheduled from 11-19 July.

The 16 Thai Premier League teams will begin their campaign in the third round of the FA Cup and the final will be played at the Rajamangala National Stadium on 21 October 2009.

The champions will receive one million baht in prize money (USD 29,300) and the runners-up 500,000 baht (USD 14,650).

The winners will play in next season’s AFC Cup and meet the Thai League champions for the King’s trophy before the start of the new season.