Leaders Buriram United failed to produce the fireworks they were expected to deliver in a northeastern derby against lowly Ubon UMT United but their 2-1 victory at home last night proved enough to keep the rivals at an arm's length.
An early goal by Ubon's Apiwat Pengprakhon brought out a fierce response from the Thunder Castle, who took only four minutes to get back on level terms.
After Naruebodin Weerawatnodom netted the equaliser in the 10th minute, in-form Brazilian Diogo Luis Santo struck to put the hosts ahead half an hour later.
Chiang Rai United held on to a first-half goal by Rosimar Amancio to record a 1-0 victory away at Chainat, ending the home team's four-game unbeaten run.
At Thung Thalay Luang Stadium, hosts Sukhothai squandered a two-goal advantage to settle for a 2-2 draw with struggling Navy.
Sansern Limwattana and John Baggio scored a goal each in the first half and it seemed that Sukhothai would weather a storm of Navy attacks, but they ended up conceding two late goals.
Kim Hyung-Il kick-started Navy's recovery with a fine strike in the 84th minute before Vitor Junior equalised during the injury time to steal one point from the entertaining match.
In another match last night, Ratchaburi Mitr Phol managed a 1-1 draw against visiting Chonburi.
Matheus Alves found the net for Chonburi in the 20th minute but it did not take Ratchaburi long to annul the visitors' edge. Praweenawat Boonyong grabbed the leveller for the hosts.
Four matches are scheduled to be played tonight, when SCG Muang Thong United will try to arrest a brief slump and get their campaign back on track against visiting Nakhon Ratchasima.
The Kirins' former coach Totchtawan Sripan will also hope for a change in fortunes in his fresh job at Police Tero, who have gone two games without a win under their new boss.
