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 remaining in the knock out 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
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.
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