SARAYOOT DELIVERS THAI WIN OVER LIONS

The Thai Port forward, who is making his return to the national squad, nailed the only goal in the game in the 28th minute of play.

With several first-team stars pulling out of the clash, Robson had to use a number of players from the Asian Games squad.

Thailand got off to a lively start against Singapore with midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao sending a free-kick just over the bar two minutes after the kick-off as striker Teerasil Dangda then failed to beat Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny sometime later.

Singapore tried to hit back through with counter-attacks as Serbian-born striker Aleksandar Duric threatened Thailand with his height. In the 19th minute, Duric saw his strike cleared off the line by Chonlatit.

Thailand went ahead in the 28th minute following neat passing between Datsakorn, Teerasil, Suchao Nutnum and Sarayoot.

Dubbed “Five-yard Joe” for his finishing touch from that range, Sarayoot this time scored from just inside the area.

Thailand were still dominant in the second half with Sarayoot, Datsakorn, Teerasil and Suttinun Phukhom making unsuccessful attempts.

“I’m very pleased with some of the young players. Teerasil and Sarayoot also played well up front,” said Robson, the chief coach of Thailand.

“We had several chances but the Singapore keeper made several brilliant saves.”

Thailand will have home-and-away warm-up matches against India on 4 and 8 Sept.

Other than allowing Robson the chance to look at the younger players for the Asian Games in November, the friendly was also being used in preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 in December.