New head coach Scott Cooper has seen the side go from strength to strength since his arrival in May, and Carmelo Gonzalez continues to play a big part in that after netting his 16th goal in 17 games.
The 30-year-old midfielder has been prolific since joining from Sporting Gijon and had support from Adisak Kraisorn against Chiangrai with the 22-year-old netting with seven minutes to go.
Pattaya, who currently languish in the relegation spots, produced a strong performance but could not add to Obinna Ajoku’s 81st-minute goal to earn a share the points.
Defeat for Pattaya was made easier to stomach after a number of the teams around them also failed to win, including Ratchaburi, who are now just four points off the drop zone having lost two games in a row.
Ratchaburi had a difficult time at Bangkok United on Saturday, and despite scoring first through Panupong Aramviroj, their fortunes quickly changed with the game ending 4-2.
While Chonburi rendered Prakit Deeprom’s 42nd-minute goal a consolation strike after an impressive brace from Leandro Assuncao, Police United kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.
Striker Cleiton Silva was the difference with two goals in 24 minutes as BEC Tero Sasana edged a 3-2 victory.
Sunday’s fixtures also saw an impressive 1-0 win for Army United, who are now unbeaten in their last five games after a goal from Bjorn Lindemann sunk Suphanburi.
