Going into the match, 4th place Phuket had 27 points, while Nonthaburi were in 12th place with 10 points.
The match, both sides 15th of the 26-fixture FTPL 2015 season, was played to the delight of a crowd of 520 spectators at the Turakij Bundit University’s Sutthaket arena, north of the capital.
Earlier in June, Phuket triumphed over Nonthaburi in Phuket, but not without exposing some defensive vulnerabilities. (Story here)
The ice was shattered in only the second minute of play when Edson Gugu (#4) stole the ball in enemy territory, luring his marker to the left flank, assisting comrade Jackson Santos (5) who had infiltrated Nonthaburi’s area, to drive the ball home in a single touch.
Gugu doubled Phuket’s lead in the 9th minute, scoring from the right touchline on a brilliant volley off a high cross by Captain Kitipong Sonsuwan from the opposite touch line.
Only two minutes later Phuket went up 3-0 when Thanakorn Penpakul (9) drove home a long-range missile from mid-pitch.
The home team’s fighting spirit was revived a minute later when Wiwat Sriyanong (99) was quick to capitalize on a Phuket loose ball, and two minutes after that when Thanapon Maneephet (28) brought his side into contention off of a fast break down the left touchline that drew Phuket’s keeper out for a failed challenge.
Jackson Santos evaded his marker for the second time in the 16th minute, cashing in on an assist from Kittipong to put Phuket up 4-2. Just before the half time whistle, Phuket was awarded a spot kick, and Jackson did not fail to secure his hat trick, and the 5-2 lead
In the 2nd minute of the second half Nonthaburi’s Wiwat scored on the second ball when a teammate’s shot deflected off the cross bar into his path to goal.
Two minutes after that, an own goal by Gugu saw the score closing in at 4-5 But moments later Phuket made up for it, when Thanakorn scored his second of the match off the second ball.
Back and forth play ensued, and it was Nonthaburi to narrow the deficit with brilliant 1-2 passing, climaxing with a near-post goal by Chanyut Mueangjun (31).
And from the same exact post position in the final minute of regulation, Nonthaburi scored the equalizer through Thanathip Saengsung, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
At the end of match 15/34, both teams' standings in the FTPL table remain as before.
Phuket United now return home for a mid-week match up on Wednesday, July 1, against 7th place Si Pathum Si Saket. Then, they have a tall order of taking on 3rd placed Bangkok in Bangkok on Sunday (July 5). Phuket triumphed over both clubs in the first half of league play.
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