Chiangrai United showed grit to claim a 1-1 draw at Sukhothai FC on Friday evening, a result that summed up the tight and tense nature of Thai League 1. The fourth-placed visitors move to eight points from their early fixtures, while Sukhothai sit 13th on five points.

The hosts again struggled to turn chances into wins at Thung Talay Luang Stadium.

Kickoff came at 12:00 UTC in fierce heat, with around 4,200 fans urging Sukhothai toward a first home victory of the season. Somchai Srivichai set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 and asked them to press high.

The plan worked. In the 23rd minute, Brazilian forward Elias Emanuel de Magalhães Souza timed his run to meet a sharp through ball from John Baggio. With the defence flat, Elias slipped the finish past Apirak Woravong and sent the crowd wild. It was his third goal this season and another reminder of his value to an attack that needs end product.

Chiangrai United arrived in good form but laboured through much of the first half. Akira Endo’s 4-3-3 leaned on width through Itsuki Enomoto and striker Carlos Iury. Even so, Sukhothai’s defence, led by Claudio Moretti da Silva and Saringkan Promsupa, stood tall.

sukhothai FC vs chiangrai united 1-1

The visitors managed three efforts on target before the break but lacked precision in the final ball. They held 55 percent of the ball, yet trailed at halftime. It continued a patchy run away from home, with points dropped in three of five road games.

The second half flipped the tone. Chiangrai United came out with purpose and fresh energy from the bench. Endo brought on Settasit Suvannaseat for Sanukran Thinjom in the 55th minute, then introduced Atikhun Meethoum for Gabriel Henrique soon after.

The changes added pace and ideas in midfield. On 68 minutes, Enomoto bent in a teasing cross from the right and found Iury free at the far post. The tall forward climbed well and buried his header for his fourth of the campaign. The equalizer quietened the home end and rewarded Chiangrai’s improved tempo.

The closing stages became tight and tense. Half chances came and went at both ends. Romeu Felipe da Silva rattled the bar from distance in the 82nd minute. In stoppage time, Kittipun Saensuk tipped away a goal-bound strike from P. Phanichakul with a superb fingertip save.

Referee Narit Ekkapong showed four yellow cards, two for each side. Thiti Thumporn was booked for a late tackle, while Victor Cardozo saw yellow for dissent, and the contest finished on a spiky note.

sukhothai FC vs chiangrai united 1-1

The draw extends Chiangrai United’s unbeaten streak to four matches, a handy base for their title push. Endo said his side showed character, but he wants them sharper from the first whistle. For Sukhothai, the point brings little comfort as their winless run hits six. Captain Tassanapong Muaddarak felt they deserved more, adding that they would regroup and push harder.

Recent meetings tell a similar story. Three of the last five clashes between these clubs have finished all square, including a 3-3 classic in April. Across 16 head-to-head games, Chiangrai United have six wins to Sukhothai’s four, but neutral fans rarely leave bored.

Attention now turns to next week. Sukhothai host bottom club Lamphun Warriors, a key chance to halt their slide. Chiangrai travel to face a resurgent Buriram United. With the season tightening up, this draw served as a reminder that no fixture is a given.