Early Roller strike proves enough for War Elephants

Thailand gave caps to two young players but still succeeded in recording a 1-0 away victory over Hong Kong last night.

Thailand's Philip Roller, right, celebrates his goal with Sasalak Haiprakhon. PR

Buriram United players Supachai Chaided and Sasalak Haiprakhon debuted for the War Elephants in the match.

Thailand made the most of the first chance they had in the match when Philip Roller found the net in the second minute.

The Thais then did a great job in holding onto the advantage till the end.

Meanwhile, Suphanburi coach Phairoj Bovornwattanadilok has landed the management of the Thai League 1 side into trouble by saying that he was asked not to field the team's foreign stars in a 2-1 loss to Chainat in the last game of the season.

The outcome helped Chainat escape relegation, but sent top-flight veterans Bangkok United tumbling down to the second tier for the first time in capital side's history.

"We had actually planned to send in Cleiton Silva and Romulo in the second half, but I then received a word not to play them," said Phairoj.

The move raised quite a few eyebrows and left the Suphanburi team fans disappointed.

Phairoj added: "My contract with the team has ended, but I don't think I can work at this club anymore."

Buriram United won the Thai League 1 title this year, while Bangkok Glass, Police Tero, Navy, Ubon UMT United and Air Force Central were relegated to the second division.