Islanders draw with Songkhla
Playing under their new coach for the first time, The Islanders could only manage a 0-0 draw against Songkhla FC in their latest Yamaha League 1 match.
Kazira Hans
Wednesday 25 July 2012, 10:10AM
Last Saturday (July 22),ex-Phuket coach Sompong Wattana returned in charge of Songkhla FC, determined to win against his former employers.
Songkhla FC also had Phuket’s former goalie Jonathan Matijas between the sticks, who had performed impeccably last season at Surakul stadium.
Adding to the rivalry, Phuket FC’s new coach Narong Ajarayutr and Songkhla coach Sompong both used to play in the same Thai national side.
To local fans’ surprise, Phuket didn’t have Suphat Ontthong in the side – this was due to be the captain’s last game before he joined up with Ratchaburi.
The home side were the first to attack. With fan favourite Kittithach Kraitong on corner kick duties, the ball was whipped in towards goal from the left corner.
The ball bounced of a Songkhla defender into Phuket’s Poramut, who fired a scorching 25-yard shot that scraped the goal post and went agonisingly wide.
Phuket’s next golden opportunity arrived close to halftime when Phuket FC’s new captain, Watcharapong Jan-gnam put Thawin Butrasombat through on goal. Left in a one-on-one situation with former teammate Matijas, Thawin disappointingly ended up shooting tamely into Jonathan’s gloves.
Phuket’s continued to attack the Songkhla goal, with Kornprom Charoonpong’s 30-yard shot the best of their chances before the ref blew for halftime.
After the break, it was Songkhla who came out attacking. The visitors almost took the lead from a header, but Phuket goalie Alonso tipped the effort over the bar.
Phuket then almost took all three points when Thawin’s 30-yard free kick went inches wide. Then, just before the final whistle, Nene Bi had a golden opportunity to win it when the Songkhla defense left him unmarked, but he hit his header just over the crossbar.
Final score 0-0
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