Around 1,000 fans turned out at Surakul Stadium to watch the game, and the new-look outfit didn’t disappoint as the Andaman Dragon romped to a 5-0 win and put on a performance which many will hope is the shape of things to come for the coming season.
The starting 11 for the Andaman Dragon was much the same as for previous pre-season friendlies already played this year, but saw the addition of Sukree Etae who recently rejoined the club following his departure from Chonburi FC, and who was the scorer of two of Phuket’s five goals.
Sukree was on a season-long loan to Phuket from Chonburi back in 2013.
It was an impressive first 45 minutes for the hosts who had much of the possession throughout the half, and the two goals from Sakree, along with the opener by South Korean forward Park Goen Yong, saw the team go in at 3-0 up at half-time.
One of Phuket’s stand-out players of the first half, despite not scoring, was Dosso Mamoudou of the Ivory Coast, who in his attacking midfield position, showed that he is desperate to score his first goal for the side, and, if his performance on Friday is anything to go by, once he does score it could well be the first of many to look forward to from him throughout the season.
However, it was Phang Nga came out from the break the fresher of the two teams, and much of the play in the early stages of the second 45 was in Phuket’s half. The visitors created plenty of chances but were unable to find the final touches to get the ball in the net.
In the latter stages of the game, Phuket made some changes on the field, including the introduction of Saroje Jitsanor, who, although only coming on with only around 15 minutes left to play, managed to score a brace, the second from the penalty spot in the dying minutes of the game, and brought the final score to 5-0.
Despite the victory and impressive performance, Phuket FC coach Pittaya “Odd” Phimarnman told The Phuket News after the game that there are still areas where the team need to improve and that two more signings were being sought before season kick-off, a central defender and another striker. “We hope to make two more signings for these positions before the season starts,” Coach Odd said.
Meanwhile, in a statement released on the club’s Facebook page on Saturday morning (Mar 5), Phuket FC President MaAnn Samran said: “Thank you to the fans, sponsors, friends, players and coaching staff who are standing with us and giving us support. You are giving us the energy to go on this path in the name of Phuket FC.
“Yesterday we made both positive and negative decisions with regards to the team selection, but the final scoreline was a miracle and left us all with a smile. This result gives us the energy to go on to fight in the coming season,” the statement read.
It continued: “We want to keep a good profile and improve on the qualities we lack, we must solve every issue that hinders our success whether its in the game its self or in the management team.
“I invite all to help us solve any internal problems we have by giving us advice and ideas because Phuket FC is all of everyone’s team. Thank you.”
It is hoped that Phuket can get two or three additional friendlies arranged before season start, however, no dates or teams have yet to be confirmed.
The Phuket News is prould media sponsor of Phuket FC.