FC Phuket recorded an historic first ever win at the Surakul Stadium on Sunday. The team, who failed to win a single home game last year, defeated Nakhon Si Tammarat 3-1 with two dramatic late goals.
The first home match, against Pattalung, was a disappointing scoreless draw. The second game of the season, away to newly formed Phang Nga, also ended in a draw, and Nakhon Si Tammarat would have fancied their chances of repeating last year’s success when they won 4-3 in Phuket.
However FC Phuket, reinforced by the return from injury of Ivory Coast midfielder Ali Diarra and the arrival of Thailand under 19 international Adisak, are an entirely different proposition this term. The Mighty Sea Kirin, as they now wish to be known, dominated the match from start to finish with some slick passing and movement which was hindered more by the sub standard Surakul surface than the Nakhon Si Tammarat defence.
Ali Diarra provided some much needed steel in the middle of the park and his inclusion meant that playmaker Japan, absent due to sickness, was hardly missed. Diarra was continually able to find time and space and provided the impetus for a commanding first half performance. Adisak’s inclusion at the expense of Anurak, who has long been regarded as the best footballer in Phuket but has seldom impressed in FC Phuket colours, demonstrated that new coach Arjhan Songgamsub is more interested in ability than reputation,
The teenager, who has arrived on loan from Muang Thong Utd, justified his managers faith in him when he twisted acrobatically to head in a cross from an improbable angle in the 30th minute. It was no more than FC Phuket deserved with the passing and movement which they work on continuously in training continually bemusing a statuesque Nakhon Si Tammarat side.
When the fourth official held up his board to indicate there would be one minute of added time in the first half FC Phuket appeared destined to head into the interval with a one goal lead but the referee stunned the home supporters by awarding as penalty to Nakhon Si Tammarat. It was given for an ill advised yet innocuous challenge in the FC Phuket penalty area and the visitors seized the opportunity to grab an unlikely equalizer.
As the second half started it was clear that the surrendering of the lead was not going to deter a raucous home support who were well equipped with flags drums and loudspeakers. FC Phuket were still the far stronger team, as their opponents struggled to keep possession, but were unable to regain any of their first half fluidity and failed to convert their superior possession into clear cut chances.
Another disappointing day at the Surakul Stadium appeared on the cards when an 85th minute cross was flicked on and fell at the feet of Adisak who made no mistake, calmly sidestepping the ball beyond the Nakhon Si Tammarat keeper. With minutes remaining Nakhon Si Tammarat responded by throwing men forward in search of an equalizer but FC Phuket were able to capitalize with a quick fire counter attack which culminated with substitute Nitirol applying the simplest of finishes.
Arjhan Songgamsub was delighted with the performance and in particular by the impact of the new signing, ‘Adisak did very well and I was pleased with him scoring two goals on his debut. Nakhon Si Tammarat beat Chumpon last week but we were much better than them today and I am happy that we were able to win a game in Phuket at last,’ he said.
FC Phuket are away to Chumpon next weekend with the next home fixture, against league leaders Satun Utd, on March 13th.
