“The Andaman Eagles”, who went into the game in 13th place in the Yamaha League One table, were without four of their first team players due to injuries, while Phuket, who sat at 18th in the table, had a full squad.
The Ronins started strongly and in the early stages of the first-half debutante Chatdanai Joompha saw a fine shot on target saved by Krabi’s keeper Anusorn Jansod. However, unable to keep hold of the ball, the ball rebounded back to Chatdanai and his second attempt was well blocked by a defender.
The hosts responded quickly and their Namibian striker, Willy Pattric, who only just passed the pre-match fitness test, received the ball from Anuwat Promsakul but his he sent his shot flying over the bar.
Just moments later, Eagle’s striker, Tangini Sipao, had a one-on-one opportunity against Ronin’s keeper Piyawat Inthaparim but his shot went straight to the keeper.
Krabi again came close again midway through the first half when Sipao had a shot from the right of the penalty box, but although beating Piyawat the ball hit the post and Phuket managed to clear the ball away.
Despite Krabi having more possession and chances at goal, it was Phuket who took the lead on 34 minutes when a cross from Chatdanai was misjudged by Krabi defender Meedech Sarayuthpisai who sent the ball flying into the back of his own net.
Phuket FC went in at the half-time whistle one nil up.
The hosts started the second half in much the same fashion as the first-half, and only 10 minutes in their hard work paid off when Ronins defender Sattawat Incharoen unintentionally handled the ball in the box giving Krabi a penalty.
Anuwat Promsakul stepped up to take the strike and made no mistake in bringing the game level.
Five minutes later Anuwat threw away a chance give the hosts the lead. A superb cross from Meedech found an unmarked Anuwat at the far corner but his shot was superbly blocked by a Ronin’s defender.
In the final stages of the game, Ronin’s substitute striker Pipat Tonkanya almost made history by winning the game for the visitors. Patiphat Armatantree received the ball at the halfway-line and sped along the left before making a cross into the box.
His cross found Pipat who made no mistake in putting the ball in the net. However, much to the disappointment of the team and visiting fans, the ref judged Pipat offside.
At the final whistle the score stood at 1-1 meaning that the Ronins will have to wait for another chance to grab their first away win in the Andaman derby.
Speaking after the game, Phuket FC’s Coach Dang said, “Our players performed their duties very well. They all played according to our game plan, but we missed that winning chance. There’s no way the goal by Pipat should have been judged offside.”
The result meant that both teams held their positions in the league table and Phuket now face an even harder, and shorter challenge of getting themselves out of the dreaded relegation zone.
Phuket FC make a much awaited return home to Surakul Stadium on Saturday (Oct 24) when they take on 6th placed Bangkok FC with kick-off set for 7pm.
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