A late goal from Yoo Jun-Soo helped Thai League 1 champions Buriram United edge Chonburi 2-1 last night and gain much-needed confidence ahead of their AFC Champions League battle with Chinese giants Guangzhou Evergrande on Tuesday.
The Thunder Castle were staring at their second draw of the season at their own ground after Kroekrit Taweekarn helped the visitors write off an 18th-minute goal by in-form Diogo Luis Santo.
The victory in front of a sparse home crowd was enough to ensure that Buriram would retain their place at the top of the league with 22 points from eight matches.
The northeastern giants are six points in front of top-flight first-timers PT Prachuap, who defeated bottom-ranked Air Force Central last night, and Port, who take on struggling Police Tero tonight.
Air Force's loss last night saw the number of jobless coaches rise to seven.
Sasom Pobprasert announced his resignation immediately after Air Force's seventh defeat in eight matches this season.
In another match last night, hosts Pattaya United picked up a point after holding Suphanburi to a 1-1 draw at their Nong Prue Stadium. Chayawat Srinawong scored for Pattaya United, while Anawin Jujeen equalised for Suphanburi.
There were concerns ahead of last night's game that Buriram would rest some of their key players for their AFC Champions League Group G clash with leaders Guangzhou, who have eight points to their credit.
Buriram are in with a great chance to reach the knockout stages of the Asian club competition. They are tied for second place with Japan's Cerezo Osaka in the group with five points each.
However, the Thunder Castle opted to go in at full-strength after welcoming veteran Suchao Nutnum back from an injury lay-off.
Buriram played an attacking game from the start and had a chance to score but Diogo's shot sailed wide off the target.
The Sharks also came close when Kroekrit was denied by Buriram goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnern.
The hosts netted their first goal at 18 minutes when Supachok Sarachart's lob into the box was guided towards the goal by Suchao. Chonburi skipper Chonlatit Jantakam blocked the shot but the ball landed at the feet of Diogo who made no mistake from close range.
Chonburi were more adventurous in the second half and were able to go level with the defending champions 10 minutes after the break when Worachit Kanitsribumphen cleverly let the ball slip past to Kroekrit to net the equaliser.
Buriram regrouped but missed a couple of scoring chances with Diogo hitting wide again and Jakkraphan Kaewprom seeing his shot saved by Chonburi goalkeeper Chanin Sae-ear.
The Sharks were denied their second by Siwarak when Worachit set up Ciro Alves, and Diogo and Anon Amornlertsak were foiled by Chanin at the other end of the field in the ensuing moments.
The Thunder Castle finally succeeded in claiming three points when Yoo drove a short cross from Diogo, but it was deflected back to him by a Chonburi defender and the South Korean happily planted the ball into the net during the injury time.
Meanwhile at Thupatemiya Stadium, hosts Air Force could not pick up a point after losing 3-1 to Prachuap.
Jitpanya Tisud put Prachuap in lead in the 16th minute before Renan Marques equalised for the Air Force in the 79th minute.
However, Prachuap netted goals during the last five minutes of the match.
Lonsana Doumbouya made it 2-1 in the 88th minute before Yai Nilwong widened the margin during the four-minute injury time.
