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FC Phuket 2-1 Nakhon Ratchasima

FC Phuket comfortably saw of the challenge of Nakhon Ratchasima to progress to the next round of the Thai FA Cup. The Division Two (Northern Section) side made the long journey down from Korat to face Arjhan Songgamsub's team at what is fast becoming referred to as 'Fortress Surakul'.

Any aspirations that the visitors had of progressing to the next round of the competition at FC Phuket's expense were swiftly dispelled as prolific teenage striker Adisak burst through a statuesque defence to give the Sea Kirin a first minute lead.

Songgamsub has been shrewd in his selection of the three permitted foreign players and Ali Diarra and Camara in midfield and Nene Bi at the heart of the defence give FC Phuket a solid spine. The three men from the Ivory Coast were all instrumental in ensuring Nakhon Ratchasima enjoyed minimal first half posession as FC Phuket passed the ball around on an improved Surakul surface with alacrity.

FC Phuket have won every home game this season, the goalless draw on the opening day of the season with Pattalung having been changed to a win due to irregularities in the fielding of foreign players by Pattalung.

This record never appeared in serious threat until FC Phuket keeper Jagked, without having had a serious save to make, found himself picking the ball out of the net. While the goal was entirely against the run of play it was perfectly executed as a looping header from a far post cross eluded everyone before nestling in the back of the net.

FC Phuket has captured the imagination of football fans on the island and the home support was once again fantastic, noisily supporting the team from start to finish. This confidence has clearly infected the FC Phuket players who, undeterred by this setback, continued to dominate posession. Within minutes of the equalizer FC Phuket made the breakthrough with Poramut being scythed down in the penalty area and the referee showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

The outstanding Ali Diarra was given the responsibility and the midfielder calmly sent the keeper the wrong way to give FC Phuket a well deserved half time lead.

The second half was a lacklustre affair as FC Phuket slightly lost their grip on the game. Nakhon Ratchasima lacked the quality to exploit the hosts hesitation though and the best chances of the half still fell to the Sea Kirin with Adisak spurning a glorious opportunity with a harmless cross cum shot from the right hand flank.

Ali Diarra looks an outstanding acquisition and put in a goalscoring man of the match performance for the second consecutive home game. With FC Phuket already looking too good for Division Two an encounter with a Division One side in the next round of the Thai FA Cup is an intriguing possibility.

Yala 0-0 FC Phuket

FC Phuket drew away from home for the third consecutive match. The Southern Sea Kirin have a 100% home record but have drawn all three away games, managing only one goal on their travels.

Yala are currently sitting second in the table behind FC Phuket who will remain in the top spot regardless of the results of today's fixtures.

Division Two (southern section) league table

Here is the league table translated into English, I don't know how I can get it to display any bigger but you can see the original (without the english translation) here: Table

FC Phuket play third place Yala tomorrow and will be looking for their first away win of the season.

FC Phuket 3-0 Pattani

FC Phuket cruised to a 3-0 victory over Pattani to solidify their status as the Division two (southern section) league leaders.

Goals from Diarra, Poramut and Sarach sealed the points with Pattani, who were unfortunate not to be awarded a second half penalty, able to offer little more than token resistance.

With the normal centre half pairing of the outstanding Nene Bi and team captain Sampet unavailable due to suspension and injury respectively FC Phuket were forced to field a makeshift defence. Goalkeeper Jagked, celebrating his 27th birthday, was awarded the captaincy for the day and was able to celebrate with the most comfortable of clean sheets.

Fc Phuket supporters...

Not only do FC Phuket now have the best team in the division, they also have the best looking supporters in the entire league.

Here are a small selection of ladies from the supporters club posing with their favourite players after last Saturday's game.

FC Phuket 2-0 Satun Utd

FC Phuket defeated league leaders Satun Utd 2-0 in a
result which will send shockwaves through the league.

Even more impressive than the result was the performance from FC Phuket, who remain unbeaten after five matches.

They dominated the match from start to finish with Satun Utd never able to enjoy prolonged possession. Diarra Ali grabbed the opener midway through the first half and teenager Adisak secured the points soon after with another well taken finish.

A performance as commanding as this against opposition of the calibre of Satun Utd shows that FC Phuket are a match for any team in this division and must be considered realistic promotion contenders.

FC Phuket vs Satun Utd 13/3/10

Unbeaten FC Phuket are in action at the Surakul Stadium tomorrow (Saturday). The team, who have yet to lose this season, will face a stern test of their promotion credentials at home to unbeaten league leaders Satun Utd.

FC Phuket are currently fourth in Division Two (southern section) of the Thai national league, four points behind Satun Utd. The team has shown signs of improvement under new coach Arjhan Songgamsub and delighted fans with a 3-1 win over Nakhon Si Tammarat in their last home fixture.

The match kicks off at 6pm and tickets are priced at 50 baht each.

FA Cup first round

Phuket v Nakhon Ratchasima. Thai FA Cup first round, Weds 31st March at Surakul Stadium. Info courtesy of: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/koratfc

FC Phuket 1-1 Chumphon

Another away game, another draw.

FC Phuket have now drawn three out of their opening four league games.

On the plus side being unbeaten after four matches shows the side is definitely good enough to compete in this division.

On the negative side FC Phuket urgently need to start turning these wins into draws if they are going to make an impression in the league this year.

The visit of league leaders Satun Utd who have won three out of their opening four fixtures next weekend will provide a stern test of the sides promotion credentials.